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THE ATLANTIAN
November, 1917
can start all over again with the knowledge that we have
made a new world in which mankind can work out its
destiny peacefully and unafraid.
Failing this, the world would revert to a world-wide
slavery with one great brutal militarism levying a tribute
on humanity which would make the world a hell for all
men except the rulers, and which would make what we
term the “Dark Ages” shine by comparison with the
“Black Age” which humanity would have to face.
“Victory or Destruction” is our only slogan and when
that becomes a reality to us it will spell eventual victory.
‘‘Billy” Sunday and the Big Meeting
One of our American peculiarities is that we have to
be stirred up occasionally. No people work harder, or
play harder. We are enterprising, ingenious, and easily
adjust ourselves to conditions, but with all these strong
qualities we are the most easy-going and tolerant people
of the world.
We submit to abuses that would cause riots else
where because we don’t want to be bothered with any
thing outside of our own immediate work.
We shirk the responsibilities which attach to citizen
ship without a qualm of conscience. This trait runs
through all our political, social and religious life. Every
man of average intelligence knows that if our churches
put into their regular work sustained effort, sufficient
money and intelligent action there would never be any
need of “Big Meetings.”
But that is just what the churches will not do, pre
ferring to drift along in an easy going rut until a period
of rest accumulates so much latent energy or steam that
a “Big Meeting” becomes inevitable.
This being true, it is apparent that the great evan
gelistic meetings are the logical results of an existing
condition.
It is important, therefore, that these meetings should
be not the mere blowing off of surplus steam, but that
the steam should be so utilized as to make the train move
and move efficiently toward its destined goal. The Billy
Sunday meeting now being held in Atlanta measures up to
the most exacting requirements.
Both the preaching and music are of the best quality,
not only from the intellectual and artistic standpoint, but
also, and which is vastly more important, from the spir
itual standpoint.
The immense congregations are not merely enter
tained ; they are profoundly moved to acknowledge that
they have not lived up to their opportunities, and this re
sults in a multitude of cases in the turning over of a new
leaf.
Christian ethics ought to dominate life in every re
spect and will ultimately do so. That meetings of this
character by converting the individual sinner from the
error of his ways, and by stimulating the spiritual forces
of the community to greater activity, a stronger courage,
and an unfaltering determination, in pressing the battle
against the forces of evil, are of priceless value can not
be questioned—only—we must not forget that the forces
of evil are constantly “on the job,” and if they are to be
overcome the forces of good must be equally vigilant and
steadfast—all the time.
More Pay for Policemen and Firemen
Several times The Atlantian has called attention to
the Police and Fire Departments and the injustice with
which these men, guardians of public safety and prop
erty, are treated. There is no just reason why the fire
men should be denied a twelve-hour day.
There is no just reason why the Police force should
always be maintained at the minimum strength, instead
of having a sufficient force to promote the highest effi
ciency.
It is well to bear in mind that these are dangerous
occupations. The writer recalls a county officer, a splen
did specimen of manhood, was killed near Battle Hill
while in the discharge of his duty, leaving a destitute
young family. Yet another victim, a fireman, a fine young
man, was killed in the discharge of his duty, also leaving
a destitute young family.
These men do not get sufficient salaries to enable
them to lay by for a rainy day, but they have to risk
health and life that other people’s lives and property may
be protected. In the face of this situation the city has
never taken any steps toward taking out an accident
policy on each of these men when they enter the service.
That would at least help out, for it would be a guarantee
that their wives and little ones would not be entirely de
pendent on the cold charities of the world.
Policemen and firemen and school teachers, these are
the classes of whom we exact most in the public service
and to whom we give least. Is it not about time for us
to do a little justice while we are howling about the de
fects in our governmental administration?
Shall the Republic Live ?
Above is the title of a 96-page booklet, made pocket
size, just out. The Ruralist Press, Inc., are the printers.
A. B. Caldwell Publishing Company are the distributers.
Bernard Suttler is the author. It is made up of eight
short chapters on Government—Government and Busi
ness—Labor and Capital—Politics and Parties—The So
cializing Trend—The Farmer—The Private Citizen—
Patriotism. Simply written and easily understandable,
it is most illuminating and no more valuable contribu
tion has been made to the cause of good citizenship in
our generation. It is, indeed, a liberal education for ev
ery American citizen. For sale at the bookstores. Mail
orders can be sent to the publishers. Price is 25 cents.
If the booklet can be widely distributed it will exert a
tremendous influence in directing our people to civic
righteousness.
Atlanta citizens ought to buy ten thousand copies of
this little book both for its merit, and because they should
show some appreciation of a monumental work by an At
lanta citizen.