Montour American. (Danville, Pa.) 1866-1920, 1901-08-15
AN INDUSTRIAL CITY
ELABORATE PLANS PROPOSED FOR
INDIANAPOLIS.

"orkmep Way Have fleasnnr
Homes Near Their Employment.
Model Factories to Be Erected.
The proposed industrial city for In
dianapolis is on a much broader plan
than Is generally understood, and things
other than dollars are considered in
projecting 1t. The plan Is one of indus
trial Improvement, applying to both en-
ployers and employed, says The Jour
nal Of that city. The purpose Is to build
city where laboring men will find it
pleasant and profitable to live and at
the same time be close to their employ
ment. In considering the proposed en-
terprise the directors have given labor
the same consideration as capital, real
iZing that upon a harmonious adjust
ment between employer and employee
rests the success Of the venture. So
pronounced is this sentiment that the
directors have made provision relating
to manufacturers and sites that will
prevent any friction.
vestigate each applicant for a Site the
committee to consist of one representa-
tive Of the board Of trade, one Of the
Commercial club and two of the board
Of directors Of the industrial city.
This committee will ascertain the atti-
tude of the company to its employees,
the conditions imposed upon its work
men, the compensation. and cOnsidera-
ton they receive, its position regard
ing organized labor, the financial re-
sponsibilhy of the concern. the charac-
ter of work and product manufactured
as we'll as the personality of officers Of
the company and the employees and
the future stability and permanency Of
the enterprise. Having passed upon
these points, the committee will recon-
mend or disapprove site being grant
ed to the applicant by the board Of d.
rectors.
Taking these precautions to select
the most desirable class Of manufac-
turers, the board believes the success
of the industrial city will in great
measure have been accomplished. From
TO - acres are to be granted free for
factory sites, besides bonuses ranging
as high as $1,000. All this being gratis,
the directors feel that they cannot be
too careful in choosing who their ten
ants shall be in order to attain the
ideal purpose of the plan. So far as
the actual construction of the factories
Is concerned the board will claim no
dictatorship other than an understand
ing that they will be well ventilated
and lighted roomy, substantial and
safe buildings and not cramped into
close quarters. The class of manufac-
turers they desire are those who are
interested In industrial betterment and
are willing TO adopt modern plans OF
factory extension, such as dining
rooms, baths, factory, laundry and 9TH
er equipment found TO be profitable in
institutions where such arrangements
have been made. These features are
not compulsory, but it is the desire to
interest men disposed to recognize the
hygieuic conditions necessary for the
health and comfort of their employees.
In planning the residence part Of the
suburb as much care has been taken as
In the business and industrial districts.
Three main streets diverge from what
ls TO be the central and business part of
the city. These streets are to be beau
tilted with grass plots in the center
The other streets run at right angles.
Allowing for the maximum growth of
the city provision is made for three
school buildings, and In connection
with each is large public recreation
ground This feature has especially
commended itself to the architects and
promoters, since 1t has been so highly
approved in the large eastern cities.
There are also number OF small re-
serves In the residence district that
may be utilized for similar or other
needed purposes. In addition to the
provisions made for common schools
and high school, the board of direct
ors also has in mind the establishment
OF a technical school for training In
scientific and skilled trades.
The paramount feature Of the whole
plan Is the provision for homes for la
borers. AS much if not more attention
has been paid to this phase Of the sub
urb than any other 1t is the intention
to make the homes in the industrial
city the most desirable, convenient and
comfortable. The proposed plan is to
furnish these homes with light, heat
and water from the central power plant
at a nominal cost.
The board of directors named in the
prospectus are well known gentlemen
of the highest business standing, and
not a single one Of them would lend his
name TO a doubtful enterprise. The
plat will contain % factory sites, all ly-
ing along the north side of the grounds.
South of the factory district will be
the residence and business part of the
city.
What inducement will your compa-
ny offer to factories TO locate on your
groundsY one of the directors was
asked.
ITO reputable, well capitalized and
substantial manufacturing companies
we will offer free factory sites, the best
of shipping facilities and cheap heat
light and power, with a cash bonus
where 1t Is deemed advisable. This
will bring the factories to us with a
rush. Some old established companies
that have outgrown their present loca-
tions or are unfavOrably situated are
already making inqpiries, and new en-
terprises now being organized are also
looking In this direction"
John l.. Gritiiths who is one OF the
most active of the citizens pushing the
matter states that they have received
already numerous letters Of inquiry
from large manufacturers lin different
parts OF the country, some of them EN-
ploylng as many as 500 men each, ask
ing for sites In the proposed suburb.