Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 9.djvu/693

 A MODEL MUNICIPAL DEPARTMENT 669

has come into personal contact with Dr. Lederle, and who has seen his tact and courtesy, his honesty and eagerness unselfishly to serve his city, will see why it is that many of these same qualities have been unconsciously imitated by his assistants, and indeed by the rank and file in the whole department. He will then understand, too, what is meant by the contagion of heroism, the inspiration of leadership, which has enabled Dr. Woodbury as the commissioner of street cleaning, and Mr. Folks as the head of the Department of Public Charities, and General Greene as the commissioner of police, to do some really splendid work with practically the same men who two years ago were debauched with Tammany corruption. For the average man, after all, likes to see honesty and courage and unselfishness, and will gladly respond to their inspiration when he knows that there is no favoritism, and that each one will receive his proper reward.

These, then, are the chief reasons for Dr. Lederle's success his training and education, and his inspiring example as a leader. And this, too, is the chief lesson to be learned from his administration, that, in the end, intellectual ability, when com- bined with honesty and courage and an unselfish love of service, is bound to triumph over weakness, dishonesty, and greed. A very simple lesson, to be sure, but one which cannot be over- emphasized ; for when properly appreciated it should bring fresh courage to every sane municipal reformer, and to all who believe in the ultimate triumph of right over wrong.

But, after all, do the masses of New York's citizens really understand what has been done for them, and do they appreciate good sanitary administration when they see it ? In answer, it must be said again that of course we must not expect steady progress or sudden and complete reform. The end desired can be brought about only very gradually, by a long process of popular education, and by ceaseless agitation. Yet there can be little doubt that, even if Tammany and Tammany methods come back to power again next November, there will have been a marked progress all along the line, and that conditions will never become as bad as they were before.

The outlook is especially hopeful so far as sanitary reform is