788 THE URBAN COMMUNITY 



Charity Bazaar at Paris, the Paris Ope'raComique, the Iroquois Theater 

 at Chicago, and the General Slocum at New York, rousing the indigna- 

 tion of the world. It is then that the community is lulled by the 

 setting of deceptive fire-escapes running along dizzy house facades. 

 The same shuffling spirit is manifest in politics; what can we think, 

 for instance, of the Berlin treaty meant to protect Armenians and 

 then permitting their periodical extermination? 



The thorough-going reform period carries everything before it, 

 for the people and the government are one. The welfare of humanity 

 now requires a concerted initiative from public-spirited men of all 

 countries. An International League for the Rational City must be 

 formed whose aim would be to prepare the best conditions to suit the 

 special needs of urban communities. It ought to work through its 

 congresses, by competitive prizes, petitions to the authorities, and by 

 the agency of a widespread journal giving authoritative information. 



Let us consider and not forget for a moment that our apathy 

 toward this momentous object is responsible for the sufferings of 

 millions affected in mind, soul, and body, so many of whom are 

 doomed to become an early prey to disease and death. " O Varus, 

 give us back our legions ! " 



