HOSPITAL MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 271, 13 June 1868, Page 2

HOSPITAL MEETING.

The little ebullition of public feeling elicited at the Hospital meeting on Thursday evening last we regard as a decidedly healthy symptom, and as an indication of an inclination on the part of the public of Westport, to take a more active interest in the management of their own affairs in future than they have done in past times, and there is at least a glimmer of hope that their awakening will be attended with the most beneficial results to the community at large. The causes that brought about any ferment were trivial in themselves. The retirement of the leading gentlemen who convened the meeting, just because they could not have everything their own way, was childish to a degree, and a positive proof that they could scarcely have the interests of the in • stitution under discussion greatly at heart when they allowed wounded vanity to get the better of sound judgment. As was very truly observed, it is always usual for a meeting, when a committee is determined on, to choose the members of it separately, and only under very exceptional circumstances does a resolution embody the appointment of a committee, the number it shall consist of, and the gentlemen that shf„ll form it. Instead of, when this was pointed out, withdrawing the names, the mover of the second resolution on Thursday evening only gave way when absolutely compelled to do so, and then withdrew in a huff from having anything further to do with it. Notwithstanding, however, this and the other very serious defections on that occasion, an excellent committee was selected, and one, with all respect be it spoken, that will, we are sure, work quite as energetically, probably a great deal more practically, and certainly quite as successfully, as that originally proposed, so that after all the display of temper on the occasion will not have a ruinous effect. At the same time, we are sorry that those who are the means of bringing any public subject forward for a good end, as on this occasion, should, by their own act, exclude themselves from bringing it to a favorable issue. One remark was made which seemed to be generally approved of, and was in effect that there was a clique in Westport who desired to have everything in their own hands and throw the public over altogether. Now, as to the truth or otherwise of such an allegation we offer no opinion, but even in places where such is the case, ' the fault lies quite as much with the apathetic public as with any clique that may exist. Indeed in a supine community like this, any person who takes an active part in public affairs, and any one who comes forward prominently in public matters, renders himself liable to be classed as one of a clique; if a few persons only will so exert themselves a clique is eventually of necessity formed. If it is known that those who hold large stakes in the place persistently avoid all public duties and shirk public responsibilities that they ought most willingly to bear, they sink out of sight as it were, and a bustling minority comes to the surface. The fault of such a condition of affairs lies entirely with the people themselves. Why do they first allow domination and then complain of it ? "Why do they not come forward, and when necessary, evince some atoms of public spirit, instead of envying others the positions that they will not take themselves? How many opportunities have arisen, and how many remain at the present time, for showing that they are not only able bub willing to bear their own burdens, and accept the task of selfgovernance in other respects than in hospital management. Till the spark was struck out of the dullness on Thursday night, nothing has been done by the Westport public to lead the Government to suppose that they were other than satisfied with the existing condition of things, and contented with the good that the gods sent them without seeking for more, or in the least degree wishing to help themselves. Rather than go on dreaming and doing nothing, as we have done of late, the rule of the most tyrranical local oligarchy, if an active one, is preferable. For example,—it is in the power of this community to obtain local government in the shape of municipal, institutions, but no one will come forward; and though all admit its desirability no one will stir a finger to obtain it. We only wish

the clique, if such a body has any existence, would initiate the preliminary proceedings in the establishment of a municipality, for otherwise no one appears likely to move in it. The coal recourses might at least have a chance of being utilised if any local effort was made on the subject, but there is not a sign of the slightest movement. The Charleston railway or tramway, would benefit all in the district, but the Westportians will not take any pains to bring it about, though all that is required to do so is a meeting, the appointment of a provisional committee, and the issue of a prospectus. It would be a godsend if the clique would help us in this, as we do not seem able to help ourselves. We could continue the list if it was necessary, but think that we have shown enough to prove the general indifference of Westport on all matters most materially concerning her own prosperity. The feeling shown on Thursday may, however, be the cloud no bigger than a man's hand, the prelude to a time when public opinion will manifest itself and will insist on being heard in Westport. Should the public energetically act for themselves they will have no need to fear a clique of any description, under any circumstances ; if they do not choose to do so they cannot be other than thankful for a clique to discharge duties that should be more generally distributed.