The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-12-25
Uinita s Progress

ment IS measured in so many ways, that it
is difficult to realize and note every advance
step taken in growth and development, and
sometimes we are dissatisfied with what
should be most gratifying. The gradual
increase Of population and business in
Vinita during the year now drawing to a
close is another substantial proof that our
city is holding its place among the half-a-
dozen really good towns of the Indian Terri
tory. The Advancement Of town must
not be measured by the number of brick
blocks built in its business section, nor by
the number of elegant residences erected in
its suburbs; but rather by the social, moral
and political standards that have been erect
ed by its people by the questions effecting
the culture and credit of its inhabitants that
have been met, fought out, and settled
definitely, that 60 to make up the woof
and warp of prosperous municipality.
The last year but one in this century,
is the best one in many respects in its entire
history. The volume of business in all lines
shows an increase over last year, and indeed
over all other years in the life of the place.
Socially there is more culture among our
people than could be found year ago, and
OF vastly higher order. Public sentiment
in Vinita requires higher and better order
Of citizenship than it did a year ago. Men
and women are not only expected and re-
quired to pay their debts and keep out of
the gutter, but public sentiment has begin
to declare that they must cease to be liber-
tines, gamblers and desecrators Of the Sab
bath, or in other words they are required to
respect the law and be good citizens.
Along these lines it is pertinent to re-
mark that the public sentiment of the peo- I
pie Of Vinita has made it possible for the
law to be so fully enforced against the in :.
PRODUCTION and sale of intoxicants, that for :,
The first time in the history of the town it :.
can be truthfully said that not single sa- :
oon exists in the place-something that Z
perhaps no other town Of its size in a radius :
If 200 miles can say "
The year has witnessed the organization u
If system of free public schools for the "
ity that will insure a common school edu- II
alton to every boy and girl, red, white or "
lack In the very beginning the city has
cquired school property valued at over ten p
housand dollars, deal made by the city D.
ouncil and the school board and SO salts al
actory that not one single objection has gr
cen heard to the scheme that means large WI
7 increased taxation, but more than cores Du
onding benefit to the city Already many
xcellent families have located in Vinita
olely on account Of the splendid school
lcilities afforded.
While on the subject of schools we must
OF overlook Willie Halsell college, and the 20,
atholic school, both in prosperous con- w
ition and doing excellent work. The col inc
ge under the management of President rat
rewer is being rapidly brought up to a high he,
andard and ranks favorably with the best tio
stitutions of learning in the whole coun- tur
y. AS a finishing school it fills a place
therto unsupplied in the northern portion wa
the Indian Territory 1t is no longer da,
'cessary to send our young people away wb
om home for educational facilities. for,
It is matter of local pride that, as the in
wn grows in Importance and in popula- ont
IN, selfshness and prejudice that distract OH
many smaller communities are rapidlv hoo