New Britain herald., 1919-07-12

Of those behind the New FIaVen TUau in the newspaper capacity of the public watch dog.
 As to opportunities for public good, not a day passes without some meas ure offering itself. Numerous OK amples could be found of such effort open to the public eye. But there are other influences eXerted of which the public is never aware. Many is the great man, basking in the sun light of public approval for scrv- ice well rendered. who obtailfed tho idea from some of those "repOrtcr
 fellows, as one statesman char acterized them when he tried to put something over" which would not bear the light.
 It might well he said of many a
 journalist, especially those who go to the seats of the mighty. that he is
 the power behind the throne"-the
 throne of that thought which plans for public welfare, not for personal ggrandizement, but solely as a citi- zen desiring general good.
 That Mr. Mellen, after many years
 in that legislative atmosphere so long
 associated with railroad effort. can
 pay this tribute to the fourth estate,
 is significant of itself.
 Mr. Mellen has some other con-
 clusions worthy of consideration. If YOU want wealth be a banker he
 says. The business is sure and safe.
 No doubt about it Mir. Mellen thinks the time is coming when the govern
 ment will take it over. Did his Da-
 kota experience lead to this conciu-
 sion? Most of us would say :'An-
 gels and ministers of grace defend us
 from all such possibilities.
 But if you want real contentment.
 which, as we know, from the most
 eminent authority, is great gain, then
 by all means become a farmer, says Mir. Mellen.
 Mr. Mellen adopts inc belief of philosopher who concluded that 10 make two blades of grass grow where one grew before was greater ac- mplshment for one man than the doings of the whole race of politicians com bined He adds that to make those two blades grow may not ap- peal to many. but in the end 1t will bring the true measure of content ment.
 And after all, most of us with war garden experience can testify 10 the l delight which came as those green leaves pushed their tips above the i brown earth. and how tenderly one would watch the ripening, of one to- 1 mato. or a single head of lettuce. all 1 because our own hands fashioned the | planting and attended to the water l ing and cultivating.
 In conclusion MT. Mellen says ot l farming: Tt does not offer the great est returns. but it does offer content | ment. happiness and knowledge Of
 duty well done and deserving the l good will of all"
 A philosophical conclusion from the mind of one of Americas once mighty l men of business. MT. Mellen led l full life before his retirement. Few l men excelled him. Finance. rall- 1 roads and politics held his attention 1 for years One could not possibly recognize in that part of his career 1 everything to approve. But one can 1 say that he lived largely in the bus- l mess creed of his times and his fall l ure was due to the growing con- l sciousness of his COuntrymen that 1 such I policy continued much longer
 would lead only to destruction. We fancy this would be MT. Mel 1 lens own conclusion. Now he places all that behind him. Ambition wrecked him, and in the sunset of ! life he calmly reflects amid the oeau- 1 tiful Berkshire Hills, a philosophy
 which is companion to the cry of l Wolsev. for just a little earth upon | which to find rest