The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-04-20

to show the visiting merchants Ludu
ever before. Due to the Jobbers and
Manufacturers association we know
more of what is made in Topeka. L be-
lieve we have a spirit among the mer-
chants as well as the jobbers and man
ufacturers that will help promote the
further sale of Topeka made goods.
Make 1t Better.
w. H. Davis: II think you ought
to give little better entertainment
each year; we want something that
will entertain all the people.
Charles Wolff: 1T is certainly one
of the cheapest means of advertising.
but when we do thing we want TO
do it right"
Otto Kuehne: Anything we do for
Topeka helps us ALL"
Mayor ]. B. Billiard: ct think it has
been a good thing. Possibly If some
entertainment of a novel nature could
be found it would be an excellent idea.
will encourage Merchants Week in
every way I can, and will contribute
my share of the expense"
John r. Mulvane: II am an optim-
list in affairs of this kind. You can
count on the Bank of Topeka for
help"
John B. Nicholson: We are for To-
peka first last and all the time
H. L. Whiting suggested that it
might be a good plan for the jobbers
and manufacturers to make displays
of Topeka made goods either in store
windows or in some vacant store. His
might be willing to cooperate with
them by allowing them space in their
windows for display purposes. An
other suggestion was that the mer-
chants make displays in their win
dows of the Topeka made goods which
they handle.
A number of other enthusiastic
talks were made.
Mfr. McEntire on Rates.
The retiring president, George P. Nc
Entire. read a paper which dealt large
ly with the rate question as applying
to. Topeka. He asserted that the ma
jority of our industries are simply the
result of the steady growth of our city
and the surrounding territory; that
the men in the jobbing and manufac-
turing line are for the most part To-
pekans who have grown right up with
the town; that like other cities we
need a traffic bureau that will seek to
give us equitable freight rates.
THE impression prevails with some"
said Mr.. McEntire, that my position
in the rate matter is one of hostility to
our railroads and that my inclination is
toward the making of easona BILE de-
mands. May 1 set myself right with
you?
My one idea is to get Topeka rates
on an equality with Kansas City rates
and to do this in just one way, in the
main; make the rate on all freight COM
ing from the east through Kansas City
to Topeka, just the same per ton per
mile for the distance between Kansas
City and Topeka, as it is from the poinI
of origin to Kansas City, plus the
actual cost of handling in Kansas City,
if there be any.
This is certainly equitabl and would
only be asking for similar readjust-
m not Dl-f1ea1 Il
commerce commission in the recent
Burnham- Hanna Munger case, which
as l understand it was the result of a
charge made for freight passing
through st. Louis, when the actual ex-
pense was not in accord with the
amount charged. This point is general.
Some special commodity rates might
be necessary to meet special conditions
If there is the understanding that
fight has been started against the
railroads it is to be regretted. The
trouble probably lies with ourselves as
the railroads have shown a willingness
to deal fairly
Where unjust freight rates exist and
there are numerous cases, which handi-
cap us, the matter should be taken and
justice secured. Other cities are con-
tinually watching these rate matters,
so should We
Need of Traffic Bureau.
It was the general sentiment of the
meeting that a traffic bureau should be
established in Topeka similar to those
in existence in Wichita. Hutchinson
and other places in order to keep post
ed in regard to the freight situation.
committee will be appointed by the
new president of the club for the pur-
pose of further investigating the rate
question as related to Topeka. and to
look into the question of the establish
ment of such bureau. A report will
be made at the meeting which will be
called in the near future to further
discuss the subject of equitable rates