The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-10-06
TOPEKA,s GROWTH.

LAlOSG IOpGhdLS WIZ are a III us
appointed over the census figures for
the city which give to it a population
of 43.6s4 probably think of Topeka
as comprising Highland Park, Oak
land, Shorey and other nearby sub
urbs, which to all practical purposes
are a part and parcel of the capital city
of Kansas, and which will be parts of
it, in fact. some day. There is no good
reason, though, for any expressions of
regret that the census figures do not
give the city a larger population. They
represent gain in population during
the past ten years of 10.076 persons,
or 80 per cent. This is an exceedingly
healthy growth. Topeka is. now as
large as Lincoln. the capital of Ne
braska, although this town has claim
ed for years to be much larger than
this city. And Lincoln only made
gain of 8 per cent in population dur
ing the past decade.
A reassuring fact in connection with
Topeka's population is that the
greater portion of its increase
over ten years ago has come within
the past few years. There is also
every indication that the growth of
the city during these past few years
will continue proportionately in the
succeeding years. Certainly there is Wis
IDLE evidence on every hand that the
city is growing and reaching out in
all directions. The building opera
tions during the present year have at
tanned an unprecedented size. Nor is
there any reason to believe that there
viii be let up in the field of activity.
All lines Of business in the city are
prospecting and being developed to
larger proportions. The banks are
doing a much larger business than
they have ever done in the history of
the city. The neighboring country is
growing larger and larger crops each
year. All these things are patent to
every one. They are all indicative,
not only of the fact that Topeka has
grown, but also that Topeka is going
to continue to grow.
Its growth can be accelerated and
in no surer way than by the encour-
agement of manufacturing concerns to
locate here. Topeka has many excel
lent manufacturing industries now.
But there is room for plenty more of
them. Few cities have quite so many
advantages for becoming big manufac-
turing centers as has Topeka. It's
transportation facilities are unexcelled
in this section of the country. Nor
is there any city in the country where
the environment is better for workers
of all classes to make their homes.
The school system is as good as can
be found any place and is being i'm
proved all the time. There are
churches for every creed. There are
plenty of high class amusement places,
with reasonable charges, for the win
ter months. There are attractive parks
galore for summer recreation. The
attractiveness of the city as a place
to live is conceded on all sides. It
is just as good a place to do business
in, as the rural territory it supplies
is almost unlimited in extent
And so. while there is good reason
for congratulations all around over the
growth Topeka has made. there should
be equally earnest endeavors on the
part of the Commercial Club and its
kindred bodies to keep up their good
work of helping the city to grow.
They have a fine field to labor in. And
energetic effort will result in large ac-
com D1ishments