Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1885-06-18
LnrTnR FRoM MR. Mr1roRp.

TorEKA, KANSAS, juno 10, Iss5.
DEAR READERs:-Although re-
lieved from active service for few
days, a sense of duty, coupled with
the power Of habit, impells us to
write something. If it shall prove
of interest to anyone a purpose
will have been served.
Your city and surrom ling
country too is literally represented
here just now and so far as we are
able TO see Che Cherokee holds his
own, regardless of the presence OF
his numerous white brothers, or
the railroads either. All are keep
ing seasonable hours. One "form-
erly of vinita" gentleman is found
It. w. Thompson. At one time
!"Tommy" was employed by the
Frisco and always makes eager
inquiry as to a great many vinita
people. Until recently he has
been city marshal here, but a new
administration relegated him to the
ranks and he is now a farmer.
The surprising growth and inn
portance of Topeka exceeds the
expectations Of all, and the inn
pressions are all favorable. Fif-
teen years ago, the time of the
writer's first visit, the Atchison,
Topeka q Santa Fe railroad had
penetrated the state but a short dis
tance west Of Topeka. Then the
town was struggling for an exis-
tence and standing in line with
Leavenworth, Atchison, Lawrence
and Fort Scott. At that time she
followed all, save possibly the lat
ter and now she leads all. The
Santa Fe railroad pushed on to a
connection with the Pacific and the
town, the same being its headquar-
ters, and the town advanced nc
cordingly. Up to 1878 or 70, pro-
gress was very slow but since that
date the population OF the city has
doubled and now reaches nearly
thirey thousand. However much
prejudice western folks may hold
against the east and her people, it
is impossible TO look at the history
Of this city without admitting that
Boston money ia capable Of accom-
plishing wonders. This great trans
continental road is largely owned
by Boston capitalists and they it is
who have made Topeka what it is.
An army of employees, numbering
not less than twelve hundred, have
their homes here and the company
seems to keep them in easy cir
cumstances. Shops, general Office
buildings and other improvements
here reach into the millions.
The great number OF buggies and
other turnouts owned by private
individuals is one Of the remark
able things which strike the eye Of
a Territory visitor. Many of the
streets are in splendid order and
to those city people desiring out
door exercise a drive is the chief
avenue presented. Good carriage
horses, well broken, are always in
demand and bring handsome pri-
,es.
Kansas avenue is the chief busi-
ness thoroughfare and the one con-
leeting the two towns, North and
South Topeka. Only the Kaw
liver divides them, the corporation !
over both. On the north |
iide is a population of six thous-
md. The Union Pacific's Kansas
livision passes through on that
ide of the river, furnishing unsur-
,assed commercial facilities.
So far as modern improvements
%, Topeka is fortunate. Street
always, water works, telephone
ervice, an electric light system, a
ire department oil exceptional eff
iency, and in fact everything of
he kind, are employed. Both
rings Of a handsome capitol build
ng are completed and the central
tructure is under way. A federal
was finished a year and a
alf ago and is now the seat of Che
Inited States government for Kan
as in addition to being occupied
y the Topeka postofice. To
anne, however, all the institutions
f prominence in and about the
Ity, including those of an educa-
onal character, would require col
INNS Of space and very likely be
adly wanting in interest. All
onder at the continual growth Of
ne place and are at a loss to know
hence comes the motive power.
s natural advantages are few and
manufacturing industries of no con-
'quence, a logical conclusion is
nat it is due to the energy and
of tho r,ao,,la C,,oI |