Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-05-02
ENTERPRISE AND NOT PRlVi-
lEGE WANTED

IAN ounce of enterprise Is worth a
pound Of privilege Is the comment
OF a writer who accompanied his pen
with wisdom. He does not appear to
have made much impression on popu-
lar conception. People go on seeking
special privilege. which is one of the
greatest nuisances II not one of the
greatest inenaces with which So
ciety has to deal. This. though any
sensible observer must conclude that
In the end 1t defeats its own ends,
that the effort required to get the
special privilege II applied to enter
. prise would work wonders.
Those who think about the matter
at all are appalled, by the increase in
the number Of criminals. by the call
lous disregard for law, the disrespect
for officers Of the law. Are they ap-
palled at the number of those who
escape their just deserts. at those
who escape the law or if not who by
some manner of means escape the
penalty? Here is where they should
first be appalled,. 1t Is appalling just
TO consider how many there are who
really think certain individuals can
defy law and get clear, specially
privileged individuals. So thinking
are they in the mood to pay respect
to law? VIII they not conclude the
law Is for the other fellow: that If
they are smart enough they need
have no fear of il?
This does not necessarily mean
that people are not naturally as well
disposed as ever, they were. Neither
does 1t mean that there is as much of
special privilege as Is commonly sup
posed. It does mean that people be-
lieving these things are in a danger
GUS frame OF mind, that desire for
special privilege rots the moral fibre.
A large percentage of any group OF
human beings will recognize a re-
sponsibility in which they see all are
called upon to share: the number OF
the obligation are, we believe, in the
minority. and contemplate specimens
Mt that.
: A governor OF a great state, who
has been dlsregardng various laws
and getting away with 1t finally is
brought into n federal court and Is
convicted. Does anyone suppose that
he would have continued his career
as long as he did had he. not enjoyed
some sort of special privilege, had he
not calculated on special privilege?
The other day the news columns
reported an instance of an influential
man whose license to drive an auto
mobile was taken away on the charge
Of driving while intoxicated Influen-
tial citizens. citizens no doubt among
the number of those appalled, at law
lessness, pleaded with the court to
make an exception in this mans
case. More of special privilege. more
of encouragement OF lawlessness.
How many of us comprehend the
mischief there is In one individual
seeking through some influence TO
secure special privilege from those
who are under obligation to serve all
alike? How many of us perceive
this danger lurking in the granting of
pardons, in the delays OF the courts.
in the political pull and in ways too
numerous to mention? Do any Of us
have the least doubt that IL improper
use OF the highways were promptly
punished without fear or favoritism,
IL privilege to drive were denied to
those unfit to use II properly and
taken away from those not using 1t
properly, conditions would be greatly
Improved; that in no other way can
they be improved?
well. what are we going to do about
it2 Remember: AN ounce of enter
prise is worth a pound of privilege"
vhd vastly better for all concerned
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