The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1937-10-28

there Is q suspicion In his mind
that promoting any movement for
the good of the community Is first
going to work to the financial gain
Of someone else. And II he refuses
to put his shoulder to the wheel,
nine times out Of ten 1t Is because
he has the idea that someone Is go
ing to profit more from such move
ment than he will.
That sort Of spirit has done
more than any other one thing to
handicap a town in is efforts to
advance. Call 1t pure selfishness, or
envy Of someone else in the COM
munity, or what you will, the fact
remains that one or more citizens
of this type. are to be found in
every town. And we are not positive
that this city Is an exception to the
rule. 1t Is easy to look back and
point out campaigns for improve
ments that were badly needed that
failed because of this type Of citi-
zen.
When a man realizes that any
progressive movement for the good
of the community as whole bene-
fits him also as an individual, then
he is the sort of citizen to have
around. When he valves aside the
fact that maybe such a movement
will bring dollar or two more to
neighbor. but goes right ahead
boosting and cooperating, he
makes himself worth something to
his town and Is eventually reward
ed in return, although that reward
may come to him in an indirect
way. No man ever lost anything
trying to make his home town a
better place to live in, and no man
ever gained anything by refusing
to cooperate in a civic movement
for fear the other fellow would "get
something out of it."-Fergus Falls
Tribune.
Rome Was Not Built In A Day
Whatever may be the reaction to
Governor Landon's call to arms of
those who favor more moderate
and more consistent courses in the
conduct of the federal government,
and less reliance upon one mans
good intentions, there can be no
doubt that the principles he enun-
ciated are shared by many Ameri-
cans who have taken the trouble to
think about the matter.
His closing sentences, cut off
from the radio broadcast because
of the expiration of time, were
these: 1--WE have had New Deal.
Now what we most need in Ameri-
ca Is q new yardstick-a yardstick
to measure the ability and the &C
complishments, as well as the good
intentions of public officials. It Is
time to put a solid foundation of
workable legislation under the air
castles which the President Is for
ever blowing. 1t Is time to realize
that we must apply the resources
of the mind If we are to make the
wishes of the heart come true"
Mr.. Landon gave none too defin-
lite details Of what he would substi-
tute for the New Deal attempts to
make over the country, or that the
J Republican leadership is uninspir-
! ing may be commended without in
validating the criticisms that have
been leyelled at Mr.. Roosevelt's
methods and Mr.. Roosevelt's pro-
gram. It is fundamental principle
of democratic government that the
people have a right to know what
in general may be expected Of their
government. BY contrast, dictator.
ships reserve the right to them
selves, alone, substituting the per-
sonal within of rulers for orderly
processes of democratic govern
ment.
"A solid foundation of workable
legislation" is the only hope for
sound and lasting social progress,
to be sure. Therefore, the threat to
this country's welfare does not lie
in Mr.. Roosevelt's aspirations and
ideals; they may well be beacons
for the future. The real danger is
in the method, in the first place,
and in the inclination on the part
of the great majority to follow
/ blindly without any standard of
measurement or attempt at reason
ed judgment.
There is a moderate, liberal body
of opinion, which, while not quar-
reling with Mr.. Roosevelt's ideals
and holding no partisan brief for
the opposition, feels that the uncer-
tain trend, the experimental mood,
and the grandiose dreams of the
New Deal lack sufficiently sturdy
foundations. Will the structure
stand? A collapse would retard for
generations the accomplishments
Of the very purpose the New Deal
ers seem to have in mind. Hence
the plea for understandable
Mortified News.
Two-Party System Best
Hjalmer Petersen sees no prom
Using future for the Farmer-Labor
party, that Is strong in only one
state. When 1t meets defeat 1t will
be done for, as 1t has no national
organization. The Democrats and
Republicans that win and lose al
ways have the possibility Of coming
back because they have organized
supporters in all states. That being