The League of Neighbors.
In the recent annual festival of the League of Neighbors in Elizabeth, N.J., were exhibited the gratifying results of the efforts of two former Chicagoans, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Frederick Weller, to establish peaceful and friendly relations among, and make law-abiding citizens of, various foreign groups. These groups on coming to America had brought along the bitter racial, religious and national dislikes so commonly nurtured in old world countries. In one hall were gathered 1,000 or more newly arrived foreign residents of the town, assembled in groups that saluted and complimented one another, instead of quarreling violently as they had done but a short time before.
The Wellers' method of procedure is simple and sensible. Having as their basic motive the teaching of Christian ideals and the development of sound American citizenship, they work on the plan that a spirit of friendliness and [cooperation] makes men happier and better, and is uplifting morally, socially and commercially to entire communities. Therefore, forming one nationalistic group after another in gang-ridden and hyphen-divided Elizabeth, they brought the groups together gradually in agreeable surroundings and under friendly conditions, so that each might learn the points of view of the others, cease to be enemies and become friends.
The results of the efforts speak for themselves. Many former racial or religious enemies have been brought together in friendship.
The good-neighbor idea is essentially sound. And being a good neighbor means being a good citizen.
Comments