The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-06-03


tons only a couple of years ago. The
Cincinnati convention entertainment
committee has arranged to entertain
seven thousand people at the 1916
convention, and as this number is
more than three times as great as the
attendance last year. there must be
reason. Cincinnah's central location
Will have much to do with the increase
in attendance, but there is an inner
meaning, which has been obtained by
R. E Logsdon, special correspondent
of the State Journal, in an interview
with Ralph A. Tngie, president of the
Cincinnati Rotary club.
Influence for Good.
Rotary" says Mr.. Tingle, is an
overwhelming circle of influence for
good. AS a stone dropped into placid
pool causes the waves to ripple over
its surface, so Rotary, launched some
ten years ago into the great sea of
humanity, has created great waves of
fellowship, which have rolled on and
on, carrying thousands of men to
achievement and success. The Rotary
code of ethics says: Ny business
standards shall have in them a note of
sympathy for our common humanity.
My business dealings ambitions and
relations shall always cause me to
take into consideration my highest
duty as a member of society. In every
position in business life, in every re-
sponsibility that comes before me. my
chief thought shall be to fill that re-
sponsibility and discharge that duty.
so when 1 have ended each of them
I shall have lifted the level of hui
man ideals and achievements a little
higher than 1 found them"
Betterment of Fellow Men
Rotarians the world over are proud
to subscribe to such sentiments as
these and are proud to let the world
know that they are lending their time
and efforts toward the betterment of
their fellows-not their Rotarian fell
lows alone, but their feIlow-men, who
ever and whatever they may be- A
Rotarian believes himself 70 be not
more obligated TO a brother Rotarian
than he is to every other man in hui
man society, because the genius of Ro-
tary lies not IN its competition, but
in its cooperation, and Rotarians as
sert that human rights are not con-
fined to Rotary clubs, but are as deep
and broad as the race itself.
No Secrets of Rotary.
There are no secrets in Rotary, no
obligations other than to attend meet
ings with certain degree of regular
ity- for 1t is through this get to-
gether' spirit that Rotary hopes to
give man a better understanding of
each other.
Some have the idea that Rotary is
organized for the purpose of promot-
ing the business interests of its mem
bers through trade. This is incorrect
except insofar as the acquaintance
acquired and friendships made
through frequent meetings of the
same group of men may result in
business relations between them.
Only One Firm.
Rotary is unique in its organization
in that only one firm in a given list
may be represented in local club. and
not to exceed two members from the
same firm. This plan is followed, not
for selfish reasons. but rather because
it has been thought that the men thus
brought together under the banner of
service can, because of the compact
ness of the organization. the oneness
of purpose, better present the ideals
and work out the ideas for which Ro-
tary stands.
The Rotary idea of fellowship and
helpfulneSS is spreading-men are
coming to see and understand that the
success they attain the happiness they
enjoy. are largely dependent upon the
friendships they make along life's
way, and Rotary has done and is do
ing its part in building up the brother
hood of man through service.
For, after all, the big idea of Ro-
tary Is Service. 1t is helping men to
serve themselves. to serve their fell
lows, to serve the communities in
which they live, to serve Him who
taught that real service comes through
love
Finally, Rotary teaches that service
which gives rather than seeks to re-
ceive; that service which bids you:
Give to the world. the best you have
And the best viii come back to YOU"