Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-04-20
TRACKS ARE CLEARED FOR
THE EXPOSITION SPECIAL
with Real. Able Leadership In Sight the
Fair Project 10 Now Out Of
the Doldruma


A sUBCONsCIOUs sense of historical
"A proprieties has thus far constituted the
chief force behind the Sesqui Centennial en-.
terprise. The intensity of this feeling has
survived skepticism, inertia and outward
indifference.
The season Of foundering and fabbiness.
which ends with the first practical moves of
reorganization, unquestionably produced dis
couragement. But the idea dominating the
project--commemoratio Of the one hundred
and fftieth anniversary Of the birth Of the
Republicans inextinguishable.
The most inspiring cause, however, lacks
luster without inspiring spokesmen. The
Sesqui- Centennial program in Philadelphia
was initiated under favorable subjective
auspices, but 1t languished through lack OF
inspiriting organization, inexcusable delays
in the selection of site and still more
lamentable procrastination in choosing an
authorized leader.
Fortunately there is time to repair the
wastage, to convert experimenting into sub
stantal accomplishment and to capitalize
the event with energy and high purpose.
The Chicago exposition was opened to the
world within three years after the selection
Of its site. Even after year of muddled
purposes there is still opportunity for the
Sesqui- Centennial to be tittingly observed
on time.
The immediate need is a commander Of
the enterprise who shall combine organizing
vision with experience, personal magnetism
and a grasp of the available machinery Of
progress.
This does not mean that vain search for
supermen must be prosecuted. The right
kind Of personal material is procurable and
the character of the new committee IN charge
| of this work is a guarantee that it will be
found. Samuel Rea, Edward Box, Mrs. j.
| Willis Martin. +. A. Van Valkenburg. John
II. Mason and John II. Lewis are repre-
| sentative Philadelphians with the requisite
| grasp of realities. They may be intrusted
| to find a chief commissioner who will be
| worthy of his responsibilities and magnit-
! cent opportunities. The fair has passed out
| of the doldrums.
The new start by a select few, however
| must not be construed as Il substitute for
intensive, generous and unremitting CO.
| operation by the entire community. In the
light of the present advance. picayune
methods by Council would be intolerabe.
fve-million- dollar appropriation is
promised. 1t should be granted at once.
The enormous work of clearing off the
Fairmount- Parkway Schuylkill site should
not be interrupted by fake tears for odorif
erous stockyards, health -menacing rookeries
| and obtrusive dump areas.
The suspension of taxpayers suits. and the
limitation Of wrangling over property con-
formations are imperatively in order.
Authentic progress in Philadelphia and
by Philadelphians will invest the enterprise
with precisely the sort of impetus necessary
to drive home its appeal to the Legislature
of the State and the Congress of the Nation.
Congressional assistance commensurate
with the whole splendid design is In the
line Of legitimate duty. The exposition is
not parochial undertaking. 1t is Of Vita
consequence to the dignity and self-respec,
Of the Nation.
The irreducible minimum for success Is
of course, enthusiastic, practical co opera
ton in Philadelphia itself. The full -speet
semaphores have been set. They are nc
longer a visionary conception, but are sig
mails for an unceaslng flow of exposition
traffic for these four years, so pregnant will
great possibilities for the city privileged t,
provide the national birthday.