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Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Feb 23, 1897
Page
1
Young Topeka unfolds a civic awakening as men once boys collaborate to build the city’s future. The Fall Festival spurred energy toward a grand new auditorium and stronger public spirit, with 3 000 to 5 000 locals involved in fostering Topeka’s growth and unity.
A Call for united effort by the Commercial Club and a 15 member committee to mobilize thousands in Topeka. The piece urges forming a city wide organization with all residents enrolled to push paving, parks, public buildings, libraries, and schools, to expand industry and culture. It compares Topeka to Chicago and New York as it envisions rapid growth and an auditorium project with a large leadership team.
Architect Burnham touts transforming Chicago’s lake front into a grand panorama likening it to Paris. He envisions immense public benefit, international visitors, and vast economic impact, urging backing and formal estimates of costs and scope. The plan would extend from the lake shore southward, drawing thousands and boosting circulation.
Doctor Charles Parkhurst suffers nervous collapse due to overwork and will not return to the pulpit for an extended period. He has been seriously ill at home for over a week, with weak condition and slow recovery ahead. Mrs Parkhurst says improvement is hoped and no permanent health injury expected.
In New York on February 23 Rev. Wm. Lloyd of Central Congregational Church argued Balaam may be a historic figure with deep spiritual insights rather than a mere myth. He warned against overstraining conscience and urged caution in insisting the entire Bible narrative be read as literal fact.
Chicago witnesses a chaotic arrival as Grand Opera company members clash with a throng at Dearborn station after an overnight trip. Hundreds of trunks and bags jam the platform while workers shuttle luggage for hours. Names and exact figures are unclear but the scene involves notable singers and a disrupted schedule.
Salina report: C J Johnson, young man living with C F Rosine in Lindsburg for five years, disappeared February 12. Search efforts yielded no trace. A note found in his trunk asks to write to Sweden, fueling speculation he vanished to Sweden or elsewhere. Local ponds dragged with no results.
Five ten thousand retailers from the central west and southwest head to Chicago for the National Merchants and Travelers meeting spanning February 24 to March 2. Comptroller James H. Eckles will address Friday at Central Music Hall, with Franklin Mac裂reagh presiding. sessions include a moneter rally and private discussions on railroads and business prospects across a wide regional membership.
Canton Ohio February reports the McKinley residence enforces strict visitation rules with only household members or invited guests allowed. Dr Phillips notes a relapse after recent conferences while doctors insist no cause for alarm and aim to have him travel to Washington by Monday for the inauguration preparations. Ex Senator Sabin and Ex Governor Thomas of Ohio were among callers seeking access.
Over 1 000 delegates attended the Michigan Republican convention in Detroit to renominate Justice Charles J D Long to a ten year term and consider a regent for the University. Debate centered on Levi L Barbour a gold Democrat versus a straight Republican candidate. General R A Alger was named temporary chairman and urged the party to set a strong pace in upcoming elections.
The State Journal comments on P I Bonebrake of Central National Bank urging Topeka to sell the Seventh and Kanens building and use about 60 000 to fund a new city hall with an auditorium. The plan envisions a 150 by 150 structure with 4 to 5 000 seating, lower city offices, a risk of fire station relocation, and tax free operation under city control.
The metropolitan police law, approved by the House days earlier, was killed today by the Senate committee on revision of the calendar. The committee reported 48 bills for advancement and did not include the metropolitan police measure. It is unlikely to be heard again this session.
Laonjon February 23 The rope walker Blondin born Jean Francois de Gravelot died aged about the mid eighties He began rope walking as a child and performed nearly all his life He married Catherine Jamie and crossed Niagara Falls in 1859 before crowds.
Washington reports Mrs Cleveland and her mother with three children left here on the 11 week train for Princeton to see the children installed in their new home before the inauguration. President Thompson's private car conveyed them. Croker ill in New York may delay his trip to Europe.
A wreck near Emporia yesterday left a tramp dead and an engine with six cars piled in a heap. A brakeman named Bankhead was badly injured. In Chicago, Carter A. Harrison was named candidate for mayor and Joseph H. Hubbard for city clerk, with treasurer to be decided by the central committee. The piece also notes a sensational sale promotion and a New Model sales week beginning Thursday.
Stamford reports Mrs Henry Ward Beecher has rallied from extreme prostration yet remains weaker. She slept well through the night but grew weaker after each recurrence. Detective work by Sheriff Kepley leads to arrests of Greenwald store burglars and joint suspects in a broader gang. Sheriff Lucas searched Henry Mullison’s room and seized goods from Chatfe’s burglary, tying Affilixon and accomplices to the linked crimes.
Washington report states General Lew Lee consul general in Havana did not resign or demand a warship as alleged. Secretary Thurber told reporters there was no basis for the published story and no intent to resign or request force from the state department. The item closes with notes on upcoming showings and travel plans by the Paiges and Homistekers via the Santa Fe Route on March 2.
Washington February 23 The silver Republicans in the senate and house issued an address calling a meeting of a provisional national committee to meet in Chicago in June 1897 for the purpose of calling a national convention of silver Republicans and allies. Charles A Towne of Minnesota named chairman. signers include Senators Teller Dubois Cannon Pettigrew Mantle Jones and Representatives Towne Hartman Shafroth Allan of Utah.
An attempted holdup occurred last night on Sixth Street between Topeka Avenue and Tyler Streets. A tall man in a long overcoat cried for help as two assailants fled, while bystanders, including Did Dietbert and Fred DeChert, described the scene and sought police assistance.
Mrs Celia Wallace widow of a Chicago judge carried a gown valued at fifty thousand dollars including jewels at the grand opera season opening. The dress features a large ornate face and bodice and skirt embellishments with diamonds. she is noted as a philanthropist and jewel connoisseur with a famed antique collection.
In St Louis on February 23 a planned Coxey unemployed demonstration for Washington's Birthday was called off. Arrangements and a large turnout call were made but the expected parade and speeches did not occur due to weather. Coxey was reported to be in Memphis with reform editors.
Ex Governor Lewelling's proposal for a new normal school at Wichita faces adverse report from the House committee on educational institutions after a 6 to 2 vote. The panel favors closing the slate of normal school bills, with Rothweiler and Irwin offering minority reports backing La Crosse and Wichita locations.
Berlin reports Turkish government informed ambassadors that two Turkish companies were cut up by insurgents at Voukolles with only one officer and sixty escapees. Belmont Denies Whisky Deal. A New York representative for August Belmont & Co says the Louisville consolidation report of 15 million dollars is false and without foundation.
Boston February 21 John Lewis Roche son of James Jeffrey Roche editor of the Boston Pilot shot himself in the doorway of the Castle Square hotel. His wound is dangerous and the act is linked to a personal grievance. Peerless Steam Laundry advertises at 112 and 114 West sth.
New York dispatch reports Consul General Lee in Havana has sent a resignation letter after seeking authorization for warships to protect Americans in Cuba. Spanish troops concentrate in Havana as authorities dispute the motive and authority behind Lee’s request and potential dismissal. The State Department later said no resignation had occurred and no letter was forthcoming.
Havana February 2 General Pitziaeh Lee, the United States consul general, personally handed a written statement to the press correspondent here. He declares he has not resigned, refuting earlier reports from New York and setting at rest the conflicting claims.
St Louis opens a Wagner season at the music hall despite issues. Performances featured Die Walkure with cancellations and absences while conductor Lehman was delayed. Publikum faced disruptions as events shifted and planned pieces like Carmen faced changes.
Beloit parent files writ to force school vaccination of children. Meplelain county circuit court granted mandamus. State board rule requiring vaccination declared invalid by supreme court. Senate discussion in Washington references arrest and death of Dr. Jacinto Rule and correspondence with Spanish authorities.
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