The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-08-29

this committee and the progressive
citizens of the Fourth ward
j. M Meade took up the cue at this
point and gave a short clear-cut talk
on the good of the proposed park to
of this matter now while we are able
to get the land" said Mr.. Meade.
w. A. NeiswanGer. in behalf of the
real estate dealers. OF whom several
of the speakers had made compliment
airy reference, gave many good rea-
ward park. Mr.. Neiswanger spoke
from the standpoint of a man who
didn't own an inch of land in the dis
trict and his remarks were valuable to
the committee. He said in part:
whenever 1 show a stranger over
Topeka 1 remark that this is a city not
to be judged by the number or size of
it's smokestacks but by the excellent
schools, churches, homes. parks and
bouIevards. Topeka can be made the
most beautiful city in the United
States
w. B. Kirkpatrick. head of the
Knights and Ladies of Security, said
this organization would support to a
man the park matter and he promised
his support.
Mr.. Bonebrake's Address.
P. I. Bonebrake made the following
explanatory statements:
"A large portion of the citizens o.
the Fourth ward are exceedingly anX-
ious to have public park located in
that ward Almost all the other por-
tiona of the city are supplied with
parks The First ward has Garfield
park, the Second ward has the City
park, the Third ward has several
parks and along with the southern
part of the city has the Central park.
The west part of the city has WILLOW
park, which is the work of the ladies.
"a splendid location can now be
obtained in the Fourth ward. 10,
cation of the first class with splendid
trees and lawns, that needs no expense
but to put in gates and cut the erase.
refer to the Lakin tract of twelve
acres and the Farnsworth tract of ten
acres, making total OF tWenty-tWo
acres The Lakin tract is the most
slightly location in the city. The
Lakin tract is offered at 100000. The
owners of the Farnsworth tract ask
$4,000, an amount excessive and pro-
hibitory. Therefore, we are before
you asking that legal proceedings be
had that the property may be secured
at fair price. A number OF Well
informed real estate men have been
consulted and none put the value of
the Farnsworth tract at above SIS, 600.
On a liberal basis. the cost of the
entire tracts named will not exceed
$4,000.
There are $500 lots in the Fourth
ward and putting valuation on lot
basis it would cost each lot owner
81 on each lot in the ward. Surely
not an oppressive cost. Consider that
this is the only location left in the
Fourth ward for park. Probably
you are familiar with conditions of
the residents of a large portion of the
Fourth ward. From the creamery to
the Quinton tract they are bottled up.
No outlet but from the south. AS
result property can not be sold or
valued at it's intrinsic value.
When We show persons contem-
plating locating in the city we never
take them to the north part of the
Fourth ward. When the people pleas
ure ride they never go into that part
of the city for the reason that if they
attempt to go round it must be
through alleys and byways-
You will find objections on the part
of many good citizens as to the cost.
Let me give you some Of my expert
ence. 1 was the executor of the Will
of Mrs. Sells. AS such I had num-
Der of lots Just west of what is now
Central park. I sold these lots at
from 5000 to $3.50 each. Today those
lots are covered with houses and the
lots are worth from $500 to 500 and
$500. The increased value of ten
blocks around that park has more
was located and have no doubt that
the value of property in the vicinity
of the proposed park will increase in
double the cost price. I give you
sample of public spirit: When the
people near Central park had exhaust
ed all their resources they were yet
short $4,000. The matter was pre-
scented to a resident of the vicinity
and he promptly handed over the
$4,000 and today his property has in
creased in value much more than the
sum given.
There are men who will argue 1t will
be hardship on the poorer residents
of the ward. Think of it. The pro-
of mechanic or five days wages of n
of mechanic or five days wages of a
laboring man will give him or them
breathing place for their mothers and
children forever. 1 am an extremist in
favor of public utilities of all kinds. I
have seen the effect of a niggardly pub
lie policy. An instance when the Joy
system of railroads was approaching
the Missouri river years ago, Joy asked
Leavenworth for an so acre tract of
land. worth perhaps $1,000, for yards,
etc. Leavenworth refused. Joy ran his
railroad down to Kansas City. Today
Leavenworth has no more people than