Henry Baird Favill, AB, MD, LL.D., 1860-1916, a ... - University Library

576 HENRY BAIRD FA V ILL
We are prone to feel that virtue is its own reward and
that a trustworthy officer needs no commendation, encour-
Nothing is further from the truth.
agement, or upholding.
Alderman after alderman has gone through the City Council,
struggled, been honest, done his best, and retired in utter discouragement
at the lack of appreciation shown him by his
constituents.
What this community needs is not destructive criticism,
but constructive cooperation.
A few years ago Howard Crosby said, "To let politics
become a cesspool and then avoid it because it is a cesspool
is a double crime. No man should be a partisan in
the sense of one who votes for his party, right or wrong."
Have you no way to meet this? Are there no means
at your hand to mobilize your integrity, to concentrate
your interest, and to focus your effort?
Ask the man who is responsible for this organization
which calls us together to-night. Reflect upon the lesson
of these years of his activity. Consider the verdict that
history will put upon his activities.
This community needs, needs badly and now, public
sentiment that can be promptly and powerfully arrayed.
Given the best of sentiment, the problem of bringing it
into efficient operation must depend upon discipline. The
way to discipline is through organization. The answer to
the citizen who docs not know how to bring to bear his
powers, and asks his way, is, Enlist.