The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-15


railway This point has been covered
in Governor Bailey's message and will
probably be made the subject of legisla-
ton in this years legislature
Another communication from c. P
Bolmar, now absent in New York city,
was read informing the club that an
audience with George Gould, head of
the Missouri Pacific railway had been
secured by him. Mr.. Boimar stated that
be believed he had secured the interest
of the railway officials in the extension
of the old line of the K n. & D. from
its present terminus in Topeka to a
point joining the Central Branch in
northern Kansas. It is believed that the
Missouri Pacific branch can be made a
factor in local freight transportation to
the release of the present tension in the
matter of freight rates.
At the suggestion of President Frost
IN his address the club instructed the
committee on state legislation to secure
from the legislature a renewal Of the
franchise for the construction of a dam
across the Kansas river at Topeka
Secretary Anderson believes he is in
correspondence with capitalists who will
build a dam here.
PRESIDENT FROST'S ADDRESS.
The year just closed has been one of
almost unprecedented prosperity and
Topeka has shared fully in this pros
perity in all lines of business. While
no house to house canvass has been
made by the secretary this year, he
advises me that the reports made by
business men are good. practically
without exception.
The best indications of prosperity in
the business world are given in the
bank clearings. which for the year 1902
amounted to $69, 2S2. 22o. For the year
1901, the bank clearings amounted to
SIS, $50, 237, an increase Of SO, 401. 1888, or
Is per cent over last year being shown.
A new bank was established during the
year, located on the north side of the
river, the stock being taken entirely
nv Of 174z
The returns made by the city asses
SOr show that for the year ending
March 1, 1902, there are 289 manufacture
ing establishments in the city, employ
ing 4.709 males. 791 females and IT
children; that the wages paid amount
ed to s., 1922 100, and that the value of
the product was SIC, S9S, 162, showing a
very large increase over the previous
year. The statistics were gathered IN
der the personal supervision of Mr.
Oscar BischOff, city assessor, and he
is entitled to credit for the thorough
manner in which the work was done.
Among the new industries Established
during the year were the works of the
Topeka Press Brick company at VIII
lard, promoted largely by Topeka cap
ital- / am advised that the company
will be in position to supply the entire
local demand for face brick and build
ing forms for the coming year.
The Topeka Hydraulic Stone COM
pany, the plant located at the foot of
I R1au4SOn street IS one OF In6 new lnQu6-
tries that is making a promising begin
ming.
The Elizabeth Steel Bridge Works
viii be ready for business by April 1.
and will Prove a valuable addition to
the interests Of the city.
The Topeka Manufacturing company,
( builders of the Perfection Seed cleaner
Their machines for the present are be-
/ ing built by the Topeka foundry and
/ Horns planning mill
new creamery has been added to
our other Industries.
Some of the older industries have
added to their capacity and while To-
/ peka does not make great pretenSiOnS
as manufacturing center manufac-
/ turing is growing, steadily and Topeka
ranks next to Kansas City, Kansas,
and excluding the sDaeking houses at
/ the latter place. takes first rank in the
state in the value of It's manufac tured
products. I predict that the assessors
returns for the year ending March l.
/ 1908, viii show a handsome increase
over the previous year
In my remarks to the club one year
ago. I outlined the work to be accom-
! plished by the Kansas MidWinter ex-
1 position.
The Afidwinter exposition which
commences in Topeka next Monday is
4 the second naturalization of project
that had its inception in the CONNER
ciaI club. There were more than 40 900
4 visitors to the exposition, a very graf
/
outside of the city, drawn to the city
/ by reason of the exposition It's success
was largely due to the able manage
ment of Mr. R S Brigham secretary
and general manager.
The prospects for the exposition this
winter are very satisfactory to those
who have the project directly in hand
and all indications point to a largely
4 increased attendance from all parts Of
the state the railroads having given
US their hearty cooperation this year
/ as heretofore.
The first fair given by the company
last year. while confined entirely to an
exhibition Of live stock and race
4 meeting, was successful financially and
/ in point of attendance. A committee
from this club was active in securing
subscriptions to the stock of the COM
/ pany and in its efforts to give the fair
/ this year. which will include all the in
4 dustries of the state. the organization
should have the continued support OF
the members of the club. The time has
! unduestionably arrived when an old
f fashioned state fair and stock exposition
will meet with the hearty endorsement
+ of the people OF the state. The state
ought to make a sufficient appropriation
! to pay the live stock prizes and pre-
NUNS on agricultural products. IF To-
peka. Hutchinson. Wichita and Ottawa
make a fight in the legislature for the
/ location Of the fair, not dollar will be
/ appropriated. On the contrary, if all
the localities will unite in promoting q
fair. and leave the location to the board
created by law, reasonable appropria
/ ton for the payment of premiums
/ ought to be secured. Let Us have :
state fair by all means. Secure an ap-
( proDria ton and settle the question OF
/ location afterwards.
A member of this club now in New
f York has succeeded in personally inter $
viewing Mr. Could regarding the ex-
tension Of the Topeka line northwest t.
a connection with the Central Branch
line Of the Missouri Pacific system. He
writes very encourag ingly and hopes to
secure favorable action in the spring.
Measures were taken by the club dur
ing the year to promote the formation
i Of q produce exchange in the city but
unfortunately. through circumstances
hevcnd TIC control OF the parties hav-
ing the natter in charge. nothing came
Of the project. Topeka needs a produce
exchanca and the grain men and COM