The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-11-15
To the Editor of The Journal:

notice that Minneapolis has decided to
abandon the plan of reconstructing the old
Exposition, and the building will soon be
torn down. ST., Paul has been making a
good deal of noise and buster about a new
Coliseum, but 1t has not as yet advanced
beyond the cyclonic period commercially
known as wind. -,
Under the circumstances I have a sug-
gestion to Offer It is manifest destiny
that there will ultimately be but three real
cities in the United States, VIZ, New
York. Chicago. and whatever name our
present twin city aggregation may then
bear when united Why not be broad
and liberal enough to begin now to pave
the way for the inevitable. r.
AS one step in this direction, why not
build Jointly a coliseum, auditorium or
cities. but midway between the centers
of population Of one great city. I would,
by actual survey, locate the building, as
a sop to local jealousy, absolutely midway
between our two courthouses upon the line
Of the interurban electric company, unless
a shorter and more advantageous route
can be found. would secure 100 acres or
more (5O0 would be five times as good,
and in addition to an absolutely fireproof
building install geological gardens where
specimens Of every kind Of bird or animal,
barring the polecat, native of Minnesota,
could be housed and preserved for life, as
we'll as animals from all sections of the
world, making the gardens instructive and
| educational. and second to none in the
world. This should be done by the state,
| just as much as the state fosters the His
| torlcal Society and the state fair.
There should be ample Fairgrounds for
| the children of the whole city, with public
baths free to all children or adults. These
Fairgrounds should be made an ideal place
| for children to spend a summer day In
| joyous outdoor recreation.
There should also be an athletic park
! finely fitted UP for all outdoor sports, and
free skating rink in the winter. Bear
in mind that the more you contribute tt
the health and enjoyment of the people
the higher standard of civilization moral.
| ity and intellectually you erect. The
building itself should cost not less thar
$780, 900 and be supplied with refreshment.
rooms Ono liquors) SO that if d conven.
| ton held morning, afternoon and evening
sessions, meals could be served, and the
delegates would not be required to return
| to their hotels for food.
Another feature should be a double.
| track electric elevated railroad between
the Ryan Hotel in st. Paul and the Wes
Hotel in Minneapolis I only speak OF
these as present central points. Centers
may: change during the present century
Of course, the fare from either business
center should be but $ cents, and the time
no more than fifteen minutes.
/ With such accommodations as these ma.
tional political conventions and other pub.
Tic bodies could not be induced to look tt
any other city for their gatherings. The
| hotels combined, at both ends of the cleo.
trio line, would care for any crowd They
would come here without money or an,
inducement except that we could offer thu
best accommodations in the country
The building used for national politica
conventions in Chicago is six or: sever
miles from the center Of the city, ant
reached by through! express trains as ours
would be via the: elevated electric
| I we'll realize that all this would reuufr,
a large sum Of money. But Of what us,