One-Fifth for the Public.
James J. Storrow, one of Boston's leading citizens, a man of wealth, of fine character, and of distinguished ability, accepted election to the Boston City Council. In accepting he said that he felt that he could not shirk a public duty, and that he always believed that a man ought to give at least twenty per cent of his time to public duties.
Mr. Storrow meant, presumably, men of his own position in life, men whose time is at their own disposal very largely; he did not mean professional men or men on salaries, for whom so liberal a gift of time to the public would be quite out of the question.
For them, however, as well as for the Storrows of a community, the principle holds good that some definite portion of time should be set aside for public interests, and as large a portion of time as can properly be taken from the interests of home and church. When politics fall into a deplorable condition it is because the best men think they are too busy to attend to such matters, and allow them to be managed by the worst men or the second-rate men.
We need, everywhere and always, a revival of religion; and it may well include, everywhere and always, a revival of the sense of civic responsibility.
Thoughtfulness for the Many.
An art dealer in New York City had for sale an important portrait by Gilbert Stuart which was not to be sold except to someone who would agree to give it to a public art gallery. The owner could not afford to make this gift himself, but he would not part with the picture except to the public.
Many possessions capable of wide usefulness, such as pictures, statues, libraries, historical relics, and grounds suitable for parks, could by a little thoughtful planning come into the hands of the people rather than be retained for private enjoyment. More and more every year the favored few are growing regardful of the less fortunate many. This is one of the happiest signs of the times; for, while we are waiting for absolute social justice, we must not forget to cultivate individual generosity.
Modern Vigilantes.
Dedham is an ancient town near Boston. Within its borders still linger many traces of older days, and among them none is more curious than the "Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves."
This society was established in 1810, nearly a century ago. In those days it was a needed and mighty institution, and many a wrongdoer felt the force of its allied strength and watchfulness. It was the duty of its "riders," as soon as a horse was stolen from one of its members and the loss proclaimed, at once to set out in pursuit of the criminal.
That requirement is still in force, and, a few years ago, for the first time in many years, a horse was stolen from a member of the society, the notice was duly posted, and, in accordance with the ancient rule,. the society's riders set forth to hunt down the thief. The society had become a social and charitable organization, but, when the need arose, its provisions remained.
Would we had more of such societies! Not against horse-thieves only, but against all the foes of the community and the state!
"There are salaried officers who are paid to apprehend horse-thieves,” yawns the average citizen. "My taxes support policemen, constables, sheriffs, and courts. Why need I trouble myself with the matter? The officers will do their duty."
Perhaps they will, and perhaps they won't. Probably they won't unless you do a little of yours.
For it is the duty of every citizen to see that the men he elects to care for the community do care for it. There is no other guarantee of public health than that. Not that we are to run after horse-thieves, as the ancient Dedham society does, but we are to run after the officers whose duty it is to run after horse-thieves, and keep after them till they do their duty, or give place to more faithful men.
And so with every other iniquity.
For it is the part of a man to care for the community, and no ballot, though it be an Australian ballot a yard square, can absolve you from this duty of manhood.