The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-05-21
SANTA FE
CELEBRATION.
Many Officials Lend Their Aid
to the Plan
Including Edward Wilder, W.
j. Black, B. 7. Lewis.
MR.. WILDER PLEASED
With the Proposition in Every
Way,
And Has a Scheme of His Own
to Assist.
MIR. w. J. BLACK ALSO
win Give His Help as an Indi-
Yidual Worker.
.R. w. J. BLACK ALSO
win Give His Help as an Indi-
Yidual Worker.
Mr.. Lewis Greatly Taken With
the Display Feature.

'I am heartily in favor of the plan to
celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary
of the completion of the Santa Fe in
Kansas. in connection with the Fall
Festival" said Edward Wilder, treas
urer Of the Santa Fe company today to
a Journal reporter.
when my attention was first direct
ed to this plan by reading the Journal
continued Mr. Wilder, i was in1medi-
ately struck by the merit of the idea
and am convinced that it can be made
a success in every particular
1t is in no sense a presumption for
us to say that the state Of Kansas ana
her people are proud of the Santa Re
1t is essentially q Kansas institution II
came when but little else was mere
Though attended by many reVerSeS and
subjected to many difficulties, the road
has made a magnificent development
and today is one OF the most important
of Kansas industries. It has had not a
little to do with the development and
5pbuilding of the state and 1 am OF the
opinion that those who are interested
in the cOmpany's affairs will be very
glad to cooperate in the proposed sill
Yer anniversary celebration.
There is much Interesting history
connected with the Santa F'e and its
progress For example: There are a
large number of distinguished men who
have been connected with the company
in various capacities and a little idea
upon which | have been working on my
own motion for some time, I believe, will
add an Interesting feature to the cele-
bratiOn. My plan is to collect the pho
tOgraphs of past presidents, general
mana gers, vice presidents. directors
and other officials who have been con-
nected with the road and with a brief
bit of history neatly arranged in con-
nection with the pictures. have the en-
tire collection framed and put in some
conspicuous place where visitors and
others interested may see it.ThiS brings
before the people, men who have not
only been prominently identified with
the cOmpany's affairs but men who
have as a rule occupied a prominent
position in the affairs of the state. This
feature could be added TO the others
which viii be a part of the celebra ton,
which I believe is not only fitting and
proper, but should be carefully arrang-
ed and carried out on an elaborate
scale"
W. J. Black. general passenger agent
of the Santa F4e also approves the plan
and said: THE idea is q good one and
If it can be managed without creating
expense to the company l will do all in
my power to aid it. Individual effort
can undoubtedly make the celebration
q success and l am willing to work with
others on that line"
B. t. Lewis, assistant to the general
manager thinks that nothing of greater
interest to railroad men could be devils
ed that a celebration of the character
proposed.
My idea would be" said he ref1ec-
lively today, ITO develop especially the
historical features of the building and
development Of the road. This could be
done. I think, by a series of historical
floats. In this plan would be afforded
an opportunity for displays which could
not be made effectively in any other
way Then such plan would create
interest and attract more attention
than We're the demonstra tions confined
to the abstract alone.
The attention of visitors pn17ld ba
ell
secured by features of this character.
There are great possibilities in the con
struction of floats and 1 believe those
VINO would be most interested in maxi
ing creditable exhibitions would take
much pains in getting up floats.
am of the opinion that the plan to
nave a Santa Fe day, will be approved
ana given hearty support, said Nj. Lew
is in conclusion