The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1930-05-15

0ncorporated)
Formerly g: Logan Payne Co.
CHICAGO NEW YORK BOSTON
Bismarck Forging Toward Destiny
Now mark Bismarck!
Another championship has come to the city on the
Missouri. It has achieved the greatest growth of any
major center of population in the state of North Dakota
since the census of 1920 was taken. Jumping from q
population Of 1922 ten years ago, it has attained a total
Of II $50 residents.
This is a percentage Of 5557 gain. Even more i'm
pressive is the showing of 20 years. Since 1910 the city
has expanded from a population of 5,443 to the present
1000, which is an increase of 1886 per cent.
No city in North Dakota has grown like that in that
period. There is a significance about the distinction.
Perhaps the fact that this is the capital of the state
has been a factor. but that has not been all that has
gone into the making Of the city.
improvements have had much to do with Bismarck's
growth. The fact that the city has more street paving
than any town of its size in the country necessarily has
been an influence in bringing people here. Also its sew
ers and, above all, its water.
Bismarck is prominently the city of the state which
has water for all purposes in plenty, whether it be for
drinking, cooking, fire protection, irrigation or naviga-
ton. This natural resource is all the more pronounced
for the fact that almost every other rival city in the state
finds itself handicapped in this respect, so much so that
all the other municipalities are talking and planning to
draw on Bismarcks advantage by diversion Of the Mis-
souri, river to supply them at expenditure Of millions Of
dollars.
Bismarck is now finding its stride. Originally it was
founded on a dream Of another great Northwestern riv-
er port, out of which all the commerce Of the vast region
beyond Yankton and this side Of Fort Benton, Mon
tana, and the Black Hills. would be distributed. Coming
of the railroad, which wiped out steamboat traffic on the
Missouri, shattered this expectation.
In time Bismarck began to find itself in the changed
"a l. ..aS~ 49, ~ .>>A - A.. >-A -
which the vision Of q populous commercial future beck
ons its ambitions. It has adapted itself to the conditions
of the last ten years and awaits the next ten with con-
tident composure. The gain in population since 1920
shows that its confidence is not misplaced.
Bismarck now is organized to realize its destiny. Not
a small amount Of credit for its census showing must be
attributed to this phase Of its equipment. It's business
elements are banded in cooperation, are wide-avakc to
opportunity and are tireess and resourceful in pursuing
projects capable Of contributing to the development and
growth Of the city.
This city is not fitted for growth alone by reason of
the Missouri river being at its doors. It is in the center
of a fine agricultural region which is just developing its
future and as the hub of this area 1t is assured of a big
business future. Vast natural resources are close by,
awaiting the day when they shall be needed, to be turned
into manufactured products or to supply the means of
creating such manufactured outputs. Bismarck. in fact,
might base its slogan on the fact that 1t is the heart
Of vast undeveloped resources.
No city in the state is as magnificently equipped from
a natural standpoint for a prosperous and important fu-
ture as is Bismarck. It sits amid Ignite deposits and
clay beds and water power. with a great transmissis-
sippi-P Pacific Northwest railway line to supply its trans
portation needs and the river to turn to II water trans
portation again is to come into activity as an additional
means Of traffic resources. With the coming stage Of
adequate population to provide markets at home and
nearby it is bound to become a manufacturing center, as
tits well qualified to be.
Meanwhile, in these ten years while it has been ex-
panding its population in step with means to support
it beyond the progress Of its sister cities of the state,
Bismarck has been e~quipping itself for the big days to
come. It's paving, its water. its lighting, its sewers, its
splendid homes are not all that have been provided. The
memorial community building now under construction
is another provision of f~oresighted progress. It is des-
tined to play an important function in the future Of the
city.
And now natural gas is to come in and, possibly, a SUBJ
terminal elevator of such Importance as 100000 bushels
capacity, to serve as a factor in the new agriculture Which
is to rise from farm relief. Anyhow the fact that the city
has turned to think about this is an index Of progressive
mindedness that is significant.
With the approach of midsummer the thoughts of its
citizens turn with those of the other sections Of Bur-
leigh county to the surrounding Of another long delayed
realization-a new courthouse is to be built, one en-
bodying spaciousness, convenience and dignified beauty.
In time the state will provide a new capitol building.
Ever the future Of the city grows more luminous. its
civic pride more justified.
The real big factor Of Bismarck, however, is the char
,Acter Of its people. Without their self-reliance and their
courage and their vision. population would count for
little. Bismarck. therefore. has something more to be
proud of than the greatest census gain In the state,
and. that is the solidity Of the city as expressed in the
quality Of Its people. May they take renewed spirit from
the distinction that has befallen the town in its gain OF
b557 per cent in residents. The future which this prom
ises is worthy Of their continued inspiration.
Six New Caterpillars
At the national air races last summer, spectators were
thrilled immensely when a big army bomber scared aloft
and sent six men down to earth in rapid succession. by
parachute