The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-11
BOOM THE CITY.

One failing common to more residents of In
dianapolis than would probably be willingto adj
NIT ii, is lack of proper local pride With some
this popularity takes the form of outspoken
and unhesitating depreciation of the town,
but with the majority it shows itself in fail
IRE to uphold its merits and in tacit agree
ment with adverse criticism. The origin of
this fault, which has become so liked that
many are unconscious of their own guilt,
be traced to time when spectators, disap-
pointed at the collapse of their balloon-like
hopes, went to the other extreme and berated
the place which was to have made them mill
lonaires out of a cash capital of nothing.
This, together with the comments of Eastern
people. growing out of their ignorant idea
that Indianapolis is little town in the woods.
and with the long period of business depres-
sion-which was, however, not local but gen.
eral-led to the formation of habit which
has been decided injury to the city. In
stead of putting the best foot forward, as
they would do in their private affairs,
citizens have fallen into the way of
bewailing various real and imaginary
drawbacks to life in the Hoosier capital. until
'islowness, -, "lack of enterprise" 'lack of
money" 1.-The injurious proximity of larger
cities, ETC., most unfavorably impressed.
It is very difficult to think otherwise than i'll
Of a place whose own inhabitants cannot give
It a good character. The odd feature of the
Al. A.. ~-I,o ;,,5,
lamentations, or who give silent consent to
the charges, are very far from believing that
Indianapolissis not desirable place of resi-
dence The very fact that they remain here
and wax prosperous, or that, going away in
search of a better place, they gladly
return, is proof sufficient that the
advantages overbalance the disadvantages
Another proof is that any citizen will readily
give reasons for not wishing to reside in Gin
cinnati, Louisville, Kansas City or other places
that may be named, thus by implication and
actual practice giving the preference to his
own town. In fact, all his actions belle his
words The resident of Indianapolis likes his
home, and knows that he could find few places
presenting SO many points of attraction. 1t
is high time that he abandoned the unpleasant
habit of dwelling upon its few disadvantages
and adopted instead fashion of enumerating
its many strong points. The same feeling Of
pride which causes a man to hide family fail
ings, and to dwell upon the ad-
rnirable traits of his near relatives
when discussing them, should extend
to the place of habitation. One who belittles
the town in which he earns living quite as
comfortable as his qualifications could secure
elsewhere creates,a prejudice against himself
Praise of the place is beneficial not only to the
town, but himself. Offensive boasting of the
thing to be avoided is not advised; even a
good thing may be- overdone, though it must
be confessed that the Chicago braggadocio has
had its effect in building up that city. By
should follow the Chicago example to the
extent Of recounting at every opportunity the
business. social, religious and educational ad-
vanteges of the place, of dwelling upon its
! healthfulness, its beauty, its charming homes,
its literary life and all the other features that
crowd upon the attention when it is once di-
rected to them. This course cannot fail to
benefit the city if in no other way than by the
resulting growth of public spirit, now sadly
needed and Of pride in home institutions.
THE TYPE-WRITIEe GIRL.