The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-02-17

Some folks say there isn't anything in
Memphis that's not political and that
II you want to do something real you've
first got to get yourself elected city Of
ficial. That's an 'Open Sesame to any
old thing TO hear them tell it, but don't
let EN- kid you, 1t isn't. Take the
city club, for instance. If you want to
dodge the payment Of your membership
dues for the next few years just get
yourself elected mayor, policeman or
something. That let's you out pain
lessly and positively. For according to
CT G. Hanson, president, the club may
deal with political things bur it isn't
of them.
about two years ago Harry Litty
was a member of our organization,
Mr.. Hanso said yesterday, but he got
elected mayor and we a to a lin.
We require all of our members to steer
clear OF personal relationship to politics
or to sever connection with us. All
that a man has to do to get a black eye
In our bunch Is to have it whispered
around that he's thinking of running
for something or other.
1.-THE club was organized in 1907 by
the late DIR. r. B. Maury for the pur-
pose of beating dirty politics." Mr.. Han
son continued, and also for the assist
ing Of all upright movements in the
city which the club felt was for the
good of the public and the good Of the
Individual. To do this, we absolutely
had to keep ourselves clear of political
meshes. Few men can be unbiased In
opinion when they themselves have a
personal interest in the matter under
discussion. ~.
~'It was through the untirlng efforts
OF the City club that Memphis secured
tho present commission form of gov
eminent. The club was also instru-
mental IN bringing about the plan Of tho
front foot assessment for paving streets.
1t organized the bureau Of municipal
research and took a leading part In the
establishment Of Boys Corn clubs, the
proper cleaning of streets and alleys,
street railway franchises, the location of
the West Tennessee Normal school, the
correction of erroraasin public inscrip-
lions, the collection of poll taxes, a cor
rect standard of weights n measures,
q public service commission, the pur-
chase by the city of the Tri-State Fair
grounds, fight on tuberculosis, abate-
lnent Of the smoke nuisance, house
screening and the prevention of ma
laria, n safe and sane" Christmas, bet
ter law enforcement, a new auditorium,
q new bridge across the Mississippi
river, a new postoffice with increased
postal facilities, turnpike funds which
resulted in the establishment of the
board Of county commissioners, reduc-
ton of jury expenses, the back tax evil
and the fee system, adequate river and
rail terminal facilities. Not that we've
gotten quite all Of this by" Mr.. Han
son paused long enough to breathe,
but we've submitted recommendations
on them all and put most of them over.
I'm addition to everything else the
club is now interested In the project of
doing something for itself. We are
thinking of erecting a club home and
athletic association somewhere in the
downtown district. l.. s. Akers, our
secretary is even now busy with archi-
teets who are preparing plans. The
building will be erected some time in
The future at the expense of over a mill
Ion dollars. 1t is planned to have other
clubs in the city join US with the carry
Ing out Of the idea. All club luncheons
will then be held in the building in
stead Of at the various hotels.
1.-THE City club now has 500 members.
A weekly luncheon is held every Sat-
urday at 1890 o'clock at the Chamber
Of Commerce, We are nonpartisan and
no~nsectarian."