The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-20
STATE PRIDE A RECIPROCAL
SENTIMENT.

Several of the speakers at the Board of
Commerce meeting and banquet referred to
the growing good will between the people
of the State at large and those of this city,
and the increasing pride which all Indian
ians take in the capital. State pride was
much in evidence and pride in the capital
was factor in the sentiment. Considering
the growth and progress of the city in re-
cent years and the general recognition it
now receives as one of the most attractive
cities in the country, people throughout the
State could hardly fail to include it in their
causes for State pride. Yet it was not al
ways So Ex-Governor Matthews said
Several years ago, before 1 spent six years
in this beautiful and great city, my views
and expressions might have differed from
those L now have" Then he proceeded to
eulogize the city. He implied that the time
was when, if he did not share in the old
time jealousy of the capital, he it least did
not count it among the causes for State
pride but that closer contact and acQuaint-
ance with it had changed his views. 1t is
with cities somewhat as with individuals.
No doubt many persons have told Governor
Matthews that they had no idea how charm
ing personality he possesses until they
became acquainted with him, and he must
realize that without personal acquaintance
they would probably have remained in ig-
norance of the fact. So it is with Indian
apolis None know her but to love her, none
name her but to praise. except those who
are so unfortunate as not to have had per-
sonal experience of her charms
Seriously, personal contact with the cap
ital by people from all parts of the State
has become an important factor, not only
in developing State pride, but in unifying
the people, harmonizing ideas and interests
and keeping all parts of the State in line
regarding matters of common concern In
short, it has become a distinctly educational
influence. No other State capital is more
fortunately located in this regard than that
of Indiana, for as one speaker said Tues
day night, lone can leave Indianapolis after
breakfast visit any one of the ninety-two
counties in the State, and be at home by
twilight of the same day." city that is
thus accessible to and from all parts of the
State must necessarily dispense and receive
and social intercourse, giving out and re-
ceiving back life-blood which, while il keeps
the heart in action, also vitalizes and ener-
gizes every part of the body polite. For
if indianapolis may fairly claim to be a
source of State pride to every citizen of
Indiana, she realizes how much she owes to
all parts of the commonwealth for their
contributions to her progress, not merely
in money, trade and legislative appropria-
tions, but in the more ennoblng results Of
their continual contributions of brains and
Drawn, of men and women fitted to compete
in all the walks of life and the demands of
society. This central location and accessi-
bility of the capital and it's power to attract
and assimilate the best blood in the State
thus welding it together by bands Of steel
and building in the hearts of the people
monument more enduring than the stately
one which they have erected in its circle
this growing identification of the city with
the State and Of the people with their cap
itaI is a prolific source of State pride and
safe guaranty that the sentiment will en-
dure.