125 years ago
december 12, 1884
The late soggy rain has called conspicuous attention to the miserable condition of our sidewalks and lack of sidewalk between the Commercial hotel and the bridge. We don’t like to find fault, but it’s provoking to have a good sidewalk for a half mile, and then be compelled to wade through a mud hole to make connections.
Mr. Stanforth has taken possession of the Commercial hotel, which he purchased some time ago.
The commissioners were in session last week, to consider bids for the several bridges recently advertised in these columns to be built. Numerous representatives of iron bridge firms were present, but as the stone men insist upon having an opportunity to compete, the matter was deferred till January 6, so there is a possibility, at least, that these structures will be built, as they should, of stone. The Record grows more and more enthusiastic in favor of stone bridges. We have the material, we have the mechanics and the laborers, and every dictate of sound policy and good sense, and it seems to us, in favor of these everlasting bridges. No matter if they do cost a trifle more than iron, the money is all retained in the county, encouragement is given to home industry and skill, and thus the temporary difference in cost is more than made up, to say nothing of the ultimate economy in the way of wear and tear of these stone structures. Let us settle down to this policy, till Marion county becomes noted for its wisdom in bridge building, and for the number of its stone-arch bridges.
The silver communion set recently ordered by the Methodist ladies has arrived, and is very handsome.
The new United States courthouse at Topeka is said to be a fine building, elegantly furnished. The lawyers are compelled to behave just like they were gentlemen. No tobacco nuisance is permitted, and no one is allowed to clean his boots with the back of a chair or on the top of a table. When the “person of liberty” of the bar is thus ruthlessly invaded, things have indeed come to a fine pass in Kansas.