USA > Kansas > Wyandotte County > Kansas City > Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. Historical and biographical. Comprising a condensed history of the state, a careful history of Wyandotte County, and a comprehensive history of the growth of the cities, towns and villages > Part 41
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" In speaking of the manufacturing interests, the huge smelting works demand a prominent position, for, although situated just out- side the city limits, they belong to Wyandotte County, and are closely
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WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
connected to the city by many ties. They are the largest works of the kind in the world, and Kansas City is justly proud of the promi- nence they have attained. Over eighteen acres of ground are used for the concern, and 500 men are employed the year round. The com- pany does a yearly business of $18,000,000, and one-fifth of the en- tire silver and lead product of the United States is smelted and handled by this plant, requiring for that purpose about forty-five cars a day. Another company, the National Smelting & Refining Com- pany, has just been organized, and the works are now being erected within a space of thirty acres of ground, of which the buildings will occupy about two acres. This new enterprise will furnish employ- ment for about 300 men at the start.
"In order to care for the large and rapidly increasing receipts of grain, it has been found necessary to erect some immense elevators. The Rock Island Railroad has just finished one with a capacity of 125,000 bushels, and a new one is now in the course of erection by some Minnesota parties, which will be capable of holding 1,500,000 bushels, and will be one of the largest in the country. Not to be in the rear ranks of this march to supremacy, the Santa Fe road is mak- ing arrangements to build one that will equal the capacity of the Min- neapolis, so that there will be no danger of any of the grain being diverted for the lack of accommodation. The board of trade is cer- tainly entitled to a great deal of credit for the efforts put forth by it to create a grain market in Kansas City, Kas., and in pursuance of this aim a grain inspector has been appointed, with full powers from the State, the expense being borne by the board. There is no reason in the world why this city should not control the extensive shipments of grain which is raised around it-it passes through here, and no stone should be left unturned in the aim to keep it here and compel the sale to be made where it properly belongs. In a few years this will undoubtedly be done, and the supremacy for the largest grain market west of Chicago will be hotly contested, and remain with the metropolis of one of the greatest grain-producing States of the Union."
A huge power company is on the verge of organization in this city, with a capital stock of $1,000,000. The name of the new institution is the Interstate Water & Electric Power Company, of Kansas City, Kas., and the plant is to be established near Muncie. The new cor- poration is backed by leading capitalists, who propose to dam the Kaw River on the east line of Section 21, Township 11, Range 23, and
414
HISTORY OF KANSAS.
furnish power to manufactories, and an immense electric light plant. Already 203 acres of land have been purchased at a large cost, 173 acres lying on the north side of the river and thirty acres on the south side. The directors of the company are John B. Colton, Nicholas McAlpine, David N. Carlisle, Robert L. McAlpine and John S. Johns. These gentlemen have taken the scheme in hand after most thorough investigation. The engineers have tested the practicability of the whole matter, and find that the river can be made to furnish a terrific power at this point that will run any amount of machinery. The main object of the company is to put in a plant to supply this electric lighting of the two cities and adjacent towns. The price of the light can be so materially reduced, it is claimed, that fuel fed concerns will have to go out of the business. This same scheme has been talked of for years, but no company with an authorized capital has yet been or- ganized. The members of the company feel that they have hit upon a plan to make a big manufacturing place at the point where they have decided upon to dam the river and will enter into the scheme upon a large scale.
The people of Kansas City have reason to feel satisfied with the showing made for their city by the census of 1890. In 1880 the territory now occupied by Kansas City included several small towns, and as a consequence the consolidated cities did not make an aggre- gate showing in the census. It is likely that the territory in question contained a population in 1880 not far in excess of 10,000.
The census man unofficially places the population of Kansas City, Kas., at 40,000, and the official figures will probably substantially con- firm his estimate. This means that Kansas City, Kas., has gained 30,000 persons in ten years. This is a remarkable record for a city that ten years ago hardly thought of contesting for first place in the great State of Kansas. Kansas City is now in substantially the same situation as was Kansas City, Mo., in 1880. Her population is prob- ably not so large as was that of Kansas City, Mo., but in the matters of public enterprise and public improvement she is easily in better shape than was Kansas City, Mo., in 1880. In 1880 the latter city was deficient in street transportation to a woful degree. Not a foot of cable road was then in existence in this city, and the construction of an inclined plane on Ninth Street down to the railroad station was considered a big undertaking. Progress since that time has been marvelous, but in comparison the record for Kansas City, Kas., has been hardly less remarkable.
415
WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
To-day Kansas City, Kas., is in a better situation for rapid growth than was the city on the east side of the Kaw in 1880. No city can develop rapidly and comfortably without adequate street transporta- tion facilities. With the construction of cable lines, Kansas City, Mo., entered upon her real growth. Poor streets and slow street cars will hold back the progress of the most promising city. The people of New York City realize that rapid transit is an absolute necessity for their great metropolis. Kansas City, Kas., is already enjoying the advantages of modern street transit systems. She has only to add to her present facilities to keep pace with the demands of her expanding limits.
In the direction of street paving and improvements, Kansas City, Kas., holds an advantageons position. Her people have been exceed- ingly liberal in the matter of public improvements, and they have not been over-confident. Results have justified their liberality, and the future is exceedingly promising. With the advantages indicated and the tendency of large manufacturing enterprises at this point to locate west of the Kaw, it seems certain that Kansas City can look forward to the census of 1900 with favorable anticipation. The next ten years will be years of wonderful activity and prosperity. The population to-day is a working population, actively engaged in enterprises which are building up a great city. Three thousand buildings were erected during the year 1889 to keep pace with this growth, at a cost of $5,- 000,000. The amount of money now invested in manufacturing plants is $14,000,000, the value of their products is $36,000,000, and their pay-roll amounts to $2,500,000. The people of Kansas City pay taxes on property the assessed valuation of which is $8, - 425,629. This is abont twenty-five per cent of the real valuation. The tax rolls for 1889 show the assessed valuation of property, as compared with 1888, as follows:
1889.
1888.
Lands
$2,187,290
$2,166,215
Lots
5,123,246
4.891,305
Railroad property.
274.682
234,989
Personal property.
839,911
730,878
Total valuation
$8,425,629
$8,023,387
The assessed valuation of all taxable property in Wyandotte County is $11,322,461, and almost eight-tenths of this is in the cities of Kansas City, Kas., Rosedale and Argentine, as will be seen by the following:
+
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HISTORY OF KANSAS.
Kansas City, Kas $8,425,629
Argentine. 344,145
Rosedale. 197,623
Total $8,967,397
In population, the census of 1890 will show a total for Kansas City of from 40,000 to 45,000. According to the last enumeration, which was in March, the city had a population of 36,279. This is 3,169 more than for the previous year, showing an increase of about ten per cent. If the same rate of increase applies to the year ending March 1, 1890, then the city will have a population of 40,000. The enumerations made by the assessors each year are not considered thorough, but enough is shown to indicate what has been done. The population for the last four years as reported by assessors is as fol- lows: 1886, 21,299; 1887, 25,066; 1888, 33,110; 1889, 36,279. It is quite fair to assume that if the cities of Argentine and Rosedale, which both adjoin the city on the south, whose interests are in com- mon with those of Kansas City, were annexed, the city at the mouth of the Kaw, on the Kansas side of the line, would have a population of 50,000. The question of annexation has been one of the grave sub- jects under discussion, but thus far has not assumed tangible form. Bnt great as has been the progress of Kansas City during the past few years, it is growing now faster than ever before. It is one of the phenomenal cities of the West, and, with its Missouri namesake, forms the metropolis of the Southwest, the most important business center west of Chicago. There are many thoughtless people who would be surprised, and a few thoughtful ones who would not, could they now behold the figures representing the population of Kansas City in 1900.
While proud of forming a part of the metropolis of Kansas, Armourdale is and was so much of herself, and has so much individu- ality and so many distinctive features, that some special mention of her will be welcome here. The words "onward" and "progress" attach themselves to Armourdale in their every conceivable definition, and she is steadily marching onward from the Kansas Avenue bridge to the county bridge, and spreading both north and south to cover wide acres of land with immense manufactures, packing-houses, eleva- tors, railway shops, foundries, fine stores and public and private buildings. Not only are these mammoth improvements noticed by all who visit the city, but their perfectly metropolitan system, the miles of evenly blocked streets, elegantly equipped electric street cars, per-
417
WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
fect sewerage, fine sidewalks, electric lights, fire department, police force, telephone communication, churches, public schools, halls, banks, etc., impress the stranger at once. The building improvements of the past year have been far larger than any previous one, amounting in all to $504,500; and the city improvements for the year amount to $102,000, making a grand total of $606,000. One of the greatest conveniences that Armourdale has is the electric street car system. A few minutes takes one to West Kansas, Mo., and the stock-yards, while from ten to fifteen minutes places one in the business por- tion of Kansas City, Mo. It is believed that before the close of 1890 direct communication by dummy, cable or electricity will be had between here and the west end of Argentine, and with the Wyandotte County court-house and vicinity; also to Rosedale, Westport and Kansas City, Mo., by cable, over the Eighth Street bridge. Within the last few years the population has increased wonderfully. In 1888 the population here was 5,942; in the spring of 1889 it increased to 7,102, and at present it is about 10,000, which, of course, includes the new territory. The number of men now finding employment here is about 6,000; while the value of real estate has so increased that it is estimated at lowest figures to be from $25,000,000 to $30,000,000. What has caused this immense increase is the steady demand by man- ufacturers for property here, it being so finely situated, both as regards river frontage and switching facilities.
The mayor's message, under date of April 22, 1890. contains so much of interest in connection with the present status of Kansas City and the wonderful advancement of all her interests that it is appended:
"To the Honorable Members of the Council of the city of Kansas City, Kas.
GENTLEMEN: When I assumed the duties of my office, one year since, I briefly called the council's attention to some changes that would facilitate the transaction of the city's business. Much has been done, but many matters remain to be completed, and I now wish to emphasize what, in my opinion, is a wise course and policy for the present council to pursue.
"In the past year we expended for public improvements as follows:
418
HISTORY OF KANSAS.
Grading streets.
$105,687 41
Curbing and paving streets.
269,905 78
Constructing sewers in districts.
84,723 06
Constructing public sewers.
86,736 55
Constructing and repairing bridges.
48,746 67
Opening and widening streets.
27,075 00
Market house
2,700 00
Total
$627,447 47
"In the expenditure of this large sum of money the council has been especially careful, economical and prudent. The improvements made are all of a permanent nature, and add to our material welfare and wealth. The low prices of labor and material favored the city to some extent, but I think that the prompt dispatch of the public busi- ness and the certainty of payment for work done had much to do with the low prices secured. The strict compliance with its contracts, and the faithful carrying out of its agreements on the part of the city, commends itself to bidders, and is equal to a guarantee that their small margins will not be eaten up by unnecessary delays. From the en- gineer's report, I learn that our grading was done for thirty per cent less, our paving for twenty six per cent less, our curbing for forty per cent less and our sewers constructed for twenty-five per cent less, than in the year previous. Calculating on this basis, the $600,000 expended in the past year accomplished more than $800,000 would have done at former prices paid by the city.
"Internal improvement bonds were issued for most of the work done. Prior to my term of office $1,051,000 in bonds had been issued by the consolidated city, $991,000 of which bore interest at the rate of seven per cent per annum. From the sale of these bonds the city realized only $2, 481. 25 in premiumis paid. During my term of office there have been issued bonds of the city to the amount of $610,208.84 bearing only six per cent interest per annum, on which I secured to the city premiums to the amount of $6,442.91. This was a saving to the city for the first year of one per cent interest amounting to $6,102.08, and the difference in premiums on a smaller sum of bonds sold of $3, - 961.66. Total for the first year, $10,063.74; and a saving annually of one per cent on the bonds outstanding, amounting to more than $25,000 additional. This of itself to me seems a splendid showing, and should commend the administration to the tax payers of the city.
"Besides this, the council wisely resolved to deposit the public funds in various banks of our city, at such rates as might be agreed
419
WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
upon. From this source alone the city derived a revenue during the past year of $3,545.04. This is a clear gain to the city, as heretofore not a dollar was received by the city from this source. This interest is oppressive to no one, as it comes from those who have profited by the use of the city's money.
"The construction of sub-sewers seems to me to be one of the first considerations for the council. This city has gone to great expense in constructing sewers, having expended already more than $200,000, $86,000 of which is a charge upon the city at large. Every oppor- tunity should be given the citizens and tax payers to make use of the sewers built with this money, and I would therefore urge that, in the matter of public improvements, the first consideration be given to sub- sewers. Furthermore, I think it would be wise to employ competent mechanics under the direction of the street commissioner's depart- ment, to see that these sewers are kept open and in proper repair.
" Next in order I place the curbing and paving of streets. In this matter, my idea is to make haste slowly. We have so many streets already paved that we can well take our time. Thoroughfares should receive our first attention, after which we should improve connecting streets, and lastly those not connected with our paved system. The council has already ordered a large amount of paving and curbing to be done this year. We have now under contract the following thor- oughfares: Central Avenue, which when completed will make a con- tinuous paved street from east to west through the center of our city; Seventh Street when completed will make a continuous paved street through the center of our city from north to south; Fourth Street from Minnesota Avenue to Ferry Street, Reynolds Avenue from Fifth Street to point west of Grandview, Northrup Avenue from Fifth Street to Seventh Street, Troup Avenue from Fifth Street to Sixth Street, Min- nesota Avenue from Eighth Street to Eighteenth Street, part of which work the council will no doubt order to be delayed till 1891. What with paving these streets and paving the connecting blocks that will be ordered from time to time, the council will make a sufficient show- ing in the paving line. As to what pavement is most desirable, I think the kind asked for by the resident property owners should be given the preference. Our lowest macadam contract let so far was on Sev- enth Street from Parallel Avenue to Quindaro Boulevard at 963 cents per square yard. Our lowest cedar block was on Osage Avenue from Adams Street to First Street at $1.324, per square yard. Our low est brick on concrete on Tauromee Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh
C
420
HISTORY OF KANSAS.
Street at $1.93 per square yard. Asphalt (one price) at $2.80 per square yard on new concrete and on macadam at $2.30.
"In my opinion the grading of streets is the least urgent of our public improvements. It were better that all were reduced or raised to the proper grade. Most any citizen with a little energy could se- cure a petition of the kind that have been presented and passed through our council, to grade any ungraded street or alley in our city. If the councilmen deem it a duty devolving upon them to grant such petitions, and no questions asked or without reference to any committee to inquire into the immediate necessity for such grading, or the public benefit to be derived therefrom, then the business of the council is at the mercy of any citizen who is willing to go after signatures. My opinion is that work of this kind should be considered in the light of all other improvements, and that before granting a petition, the same should be referred to the committee on streets and grades, and be given the same consideration that is given other matters referred. That committee did excellent work in the past year, and can do good work in properly assorting petitions for the grading of streets and recom- mending only such as are most necessary. Whether 'according to the petition' or 'by the block' is still an open question, and until our Supreme Court speaks, our system of apportioning the cost should remain as it stands. I wish to state further that I shall not give my consent, knowingly, to the grading of any street, where the value of the abutting property is not sufficient to pay the cost of such grading.
"With the completion of the Seventh Street viaduct, the various portions of our consolidated city will be permanently connected. This will be some time in June of this year. With the comple- tion of the Eighth Street bridge across the Kansas River, that por- tion of our city lying south of the river and added by extension will be connected. This work is being done by the county, but the south approach will be built by the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Rail- way, under contract to be made with the city. The repair of the Central Avenne (formerly Riverview) bridge is a much needed improve- ment, and the contract for the same has already been let. It devolves upon the council to see that the work is properly done. The Missonri Pacific viaduct is another work that has already been ordered and con- tracted for, and the same will be begun at once. I think that the council should take immediate steps to arrange for the construction of the approaches. Heretofore there has been some difference of opin- ion as to the course to pursue in the matter, but the former coun-
421
WYANDOTTE COUNTY.
cil having ordered the change of grade for the viaduct, and entered into contract for its construction across the Missouri Pacific lands, there remains to this council the necessity of providing the approaches in order to utilize the same. Our contract with the company calls for a vacation of the street through its lands as soon as the viaduct is completed. I have never swerved from my original opinion, that the construction of this viaduct is a great benefit, and will largely tend to the development of the central portion of our city. While there can be and were honest differences of opinion as to who should bear the ex- pense of this work, I think we can all agree upon the necessity of a viaduct at this point. To me it seems that the cost is not unfairly apportioned, considering what we are getting by the transaction and hope to profit in the future through the improvements to be made by the company. Seven suits against the city are dropped by this action of the council.
"The street department has cost the city fully $10,000 less than in the former years, and though we had unprecedented rains in the early part of last year, and many newly graded streets to put in repair, the showing is excellent for this department.
"The efficiency of the fire department has shown itself in many instances. The pay roll is the same as in former years, but the mis- cellaneous expenditures have been materially reduced. In this con- nection I wish to urge upon the council the necessity of establishing a public fire-alarm system as soon as our resources will permit. The private alarms are doing excellent service, and must serve our needs till a public system can be established. In addition, I wish to impress upon the council the necessity of making proper arrangements for the use of the market house. With a small beginning in the way of ten- ants it can soon be made to serve the purposes for which it was in- tended. A fire-proof vault should be constructed in the city hall. The cost and value of our public records require this to be done at once. Three public scales should be established and located in three parts of our city. This is a public need, besides being a source of some revenue. I think it advisable that the jail at the James Street Station be removed from the basement and placed on the second floor of that building. The reasons for this change are many and ap- parent to any one inspecting that building. The time has come when something should be done toward improving the two parks of our city. Shawnee Park is already presenting a neat appearance, but Huron Place is still the street commissioners' dumping ground. The city
422
HISTORY OF KANSAS.
should take steps to secure the school building on this site, and turn the same into a public library.
" A year ago I suggested the advisability of having our ordinances compiled and printed in book form. That work would have been ac- complished long since, had not the city kept up an incessant grind. From the 10th day of April, 1889, to the 4th day of April, 1890, 558 ordinances were passed and approved. The city attorney tells me he . has the compilation nearly completed, and before long the council will be called upon to provide for this most needed publication.
"I desire especially to extend my sincere thanks to Benjamin Schnierle, city clerk, for the efficient manner in which his office has been conducted, having at all times a knowledge of the details of his office at his command, and the records in a good condition. The work of his office has been greater than in any former year, and was done at a minimum cost. I feel that in him the mayor and council have had a valuable assistant.
" The city has done well and been extremely liberal in the ordering of public improvements. Every part of our city has received the benefit of some improvement in the shape of grading, curbing and paving streets, and the construction of sewers, and it would be wise and proper at this time to put on the brakes and slacken our speed. We should confine our public improvements so that the total cost of the same should come within a certain amount. Let the council fix by resolution some limit to the amount of bonds to be issued during the ensuing year. You have outstanding more than a million and a half of internal improvement bonds. Less than half the amount of pub- lie improvements made in the past year will more than suffice to keep laborers employed, and will meet all the immediate requirements of the public. This is a matter worthy of your careful consideration, and upon this point of curtailing the amount to be expended in public im- provements I wish to be especially plain and emphatic. I trust that our official intercourse in the future may be as pleasant as in the past, and that we shall give our city a fearless, honest, earnest and progres- sive administration."
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