Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/775

 A NEGLECTED PRINCIPLE IN CIVIC REFORM 759

upon similar contributions out of the funds of the city, would probably be the most hopeful beginning.

An example of this sort on a magnificent scale in one of the larger cities, say the organization of the greater New York, would have been a happy beginning, as setting a pattern of excellence for the smaller towns. The birth of the greater city would have been most propitious had it been accompanied by two splendid structures — one devoted to the opera and one to the drama. Such an object-lesson should first of all impart an idea of a proper setting for art. They should be centrally located, but at any cost not jammed in with other buildings. They should stand out in clear relief. The buildings should be marvels of architecture, and their beauty should by no means be obscured by the wings of a sky-scraper. Each should be deemed worthy of an entire square for a setting. It would seem that such a consummation might have been within reach. There is a sufficient stock of private philanthropy, if it were properly organized and instructed. The cooperation of the city might also have been attainable at that time. The people were more plastic in their thought, and more ambitious for great things, as they were conscious of emerging into a larger municipal form.

Whatever the immediate difficulties, the final achievements of such institutions for our municipalities ought not to seem an impossible task. The hope of having them depends upon the unselfishness of men ; but men are not so sordid in the depths of their natures as our reformers think. Our people are safely conservative, but it is a mistake to suppose that they are only open to selfish appeals. The most acquisitive members of soci- ety are moved every year to give many millions to philanthropic uses. Labor organizations are far more solicitous for larger social opportunities than they are for a higher wage scale. Appeals to the generous and unselfish natures of men are seldom made in vain. There is a delight in contributing to the larger life of others, which few men are entirely strangers to.

When practical reformers understand the true nature of the municipality they will modify their programs, they will