The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-19
ME-. j. @. Adnms,s Toast.

1.-THE State as Viewed from the Capital,
was the topic of Justus c. Adams, of this
city. Among other things Mr.. Adams said:
'torty-five years ago. Indianapolis was
struggling town of small Importance, whose
traue and business was less in volume than
the towns of Madison or Lafayette; the TIL
Ter of the soil hauled his wheat by wagon
TO LaWrenceburg. Madison or the nearest
point on the Wabash, White Ohio rivers,
and drove his hogs and cattle to Cincinnati.
This city received no consideration from the
people of the State except place where the
Legislature met. while the citizens OF other
towns and cities passed US by ana MADE sp D.
of the pretentous growth of the Cap.tal city.
AS recently as 1877, when l, as chairman or
the committee on public buildings, had
charge of the bill providing for the erection
of he Capitol, l found a deepseated preiu-
dice and unreasonable jealousy against In
danapolis, firmly lodged in the minds of
many in different portions of our State. But
time with its smoothing processes, more
extended commercial relations, frequent
business association and opportunities for
social intercourse, such as we are enjoying
tonight, has done much to remove the old
time prejudice, causeless as it was, and rub
out the churliShnesS of provincial lines un-
til to-day there are few citizens of Indiana
who do not feel an interest or have no pride
in their capital city And we'll they may,
for every citizen Of this State has a pro-
prietary interest in Indianapolis. Her lines
were surveyed, stakes driven by the State
and land donated by the general goA eminent,
while the taxpayers of Indiana have con-
tributed of their substance year by year
large sums to care for the property of the
State and maintain the institutions located
at this point. They have aided in building
here capital in whose Importance. beauty
and commercial greatness we have just
cause TO feel proud, and In whose future
destiny we have an abiding faith. The citi-
zens of Indianapolis look UP to the State as
dependent child looks toward its mother,
with a strong affection and mistaken faith,
for we are part and parcel of this great
CON rnClwealth.
In Indiana's growth, prosperity and
greatness the multiplied industries, trade
and commerce of Indianapolis reap boun-
teOuS harvest and gather their full snare.
Those who have much and those who have
little. whether living on asphalt street or
country road, are benefited thereby. The
interests of the State and city are so inter-
woven as to be one and the same, for when
commerce thrives and the artisan plies his
skilful hand when labor finds employment
and agriculture receives Its share or the
wealth it produces, and capital invested In
legitimate enterprises brings a fair return,
then the residents of State and city go hand
in hand, striving in a spirit of emulation
and friendly feeling, each seeking in his
own way to advance his fortune by fair
dealing and honorable business methods.
courtesies and social amenities which come
from the association of business men such
as we are enjoying tonight
'These unitieS of interest tend to more
useful existence, new resources of mind and
body, greater self-reliance, literature more
widely diffused and laws instinct with the
spirit of Justice and proper regard for the
rights of all. These are the yardsticks, by
which the future historian will measure the
Situated as this city is in the geographical
center of the State, her unsurpassed trans
portation facilities makes her natural re-
ceiving and distributing point, in fact the
hub, around which revolve the traff1c and
commercial wheels of the State. One 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, yet with these favored conditions. we
assume no position OF superiority nor assert
any title of leadership
HER VARIETY OF INDUSTRIES.
''The numerous and important gatherings
and conventions which have held their ses-
sions in this central city. secured by the or
ganized action of her commercial bodies and
the personal efforts of her citizens, benefit
not only the capital city, but are gain to
the State as well in affording strangers an
opportunity to view the resources and posi-
bilities of this great State; fer our loyalty
and State, pride urge US All to give prom
ests and advantages Indiana offers to those
who come among US.
1.-The State conventions of either party
would be blank and certainly lonesome bod
les without the perennial crop of candidates
from Indianapolis. This city takes the in
itial step and is a pioneer in every move
ment which tends to promote State pride,
cordial good neighborhood feeling between
ourselves and sister cities, better legisla-
ton. with a deeper interest in good local
and State government Every citizen of the
capital feels a just pride in this great State.
Indianapolis cOulC not cAISt WltllOul TIC
State. and the State of Indiana is only COM
plete with her capital city.
IN conclusion, permit me to say that the
people of city and State hold in high esteem
the commercial bodies of Indianapolis, as
intelligent agencies which have furthered
every worthy and commendable OBJECT tnat
has added 10 our growth and commercial
greatness. Their work is not confined to
commercial lines. AS known to all, when
the cry of distress, and the wall of human
suffering is heard above the roaring of the
angry floods. or the cracking of the de-
structive flames, whether stricken by peSti-
Ience, famine or kindred ills. the ties of our
common humanity are touched and the
wires bring back the cheerful response that
the relief committee of the Board of Trade
and Commercial Club with their organized
relief and ministerng hands are first upon
the spot"