Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1853-12-28


Increase over last year, 244,43S
These statistics are conclusive of state of
progress and prosperity altogether unparalleled
in the history Of that region of country which
furnishes from its surplus products the chief
items of our commerce. The amount of prop
erty which has here sought an outlet to market,
during the season of navigation just closed far
exceeds that of any previous year. But quite
the most satisfactory feature of all is found in
this fact, that the remarkable increase in total
valuation for 1853, over that for 1852, is owing
no less to enhanced prices abroad for our princi-
pal exports, than 10 the additional amount of
shipments made. Thus. while the resources of
the country are being rapidly developed, it finds
constantly widening markets, and constantly in.
creasing rewards for the fruits of its productive
industry. The consequences of this healthy
state of things is everywhere among us fully
apparent The laborer and the capitalist both
feel its influence. The latter realizes a large
profit on his investments, and the former in
most instances is sure of receiving liberal CON-
pensation for his hard toll With all classes
money is easily obtained, and every branch of
industry has received quickening impulse
More extended plans of operation for the fu-
ture are in many instances projected if not al.
ready put in process of execution. Lands are
held at advanced rates, but prospects for future
emolument growing out of that species Of prop
erty, are so fair, that transactions of considera-
BILE Importance have taken place at present
prices Unusually large quantities, especially
of such as are valuable for timber, have been
entered within the last twelve months, in this
and the counties north, some for the purpose of
speculation, ard some for the purpose of carry
ing on numbering operations.
1t will be observed that the value of the va.
rious descriptions of lumber sent from this point,
including shingles and staves,is more than double
that of all other items in the aggregate. Far
ther north, the people are almost entirely enga-
ged in procuring supplies for the lumber
market; but we have no figures at hand that
for the year. The amount of sawed lumber
turned out from Muskegon alone, has been set
down at 3SOOO,OOO feet, and we may safely es.
innate that exported from Ottawa, and the two
counties attached thereto, as high as 100 100000
feet, worth at the place of shipment over
100000. Lath, shingles, timber and posts,
great amounts of which have been shipped, are
not embraced in this computation, rs we are not
furnished with sufficient data on which to base
a judgment in reference to those articles.
The lumber trade has certainly much to do
with the prosperity Of Western Michigan. 1t
gives employment to crowds of men, creates a
demand for agricultural products, and almost
entirely sustains the commerce that now exists
on the adjacent waters. Already important, it
gives promise Of continuing to be the absorbing
interest of our citizens, even on a more enlarg-
ed scale for many years 10 come. So long as
the forests hold out we may safely predict that
business transactions in this portion of the State
will be characterized for their great activity,
quick returns, and handsome cash profits. Nu-
merous railroads in process of construction on
the other side, are fast extending the area of
the market, and rapid growth of population is
there creating wants that will soon be altogeth-
err beyond the present means of supply. Not
withstanding the vast yield from tho pineries,
the lumber yards Of Chicago were never before
so thoroughly cleared at the same season Of the
year, and never before were the prospects for an
increased demand so hattering as at the present