784 THE URBAN COMMUNITY 



water-supply with special fire apparatus kept in working order; our 

 fire-brigade is not large, but always on the alert. We even insist on 

 things which might surprise a new-comer; we should, for instance, feel 

 very much ashamed if we heard that a child had fallen from a window 

 because it was not provided with a sufficient railing. 



" We condemn the cruel neglect with reference to the dangers of 

 electricity. We have taken technical precautions, and explanatory 

 warnings have been posted wherever needed. A century of elec- 

 tricity commands unceasing efforts to avoid accidents. . 



" Automobiles, bicycles, motor-cycles, and in fact all vehicles, are 

 kept under severe control. Our ideal is not Shakespeare's school-boy, 

 creeping like a snail, but we require that all means of rapid trans- 

 portation be accompanied with automatic brakes, insuring a moderate 

 speed. 



" Everything which might lead to wanton misfortunes on land or 

 water must be strictly forestalled. Unsafe river-boats must disap- 

 pear from the public piers; bathers must be reminded by a special 

 notice that bathing too soon after meals means risking one's life. 

 Mountain-climbers must be made to. beware of rashness, by placards 

 or even fences indicating danger in particular places. 



" If, according to Montesquieu virtue is indispensable to republics, 

 we think that respect for human life is the first of republican virtues. 

 The invitation to the public to attend shows reminding one of the old 

 gladiatorial fights seems to us absolutely monstrous. We are not 

 satisfied with the enforcement of laws made in the interest of the 

 citizens; we are anxious to make citizens wise and prudent, even in 

 spite of themselves. In circuses we would not allow professionals to 

 expose their lives to amuse us. Bull-fighters and wild-beast tamers, 

 who court death to satisfy the morbid brutality of some spectators, 

 are, with us, things of the past. We should do our utmost to check 

 those tempters of Providence who, packed up in a cask, would shoot 

 the wild rapids of a river for the entertainment of thousands. Were 

 not dueling and boxing out of fashion among our advanced people, 

 we would certainly have stopped such practices. It is not in vain that 

 philosophy and religion have taught us the love of our fellow creatures. 



" (d) Beauty. Sanitation and public safety being provided for, we 

 can turn our attention to the embellishment of our city. 



" We have many charming points of view which show to advantage, 

 our mountains, our pleasant river, our public buildings, and our 

 historic spots. We are always anxious to prevent anything which 

 might impair their beauty. Builders are not permitted to obstruct 

 the view of any interesting scenery if it can be spared; special laws 

 and regulations have been laid down for that purpose. 



" Straight streets, more or less lined on both sides by gardens and 

 shrubs, are restful to the eyes. The footpaths, being separated from 



