Wichita eagle., 1889-02-02
WICHITA AT CINCINNATI.
Hon. G. w. Clements Speech at the New
Chamber OF Commerce.

Among the responses made by represen-
tatives of other cities at the dedication OF
the Cincinnati chamber of commerce on
Wednesday. when Wichita was called.
Hon. G. w. Clement, one of our delegates,
arose and said:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen:
think myself most happy here today to
have an opportunity to speak a work for
the southwest. desire to tender the
thanks of the board that l represent for
the kindly consideration of this chamber
in sending an invation to body SO young
and SO remote to be present on this most
in the history of this great city.
We represent probably the youngest
financial organization represented here to-
day, and perhaps the youngest state Kan
sas celebrated her twenty-eighth birthday
yesterday, | think. Twenty-elght years
ago it came into this union with a
population of less than two hundred
thousand people, and today it has
more than sixteen hundred thousand
peopls-live, energetic pushing vigor-
Gus people-and a large sprinkling came
from the grand old state of Ohio. lAp-
plause. Allow me to express to you the
appreciation in which we hold this city of
Cincinnati. Wichita holds the key to
magnificent country. 1t is country that
the reach of mans comprehension.
1t has been very well said that the
growth of city depends upon the tribu-
tary around it; it contributes to its growth
and prosperity That being true the trib-
utaries surrounding the city which we
represent here today must in the near fu-
ture make great city, metropolis of the
southwest, which position we claim today.
But some gentleman may ask upon what
do you build your hopee? l see on yonder
board that important item of commerce
hogs. | see the locations marked Chicago,
St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and in
less than two years, gentlemen of this
board, you will write upon that board,
Wichita. Applause In less than ten
years you will place it at the head. 1t will
read Wichita, Chicago, ST. Louis. Zap
plause. All through that country Of
which Wichita is the center, is that great
corn belt, extending down through the
southwest, down into Indian territory,
taking in that magnificent country known
as Oklahoma, where there are hogs that
are fairly groaning to reach the borders OF
civilization.
We are happy to know we have in this
city host of friends, and allow me to say,
with all your magnificence, and with all
the grand possibilities that are before you,
you are creating an amount of force
and energy and an accumulation of CAPT
tai here that can not possibly hnd room
for action. When | contemplate all that
you have done in the time you have done
1t, it is to me wonderful inspiration to
contemplate what we can do in the south
west. A. l have walked about this build
ing the day or two | have been here, l
have hardly been able to comprehend the
monument that you have erected here
When these men have all passed away
your grandchildren's grandchildren will
come and 90, the centuries will pass away,
and yet this building, upon its eternal
viii stand. 1t is composed
of material which VIII resist the
rovages of time for centuries to
come. Generations hence will look back
with honor and respect upon the men who
have this day dedicated this institution as
a memorial to your financial greatness.
That city which is called the capital of the
nation is called the city Of magnificent dis
tances Cincinnati is the city of magnifi-
cent acts. Applause. Such has been your
history. and such has been your record to-
day. You have reached that degree of SUI
premacy, that standing in the financial
world, that you can afford to be magnani-
nous. No city in the north. south, west
or east, can wrest from you the grasp you
now have ON financial interests in this
vast territory to which you hold the key.
When Mr.. Clement had taken his seat
torian voice queried: whats the matter
with Wichita" The response came from
two thousand threats, with noise like
the breakers of a great sea: She's all
ri Obt