The Wichita daily eagle., 1897-12-30

Yesterday one Of the finest properties
in the United States for park came
into final possession OF this city. The
deeds, all in order signed and approved,
arrived and are held now by the city
authorities. The only thing that re-
mained 10 be done was an ordinance
appropriating the money to turn over
for the deeds. The sum OF $500 was
appropriated by unanimous vote at
special meeting Of the council last night
and appears in this mornings Eagle.
At the last election the proposition to
vote $4,000 10 buy and improve the
Riverside and Greiffenstein parks car
ried by big majority. The council at
that time passed an ordinance authoriz-
ing the issuance Of the bonds. After all
this was done some three or four parties
opposed 10 the city buying the park, in
stltuted plan 10 run an injunction and
restrain the city from paying out any
money for the property. This came to
Mayor Ross and he Immediately set
about to close up the business as rap
idly as possible. The bonds were printed
and signed up and after some hustling
Mr.. Ross secured a contract for the
city that is undoubtedly very favorable.
The Fourth National bank takes the
entire amount OF the bonds, $4,000. at
per cent interest and agrees 10 keep
them there ready for delivery for two
years, so that the city has the privilege
Of taking up the bonds in two years or
This transaction was completed sew
eral weeks ago and the money deposited
70 the credit of the city. All that was
necessary when the deeds came yester-
day was an ordinance appropriating the
money.
Councilman Minick. at the special ses-
sion last night, Offered a resolution TO
donate a so foot circle in the park some
where to be used by the G. A. R. posts
Of the city for a memorial statue. The
resolution carried with enthusiasm and
g committee from the posts will be
allowed to select a location. II viii be
elaoorately decorated with flowers and
will be one Of the chief ornaments OF the
park.
The city engineer was instructed to
begin the work OF constructing a sboule-
ward at once. This will be as nearly ac-
coriing 10 the map published by the
Eagle as Is possible with the material
conditions found in the park 1t will be
a driveway OF more than three miles and
as pleasant a run as can be found in
the west. There will be removed sew
eraI cords Of wood in the construction
Of this driveway and Mayor Ross has
Instructed Engineer Jackson to allow
people who are not able 10 buy fuel to
60 in and take away the wood for their
trouble in cutting il off the tracks. Any
person. however, who is caught taking
away wood without the permission Of the
city engineer Will be fined.
The acquisition OF the park is one Of
the most important features yet added
60 the city and which Is 70 be one of
the potent factors in making Wichita
attractive and great. Four thousand
dollars ara voted 10 improve the grounds
which sum will be renewed and in
creased year by year. Beside the at
fractions the park VIII offer in the hot
months, the Improvement this winter
VIII be an immediate relief 20 people
who have trouble in getting fuel and il
Will furnish work 10 some that are out
Of employment. Mayor Ross and his
associates are to be congratulated upon
the successful termination OF the propo-
siticn TO buy great park for Wichita.
The ladies OF Columbia lodge, No. 3.
have offered two elegant prizes for a
lady and gentleman wearing the pest
costume al their mask ball Some haid-
some costumes are being made in the
city TO compete for the prizes at this
their fifth annual mask ball, 20 be given