Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1913-06-24
SOME EVIDENCES OF GROWTH.

which to arrive at correct esti. =
mate of population that it is pos
sible to get. Taking this as q
measuring stick, we can get a pretty
fair estimate of salem's population,
and of her relative growth.
The census shows in 1906 school
attendance Of 1897, in 1907 it was 1855,
in 1908, the number had grown to 2050,
in 1909, to 22l4, and in 1910 it was
242O, a gain of 623 in five years. The
census of 1910 gives Salem a pOpula-
tion Of 14,094 the school attendance
that year was 242O, or about one child
attending school for each six of pop
ulation. This would give an annual in
crease of population Of $50, or for the
five year period a gain of $3.50. From
1920 in 1870 the school census gained
steadily, being 264O in 1911, 1887 in
1912, and 3172 in 1913. This gain in
three years was almost exactly that
made in the five years from 1906 to
1910. Supposing the relation between
the population and the school children
to remain the same, then counting six
residents for each pupil attending
school, this being the proportion in
1910, when the census was taken, Sa-
lem would now have a population of
l9,032. This is probably very nearly
the actual number now.
There are many other things that
point TO the phenomenally rapid growth
of the city. Five years ago there was
abont one mile Of paved streets in the
city, and today there are more than 80
miles of them, and by the end Of the
year there will be at least 35 miles Of
well paved streets in the city limits
Then in the matter of improvements
there has been a great showing. Com
mencing with the erection Of the U. S
National Bank building in 1909, there
has been a splendid character of build
ing built in Salem. The Hubbard
building, the Moose headquarters, ant
the magnificent Masonic temple amoni
them, buildings that would be a credi
TO much larger cities than Salem. Ii
the way Of residences the showing i
equally good. Indeed one who does no
get out through the residence district
often, win be surprised by taking
walk in any direction, and noting tn
wonderful growth shown everywhere
Not a street anywhere but new builC
ings are plentiful, Not cheap max,
shifts, either, but fine modern home
with all modern conveniences, beautifl
grounds, pleasing to the eye and SUI
gestive Of thrifty well.to.do peopl
homes-not Just stopping places.
During 1912, there were PSI buildin
permits issued, the estimated cost
buildings being $7OO,OOO and from Jur
I, 1912, to June IS, 1913, there were q
permits, the buildings costing 100000
Salem has set hei mark at $500,
in 1890" and at her present rate
growth she will fall some short Of
With her rate Of increase unchang
she should gain in the next seven yea
about 10000 This would give her
population Of between 3l,OO0 and 3
900 in 1920. II must not be overlook
though, that conditions have change
that there are new elements that ha
entered into the upbuilding Of Sale
that will greatly increase her rate
growth. The advent OF the Portlar
Eugene & Eastern railroad, placing
in touch with a large area from whi
we had before been cut off, viii pro
a big feature, and will aid materially
our growth The building Of the 70
TO stayton, which is now practically
sured, also means much, for in the v,
near future this road will be extend
across the state to q connection W