CITIZENSHIP.

Evening Star, Issue 17314, 30 March 1920, Page 7

CITIZENSHIP.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Reading that interesting article ‘ldeals of Citizenship’ in Saturday's ‘ Star,’ the thought suggested itself to me ■what a lot of honorary and unselfish labor is performed by citizens on elective bodies and other organisations serving their fellows in multifarious capacities—but, alas 1 when human nature is in sometimes critical and condemnatory mood they often got more kicks than halfpence. Citizenship is indeed a comprehensive word. A man (or woman for that matter) can serve his fellows in so many capacities. A broad-minded man may be an enthusiastic cricketer, a Bible class leader, and occupy a seat in the City Council at the same time. In three ways he is a helper in affairs of local concern, and there can thus be produced a happy blending of relationships that bring out the best ■of a person.Again, politics has a great attraction for many. _ It covers a wider field than mere parochial matter, and I am wondering if political aspirants could have any better mentor than the great Edmund Burke, who in the years ago and when a candidate for Bristol, told his constituents that . " he declined to he their delegate, but to think for himself, and. that his constituency was England. Nothing parochial here, but something statesmanlike and “no truckling,” and quite in keeping with is magnificent aphorism, “ Magnanimity in politics is not seldom the truest wisdom; a great nation and little miuds go ill together.” That we require common sense in our public life. is a siile qua non, but with vision; A man or woman occupying public positions must possess some horizon or perspective. It gives ns inspiration, creates the optimistic atmosphere and the pace to keep going. Toleration, too, should be writ large on the brow ,of those desirous of serving the community in civic and parliamentary lifo, and the petty and the personal—ever thrusting itself forward —given a hurried burial. A writer on ethical matters has stated that ‘ the man who stands above his fellows must expect to be the target for the envious arrows of their inferioriiv. It is part of the price he must pay for his advance.” This may be true, but even so, rendering service in the many avenues (civic, philanthropic, political, and otherwise) ,is worth while. A cup of cold water in the Master’s name has its meaning still, and never more so than today. I am, etc., Demos. March 28.