City Life & Progress (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1905. Excerpt: ... The Activities of Civic Organizations for Municipal Improvement in the United States A SYMPOSIUM INTRODUCTION.--THE CO-ORDINATION OF CIVIC EFFORT By Clinton Rogers Woodruff, Esq. Two years ago, in an article in "The Annals," entitled, "The Nationalization of Municipal Movements," I described the work of the National Municipal League, the American Society of Municipal Improvement, the League of American Municipalities, the American Park and Outdoor Art Association and of the American League for Civic Improvement, five organizations busily engaged in stimulating and educating public interest in various phases of the municipal problem and in providing ways and means for its solution. The article, after describing the objects and purposes of these bodies, concluded with this paragraph: "The suggestion has been made that there should be a closer co-operation between these several bodies, and perhaps federation, so that any possible duplication of effort may be avoided, at the same time insuring an increase of efficiency and a more complete co-ordination of activity. As several of the organizations appeal to different constituencies and pursue different lines, it is doubtful whether the time is ripe for so radical a step as federation, but the suggestion of a permanent secretary, to serve all five bodies and to be made a centre of municipal endeavor in the United States, is a feasible step which can and should be undertaken without delay." Much greater progress toward co-ordination of effort and practical co-operation has been accomplished during the intervening two years than was at that time thought possible. The American Park and Outdoor Art Association and the American League for Civic Improvement, which were devoting their attention and energies to substan...