New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-29
THE STORY or 4 BOON

An article in "Harpers Weekly" which Is
frankly devoted to the exploitation Of the town
of Wichita, Kan, tells an interesting and char
acteristic story of a boom. We grow used
to the miracles Of growth and development
which occur in the West, that we cease to APP
preciate the fact that they are something more
than commonplace happenings. That town
which had only 20 inhabitants in 1870
should now have nearly 10000, with two col
eges housed in handsome buildings, beautiful
theatre, daily newspaper printed n per-
fecting press from stereotype plates, and all
the other characteristics of highly civilized
community, would be regarded in any other
quarter Of the world as a development amazing
beyond belief. But in the American Common
wealth, which is growing, as young lad does,
so fast that it hardly knows itself we have
to be told that such things are coming to pass
within our own borders
Perhaps the most interesting phase in the
history Of this boom is connected with the in
huence exerted by a newspaper. and its peculiar
effect. 1t should be understood, to begin with,
that for time Wichita had the reputation of
being one Of the worst places in Kansas, and
was not mjuStly treated in this respect. The
next station was known on the railroad as the
first station beyond perdition." In 1882, only
six years ago, the systematic effort to build
up the place and improve its character began.
This was led by Marshall VI. Murdoch, Editor
Of "The Wichita Eagle" who in order to
make it clear beyond dispute that his efforts
were disinterested, refrained from investing a
single penny in land, leaving his only share
in the increased prosperity of the town to be
derived through his newspaper. He sacrificed
the opportunity to make large fortune, but
as an inevitable consequence secured an almost
unbounded influence for his paper. It's word
was law in local affairs. The people respected
it because they knew that no selfish or corrupt
motive lurled beneath any Of its utterances.
The popular trust and confidence in IL were
shown in a singular way. II had been from
the outset the organ of the boom. 1t had car
RED to the Central and Eastern States accounts
of the natural advantages of Wichita that had
attracted large numbers Of investors. But the
time arrived when the editor became convinced
that danger point had been reached. Men
were beginning TO lose their heads. Prices
were reaching a dizzy figure. A few months
more, and there would have been an orgy of
speculation such as other towns have passed
through, followed doubtless by crushing re-
action and long stagnation.
Then it was that the newspaper dictator, for
such he is represented as being rendered his
unique service. His paper appeared one day
with an article that carried CONSERVATION
among the real estate SPECTATORS, many of
whom were his personal friends. 1t declared
that the boom must end. 1t did end, and it was
soon seen that it was well TO have it end. The
growth Of the town went on even more rapidly
than before, but it was a solid growth. The
places Of the spectators were taken by in
vestors, manufacturers and merchants, bring
ing real business with them and often great
deal Of it. -Four years ago, when the boom
was under full Roadway, the town had no more
than IL 600 people, and now, when it is
thing Of the past it has nearly 10000, the
present rate of increase being apparently near
ly 10, 900 a year.
There il an obvious lesson in this for new
towns, where the boomer continually boometh
his boom. 1t is that city is not built up by