Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 58, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 October 1916 — AS THE EDITOR SEES IT [ARTICLE]

AS THE EDITOR SEES IT

It is an old saying that two heads are better than one, and on the same principle two heads together are better than when they are facing in opposite directions. It will pay us to keep our heads together in this city for the good of the city and each individual in the city. When we are facing in opposite directions and pulling apart we get nowhere and accomplish nothing. The result of our labors is a cipher. 'But not so when we get our heads together. Not so when we act as a community and not as individuals. Not so when we all face a definite object and pull until we get there. It is good to keep our heads together. We learn each other’s ideas and ambitions and thoughts, and from this knowledge springs the impetus that brings success to any community. Let’s get our heads together in this city, and keep them there. Some people talk mucji and do little. Others talk little and do much. A few are betwixt and between and never succeed in setting themselves or the world afire. There is, however, a happy medium which will afford us the necessary outlet for our thoughts and yet serve the good of the community at large. Don’t be a clam, and don’t be a big noise. Talk when you feel like it, but talk sense and talk to people who have sense. When we do that we will gradually bring to the surface the good points in each other; we will open up opportunities for the development of the community, and will be able to hit upon the means of pushing our city along. The man who talks little but says much when he does talk is often silent when a little talk from him would accomplish wonders. On the other hand, the big noise is known as a noise and commands about as much attention and remembrance as a passing gust of wind. Talk up, but speak gently and to the point. You will be both heard and heeded.

Every person knows his own j mind, but it is not every one who knows how to apply it. Many have positive convictions on certain subjects, but have not the power of will to assert those convictions in the faee of determined opposition. Every person has a mind of his own, but each mind is susceptible to influence from other minds, both great and small. The babbles of the fool will sink into the brain of the man of intellect, and sooner or later will have its effect in one way or another. The fool listens to the wise mart and immediately imagines that he is himself the fount of wisdom. The man who walks the middle course absorbs both the wisdom and the foolishness of the others. The fellow who goes through life kicking at other people usually is propelled into eternity by a kick from the devil. Kicking don’t pay either the kicker or the fellow who is kicked. The injustice of an unjust kick leaves many a heartache behind which rankles and grows into bitterness which lasts for months and years. At times it ceases only with the death of the victim. But the victim of the kick is not the only one who loses in ! the game. The kicker makes a reputation for himself with every kick that he gives, and that reputation follows him through life. When the day comes that he needs the services of a friend he often finds that he has kicked the only people to whom it is possible for him to turn. He loses because he has kicked himself out of the confidence of his fellowmen. Don’t kick unless you have good cause. Again we suggest that you speak a good word for this city. If you look around you can find plenty of opportunities for doing so, and the more good things you say of the city the more the people of the city will say of you. The home booster may make a few enemies , among the chronic kickers, but he will make hundreds of friends among the solid people of the community. Speak up and be heard.