Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-06-04
A REAL STEP AT LAST
TOWARD 1926 WORLDS FAIR
Adoption Of Charter and Bylaws for ses-
qul.centennlaI Celebration Brings a
Great Opportunity and Be.
qins a Great Task

DHILADELPHIA took step yesterday
L which will carry it further along the
road of progress than anything done in
forty five years
This step was the adoption of a charter
and bylaws by the Sesqui- centennial Citi
zens' Committee of One Hundred.
Without stopping for n few moments to
contemplate the possibilities involved, it is
difficult to realize the full force and effect
of this action.
by putting plans for the celebration upon
permanent footing it commits the people
of the city TO the project irrevocably-a
project which ought to have tremendously
vitalizing, galvanizing, energizing reaction
upon the old town If the citizens are made
of the kind of stuff that enabled their fore
bears back in the early seventies to show
the world for the first time what might be
accomplished IN the way Of an interna-
tional fair.
And this step IL taken not a day too soon
The opening Of the greatest exposition Of
the arts Of peace the planet has ever seen
IS tentatively set four years and eleven
months from now; none too long a time in
which to accomplish the herculcan labors
required to bring the show to fruition and
success.
After months Of casual discussion, the
plan for fittingly celebrating the hundred
and iftieth anniversary Of the signing of the
document which has done more to make the
world safe for democracy than any other
single act or series of acts in history now
assumes definite form on firm foundation.
The corporation created under patent of
the State of Pennsylvania with the indorse-
ment of the Committee of One Hundred
places the question of conducting the expo
sitiOn solely in the hands of n responsible
i =.
the aid, financial and otherwise of every
Government, national. State and municipal
which can be inspired with the desire to
participate in this great universal convoca-
tion of peace, good will and brotherhood
The description Is not overstraned at ALL
for that is what the fair can be and should
be made.
Now comes the real task-the arousing Of
the public to n point of hearty interest and
CO operation. BY the public we mean not
only the citizens of Philadelphia and vicinity,
but throughout the United States and every
where in the civilized world. The event is
worthy of such recognition, but it will not
come without conscious constructive effort
to enlist it. All the devices Of promotion
and publicity, through statesmen, lcgisla-
tors. diplomats and governmental agencies,
must be employed. Then will come the
schemes for financing, followed by the con-
ception and execution Of structural details,
and at the end actual supervision and man
agcment.
In the elaboration Of the complex and
manifold efforts necessary to overcome the
obstacles which are sure to arise there will
be work enough and glory enough for all
who help. The work will be too vast to
permit af its running by close corporation
or by sclfcentcred cliques, yet there must
be individuali2ing Of the labors and deini-
tion of duties, else nothing but confusion
will result.
Already the Citizens Committee Of One
Hundred. under the craftsmanship Of Mayor
Moore, has made notable progress. The
charter and bylaws adopted show careful
deliberation and study of other similar af-
fairs, and while susceptible of amplifcation
and amendment, they outline skeleton
organization on a wholly sound and work
able basis with scope and breadth com
mensuratc with the dignity and Importance
of the occasion.
SO It may be said without undue boosting
that the committee has done well. II re.
mains for the people of the city, of the State
and of the Nation to see that the leaders Of
public opinion in each community do like
wise. They must get squarely behind the
project. which will Shed new lustcr not only
upon Philadelphia in paroChial sense, but
upon the whole Of America.