The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1880-06-25
EMPORIA,s BOON.

We give considerable space this week
10 two very important events in the his
tory of our city-the dedication of the
new State Normal School, and the water
works We also give full and connect
ed account of the proceedings OF the
commencement exercises Of the Normal,
Judge Brewers dedicatory address in
full, the proceedings of the Alumni as
sociation, and much other matter Of
special interest to our readers and the
friends OF our city. The exercises were
not completed when our WEEKLY went
TO press early last Thursday, and hence
we republish some of the matter In
that issue in order to throw full and
connected account of these matters in
one paper, to accommodate not only our
home readers, but to have il in conven-
lent shape to send east. About two
thousand copies of This number will be
scattered over the eastern states.
Emporians and especially those who |
have participated in her struggles for |
years, can well feel proud Of her triumphs |
over ali the obstacles that have confront |
ed her growth, and her grand triumphs
as celebrated last week. Up 10 the advent
of railroads here the town made slow
progress. II always had plenty of pluck,
grit aud energy. II had no money, hut
there was no gathering in the slate, or
even out of il, where ITS interests were
likely to be affected, where il was not
heard from The emporium abroad"
managed tn make the impression that he
hailed from town of importance that
could moi be ignored OF overlooked. So
in all the railroad meetings of the terri
tory. and then of the state; in all the con
ventions and legislatures. EmpOria was
on hand early and staid till the chances
were all gone. She changed the origin
al railroad system laid down for Kan
sas so as 10 fix the crossing of two
important land grant roads here. She
has mixed prominently in all the history
of Kansas. She has had faith not only
in the success of the attempt to build an
important town here, but in the ultimate
triumph of Kansas. The important
events which she celebrated last week
are but the natural outcome of this faith
in herself and the state.
Emporia probably had 200 ar 800 ill.,
habitants on the advent of the NJ, X. *
T. railroad, in 1863. Then the Santa Fe
road came, and with it rush for the
town. In 1870 the census gave us popu-
lation of about 1900. From 1871 to
1876 the town, like most others in the
a., IL, tIs.s n
cess. But the old spirit of faith and en-
ergy did not die. II took little rest. In
the latter part of 1876 there began to be
a noticeable change for the better. In
the fore part of the year there were prob
ably 100 empty houses and no new ones
going up. In the fall there WIS an in
quiry for good houses, and those which
had stood without tenants, were occu-
pied. From that day to this the growth
has been constant and healthy. The in
crease in buildings was noticeable in
1877. In 1873 the number reached
about 100, and our population that
spring was over $500. But il was left
for 1870 to witness the greatest growth
the town had ever made, consequently
the largest increase of inhabitants. Two
hundred buildings, costing over $500, 900,
were erected. The increase in popula-
ton in the city, and the additions was
estimated ut over 1000. The census is
not yet so far completed rs to say exactly
what the population will be, but the fol-
lowing figures, IL is believed, will not be
far from correct: Old town site, 5000; ;
additions, 200; total, $500.
Under all the circumstances EmpOria
has done well. We believe she will still
do better. The rare foresight of the
officers of the county and city in secur-
ing the rebuilding of the State Normal
school, even at considerable cost, and
the determination of the people OF
the city TO provide themselves with
the means Of preserving their
property from fire, and ut the same
time furnishing encouragement Ia man
ufacturers, will prove the most valuable
investments ever made by them. These
will prove important aids To the ener
~ of our people in their determined eI.
forts 10 build up a city here which shall
be not only an important business center
but desirable place of residence for all
seeking homes in IA town notcl Enr It's
.,aa 81 ii