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Messages from the President [May 1912]
Paul P. Harris
Rotarianism is a step in the evolution of humanity and in
the emancipation of man from the exactions of unceasing
servitude to the interests of self.
Nationalization.
Mr. Harry A. Wheeler, Vice President of the Union Trust Company,
the Rotarian bank of Chicago, and formerly president of the
Chicago Association of Commerce, has just put into execution his
plan of Nationalizing the work of the commercial organizations
of the United States. By one stroke, the effectiveness of the
National activities of the commercial bodies has been doubled or
trebled, perhaps. The real wonder is why was it not done before?
One year ago now, we were claiming the distinction of being the
only organization in the country equipped to bring to bear upon
national projects the manner of influence which is brought to
bear upon local projects by commercial bodies.
We
can not longer lay claim to an exclusive field, but that fact
certainly will not lessen our opportunities for usefulness. We
can assist in the activities of the nationalized commercial
clubs, as we have assisted in the activities of the individual
clubs; or when deemed proper, we can work independently.
The Rotary Club of Boston has taken the initiative in a
trans‑continental highway project, and they hope to be able to
interest the National Association in it to the end that a
committee be appointed to advance its interest in systematic and
effective manner.
Mr. Wheeler is a good friend of Rotary and has expressed much
interest in our National scheme, the civic possibilities of
which have strongly impressed him.
We
are certain that, in due season the influence of National Rotary
upon some worthy cause will be felt. Opportunities of this
character are too rare to be wasted.
The Usefulness of the Roster.
It
is of course, unnecessary to call to the attention of Rotarians
the importance of keeping their club roster on their desks at
all times for ready reference, nor can we give them many new or
original ideas as to how their rosters can be advantageously
used.
The writer can, however, tell of one manner in which the
Rotarian roster has been of great value to him as a lawyer.
Perhaps the experience may be of benefit to some other lawyer or
to a layman, for that matter.
Most lawyers and many laymen are frequently called upon by out
of town, or even local friends or clients, who desire to get a
line upon the business of some local concern. Perhaps the
purpose is to ascertain what credit such concern is entitled to
or possibly the friend or client may be contemplating investment
in the business of the person in question. In the days prior to
the organization of Rotary we have not infrequently been put to
our wits end to devise some means of obtaining an inside line.
Today, our Rotarian roster solves all of the difficulties. I am
certain to find some Rotarian who is engaged in the same or
kindred business and from him, or from one whom he will name, I
am certain of obtaining definite and reliable information.
The roster is a blessing, and its use is worthy of careful
study. It is through study of the roster, as well as through the
personal touch, that we gain the familiarity with members and
with their various businesses which makes for our highest
efficiency in the field of Rotarian activities. May the rosters
continue to grow more practical and more serviceable as time
goes on.
Someone has suggested that in the larger clubs two rosters are
almost necessary; one a pocket edition without photographs, and
one a desk edition containing them, and also other matter not
contained in the pocket edition.
Whatever plan may be found most satisfactory, certain it is that
the roster is destined to play a very important part in the
Rotarian scheme and the better the roster, the more efficient
the club is likely to be.
The Future of The National Rotarian.
During a recent talk with the editor, he made the statement that
for two reasons, he considered it advisable to endeavor to
devote considerable space in the columns of The National
Rotarian to matters of general interest.
In
the first place to do so would tend to make cheaper postal rates
possible.
In
the second place, it would add interest.
I
have no doubt as to the wisdom of the conclusion nor as to the
logic of his reasons why.
One of the advantages of Rotary is an opportunity which its
peculiar organization makes possible. It is the opportunity to
study business methods and systems which have been found most
practicable in different lines of trade, such as cost finding
systems, methods of selling, transporting and delivering goods,
etc. From the study of methods which have proven serviceable to
special lines, much information of general interest and benefit
may be obtained. Rotarians will fall short of the realization of
their just inheritance if they fail to make the utmost of the
opportunity; and no better medium for the dissemination of up‑to
date business ideas and for the promotion of honorable business
standards than The National Rotarian, can be found.
When our publication is developed to the point where it serves
us both as a chronicle of the events of Rotary itself and also
as a medium of education in matters which pertain to the
businesses upon which we depend for livelihoods, it will indeed,
be welcome in our households. If Mr. Perry's ambition as above
expressed is realized, the value of The National Rotarian alone
should justify the entire expense of the National Association,
so that all other benefits may be considered net profit.
Noblesse Oblige.
Position imposes its obligations. Perhaps the fact that your
life or mine runs smoother than the lives of others whom we know
may not be at all traceable to natural differences in character.
There may have been more mother in your life or mine than in the
lives of others; or any one or more of a hundred and one other
things may have just mechanically happened to make our lives
more fortunate than theirs.
Whether success be merited or unmerited the rule is the same.
The world long ago returned its verdict that success brings with
it obligations. A higher degree of responsibility is placed upon
the shoulders of the successful man than upon the shoulders of
him who is already tottering under the discouragement of
successive defeats. The right of way is to him who carries the
heaviest load. What matters it if this man's load consists
largely of past failures?
Persistence.
Life is a series of contests, from which we emerge victors or
vanquished. We must be masters of circumstances or mastered by
circumstances; and it is wonderful with what consummate and
strategic skill old "General Fate" lines up his batallions of
circumstances sometimes. It would seem as if there wasn't a
chance in the world against them, and there isn't except for
"Persistence." He wins because he knows how to take a licking.
He comes back for more, day after day, year in, year out; and he
keeps his heart with him all of the time. It's nothing to get
licked, but it's bad to lose heart. It's a big job he's cut out
for himself, sure enough, but there's a big man behind the job
and he'll win.
PAUL P. HARRIS
(Attorney‑at‑Law, No. 127 North Dearborn St., Chicago)
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