Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-06-27
FOR 1888, JUST ISSUED SHOWS
WICHlTA'S POPULATION 1900.
Estimated on the Lowest Possible
Basis of 2 1-2 Population for
Each Name---0thers
Use 3 1-2.
Wichita Increases Her Lead as the Most
Populous City in the State-Great
Growth in Material
Wealth.

! The fourth annual directory OF the city
for 1888 has just been turned out of the
EAGLE book bindery and is a marvel of
complete information and artistic work,
handsomely bound in red cloth and neatly
| lettered in gilt. The volume is consider
ably larger than the book issued for the
previous year and possesses many new and
| striking features. The work is compiled
in most thorough and reliable manner
and reflects great credit upon the energy
and integrity of Mr.. North, the compiler
and publisher. While the increase in the
number of names contained in this issue,
| compared with those contained in the
directory for 1887, is very satisfactory, it
does not represent adequately, the actual
gain in population, for the reason, that
| last year there were in the directory
the names of many men, particul arly
mechanics men of large famifies) who
were here by themselves when the last
book was published, but who have since
been joined by their families. For acces-
sions made in this way the city can not
get the credit because there is no way of
ascertaining whatthey are. The introduc-
ton to the work is indeed most modest
claim for the actual growth of the city, as
| III loSI, UIClC dlC pCloOuo "LoSO ID
such as to keep them thoroughly posted
on the citys growth, who can give facts,
showing beyond any reasonable
| doubt that the city's census, which is to be
taken in July by Assessor Green, will
show nearer 40,000 that 1900
However, there is no occasion for even a
| Wichitan to feel dissatisfied with such a
very dreditable showing as an increase of
over 5000 in population in single year,
and such year as the one just ending has
been for all cities. No city in Kansas has
made the actual growth, which it did in
the preceding year. but Wichita has
come nearer her own wonderful record
for 1887 and has made greater genuine
strides, numerically, financially and every
other way than any of her competitors.
She has SO materially increased her lead as
the first city in the state as to preclude the
possibility of any other city's presuming
to dispute Wichita's title, with the posi-
tive assurance of being ANONYMOUSLY
worsted in the controversy and subjected
to ridicule by an unsympathetic public.
The basis of calculation in Wichita is
made more fairly than in any other city to
be designated. This is particularly the
case with Kansas cities. Last year the
leading cities in the state were as follows,
as shown by the official state census for
1887:
LeavenWorth 81 ,2lO
Topeka. ID, 80
Kansas City, (kansas). ...23 ,066
Last yoar Topeka, even after the actual
census was published, claimed a popula-
ton of 1900, which she boldly manufac-
tured by multiplying her directory names
by 80. This year Topeka's population,
based upon multiplication of her directory
names by 313s again is made to
appear to be $1,000. Trimming down To-
peka's estimate at the same rate that the
actual census trimmed it last year will
give her, at most liberal calculation, not
more than $4,000, while if it were made
upon the same basis as Wichita it would
still be only "a, $50. Last year Wichita
actual census overran the amount to which
she would have,been entitled by an esti-
mate based upon 21a for each name
Le@enworth's population for this year, by
her census recently announced, is put at
81, 400. The present figures for population
Of Kansas City, Kan, are not known yet,
but she will cut no figure in the compari-
son.
According then to the best obtainable
information the present population of the
three leading cities in Kansas is as fol-
lows:
l. Wichita, not less than. ....... 1880
Z. LeaVenWOrbn. ........-.....---... %, ~
D. Topeka. "a, S0o
The following is a copy of the introduc
ton to Mr.. North's Fourth Annual Direc-
tory:
I'm presenting this our fourth annual
directory to the citizens of Wichita we de
sire to call attention to few important |
facts connected Herewith.
The increase in population during the !
past year has been about five thousand. |
The names in the directory exceed fifteen |
thousand and by using the multiple of 2lS. !
2 OF 81, as has long been the custom of !
publishers of directories, it shows our |
population to be not less than 81 500. |
Buffalo uses 81 as the multiplier which |
would make our estimate is, $50. Most |
cities use 8 as the ratio, which would make |
our population 45, 600.
During the past year the advancement |
in building has far exceeded the growth |
even in inhabitants. A large number of |
elegant stone and brick business blocks
and palatial residences costing in the az
gregate several million dollars, has been |
erected. Besides these the Burton Car
w OFhS nave DeSn DIlIb. tEle DoiQ packing
house; forty miles of street car and motor
lines; several new churches: two large
brick school buildings; the Rock Island
railroad depot: the Crawford opera house
completed; the watch factory, the plow
factory, the wire nail factory established:
the exposition grounds laid out and i'm
proved; the boot and shoe factory and
hundred other enterprises have been in
augurated or completed during the past
year.
BY reference to former directories we
find that there has been during the past
year far greater percent of changes than
during any other year in the history of the
city, and the necessity of a carefully com
piled directory of actual residents is ap-
parent.
Many improvements over former edi-
tons have been adopted in this. Instead
of initials full Christian names appear, |
though often secured after repeated efforts
and considerable expense. also the sur
name in all cases OF like spelling except as
a leader, has been omitted. An alphabet
cal index of streets, new litographed
tute some of the improved features of the
book.
Probably no one unaccustoned 10 the
work can form an adequate idea of the
labor aud constant attention
necessary to the production of directory
In a city like this.
Through the cooperation and liberal
support Of the public generally, and al
patrons and advertisers the Publisher has
been enabled 70 issue this work which i is
confidently expected viii be appreciated
by the great number into whose hands il
may come. Those who have borne the |
Iabors of presenting this the most complete !
and satisfactory thus far issued desire 10
express their grateful acknowledgements ,
n he. hfia trcs1aYztiy w Havs aided |