The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-10
The Indianapolis Of the Future
Leading Citizens Indulge Predictions the Growth of
in the Mex Years

its educational advantages will insure cit-
zens such as it has had in the past and
who would be the pride of any city,
MR. FORTUNES IDEAS.
When asked what his opinion to
what Indianapolis would be In ten years
William Fortune said:
IF your question were What should In
dianapolis be in ten years hence. instead
of What will Indianapolis be ten years
hence a more comprehensive answer could
probably be made. AS the question is put
1t invites prophecy. which is quite apt
TO fall below the mark as IL is to go
above. AS instance of this / recall
little prophecy by Colonel Lilly in an ad-
dress before the Commercial Club about
ten years ago, as to what Indianapolis
would be in the year 1900. His expecta-
tons to population were too high, but
on nearly all other points the city had
advanced far beyond the dreams OF eight
years before. Population, however, is the
least important factor. Quality is more
important than quantity. and Indianapolis
is getting quality in a wonderful measure.
The standards of the city and its tone In
all branches of cultivation are rapidly ris-
ing higher 1t is in the infancy, I be-
lieve, of the literary greatness now COM
handing worldwide recognition. It's dis
tinction in art and educational work have
brought 1t well to the front in these lines,
but still this distinction marks merely the
beginning. The people of the city have
time and time again demonstrated splendid
public spirit, and the progressiveness which
is moving them on and on will, 1 believe,
carry US within ten years well near 10 the
realization of our highest hope that Indian
apolis may become the model city of Amer
lea.
THE most important changes will come
in the physical development of the city, the
scope and character of which will be large
ly determined by the kind of municipal ad-
ministration we will have. There is great
opportunity for splendid work in this line.
Aside from what may be accomplished
through the municipal government the
most notable changes will be in the archi-
lecture of the city. The continued growth
of population and business will certainly
within the next ten years carry a consid-
siderable part of the volume of shopping
to other streets than those where II is now
so uncomfortably confined, and IL seems
reasonable TO expect that the movement
will be to the north between Pennsylvania
and Illinois streets.
There must be marked changes in the
transportation facilities within the city
and incidentally ii is not too much to ex-
pect horseless vehicles will have exclusive
rights on certain thoroughfares. while the
travel of horses will be permitted exclu-
sively on other streets. This may not oc-
cur in ten years. but ten years at least will
bring us close to some such change
Time will not permit enumeration of
other important and necessary changes,
but. finally. ten years hence, Indianapolis
will certainly be found several points high
er in the list OF Americas greatest cities"
MR.. POTTSS PREDICTION.
When interviewed upon the subject.
Alfred F. Potts was very brief in his re-
marks. but thought the future of this city
exceedingly bright. He said
what will Indianapolis be i'm ten years?
1t will be city OF 10000 population. 1t
will be recognized as the most attractive
place of residence in the country and as
having the largest number of prosperous
manufa curing concerns and the largest
number Of laborers owning their own
homes of any city of it's class.
This city will be a literary and educa-
tional center. where social recognition will
never depend upon a financial rating. 1t
VIII nave a pouIcdl and business
center. drawing and finally holding the
notably successful men OF the State who
having made their beginnings elsewhere
will gravitate TO the capital for larger op-
portunities. the education OF their children
and broader social life"
The above interviews voice the opinions
of all the leading men of Indianapolis
Nothing Is said in them OF the impossible
because everyone looks on the practical side
| of the question and does not go into mysti-
cal prophecies to show that this
| in the next ten years will be a great
city. Everyone also notes the great amount
| Of civic pride manifest by the majority of
| citizens and that here there exists an I'M
| selfishness and that all are working for and
| toward the public good. II is contended
| that there are very few cities where the in
| habitants look out for the welfare OF the
| city as Is done here. The Commercial Club
| is an organization composed Of men en-
gagged In all lines Of business and the eX-
| press purpose OF the organization Is 10
watch for the city's good. regardless Of
| politics and party interests. This organiza-
| ton Is growing and expanding all the time
and Will play no small part I'm the further
| advancement and increase in the city s
| business interests In the next ten years.
| II is estimated that in 1914 the population
| will range anywhere from $50 900 70 500 600.
and that between the city and the various
| suburbs will be a solid mass OF residences.