The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-08
Total

The coliseum executive committee, at it's
meeting Wednesday afternoon, determined
to pass the $4,000 mark on the thirtieth
day of its canvass. Four subscriptions of
$1,000 each were reported at yesterdays
meeting, and the total for thirty days
work reached six figures. There was feel
ing of intense interest among the commit
tee members when they met. Several had
subscriptions which were not authorized
for announcement, and no one knew GER
tainly that the coveted mark would be
reached. Vice Chairman George A. Gay
did not proceed with the usual formality.
He asked at the outset of each man if he
had subscription. One or two reported
encouragingly. Then came $1,000 from the
Havens-Geddes Company. Next the Island
Coal Company's $1,000 was reported. After
a short breathing spell M. III. Spades's $1,000
was added The mark was passed by the
fourth subscription, that of Addison III.
Nordyke, for GOO.
The committee chuckled and expressed its
joy. The record is unprecedented. In thir-
" days il has raised Sl00, 500 in subscriptions
10 stock in a coliseum company. The best
prediction for that amount was ninety days.
The committee does not take all the credit
for the work. either. 1t believes that it's
work was made easy by the special and
commendable value of the coliseum project,
which argued for itself in almost every
case. The committee believes that il con-
Quoted it's canvass intelligently and ener-
getically
APPEAL TO CIVIC PRIDE.
The appeal to civic pride was the greatest
factor. Few of the contributors will have
any direct business interest in the project
beyond the interest that any stockholder
would have. Those who did have direct
interest gave what that direct interest justi-
fed, and then multiplied the amount by
their response to civic pride.
The particular work of the committee
was to patiently present the details, cor
rect many erroneous impressions, show the
value of the stock from a purely invest
ment standpoint-the only appeal near
sordid one-and wait for the person So
licited TO make up his mind. No one was
urged to give more than he ought to justly
give.
OF the amount subscribed nine subscribers
took $500. Forty-fve individuals and
firms took 600 each. In all, fifty-four
have given $1,000 or more. A survey of the
will subscribe $1,000 more. There is
every probability that the half way post
sl25, O0O-will be reached before subscrip-
ton for less than $1,000 is secured.
BUSINESS PUBLIC ACTIVE.
The progress of the coliseum subscription
list is testimony both to the activity OF the
indianapolis business public, which is urg-
ing the project, and to the men of means
who are making 1t possible by their money
Following, as it did, the canvass for $780,
600 for the technical institute fund, 1t was
expected by some that failure would be the
result. But the response has been so gen.
erous and steady that the committee feels
those who doubted the interest of the pub
lie have been fully contradicted.
The committee determined yesterday to
plug on" 1t was with ease that the last
S25. 600 secured that the committee (hav-
ing secured it, looks forward to it's work
for another $4,000 with enthusiasm. The
canvass will go next week and If reports
at yesterdays meeting are verified the fund
will grow with the same steady steps as in
the past month.