The declaration of purposes and constitution[83] are so unique that they should be studied by all interested in community government. "A DECLARATION OF PURPOSES "We, the residents of Plainsboro Township, New Jersey, declare our purpose to accept all the duties of American citizenship. We are forming an association to secure all the benefits of community life, and affirm the right of our community to each one's best effort. We support all individual rights just as far as their use does not harm our fellows. We agree that the public good is superior to any private gain obtained at the expense of community welfare. We recognize and acknowledge the gracious influences of practical Christianity in community life. We ask that our homes be guarded by right social conditions throughout our community. We declare the duty of the community to provide good schools, means for community recreation, safe sanitary conditions, improved highways, and encouragement to thrift and home-ownership. We purpose to make the neatness and attractiveness of our homes and farms assets of distinct value to the township. We agree to do our share in the creation of public sentiment in support of all measures in the public interest. We agree to put aside all partisan and sectarian relations when dealing with community matters. We state our conviction that the best rewards from this organized effort lie before each one in a deepened interest in others and in an increased ability to cooperate the one with the other for the good of all. We, the citizens of Plainsboro Township, incorporated by act of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey, approved April 1, 1919, and accepted by us on May 6, 1919, subscribe to this declaration." If such a Declaration of Purposes were adopted by every rural community, and were taught the children as a civic oath of allegiance, would it not have more immediate effect on practical patriotism than even the Declaration of Independence, and what new meaning would be given to local government? Here is an example of rural civic spirit which, if it could become general throughout the rural communities of the United States, would remold the political and social organization of the whole country; for it provides both the mechanism and the spirit which are essential for making democracy a reality rather than an ideal.