The Kansas herald of freedom. [volume] (Wakarusa, Kan. Territory) 1854-1860, 1858-11-06
M,n.r.l s..ourp,. q K.n....

country which now embraces our Ierrl-
tory was regarded only as desert waste,
incapable sf supporting white populs-
ton, and only fit for hunting ground for
the wild and savage tribes Of Indians.
Not only did the opinion prevail among
the beginners in the rudiments Of geog-
raphy, who were just entering upon the
mysteries of 0lney, but even prominent
statesmen entertained the same opinion,
and secuted the idea that American pro-
gress would ever reach the heart Of our
vast continent. It is bnt Eve or six years
ago since Missouri's greatest statesman
ridiculed the project of line Of telegraph
TO California, and with fertile imagination
presented arguments, In the way Of dim
entities. SO great and discouraging. that the
most sanguine friends of the measure,
were forced to abandon it in silence
Now, ere the grass Of one spring has lost
its greenness upon his grave, that same
project is begun, and with most fiattering
prospects Of completion.
But our object is not to review the
many exploded theories Of earlier days,
but to speak of the mineral resources Of
Kansas. To those who suppose We have
Q country composed of large prairies and
a little timber, we say, never were mortals
more mistaken. All now admit that
Kansas is great agricultural and grazing
country, but We claim more advantages
than this.
Kansas is a mineral country. All Of
the most important minerals are here
found in abundance, with the exception
of lead, and we may reasonably expect to
find this too, when our resources are de-
veloped.
We have coal beds of untold extent
These beds underlie the country for miles
and miles, and they have already been
opened, and many are worked to advan-
tage. From personal observation, We
know that the outcroppings of coal banks
can be seen, from one to five feet thick,
in several portions of the Territory. These
"open leads" generally appear along the
banks and beds of streams, at low eleva-
tons, and every indication, such as cours-
es, similarity, re-appesrance, and theory
of stratus, teach US that these beds are
continuous, and are but one large coal
field, only interrupted by natural undula-
tons Of surface, caused by streams and
rivers. Coal exists in Kansas in mex
haustible quantities, and of the best quail
ity. .L
Iron ore abounds throughout the whole
country, but not always In sufficient guam
titles and quality to justify working
Yet we have deposites Of iron ore which
will, ere long, call for the erection Of fur
naces and foundries. Upon the head
waters of the Republican and Smoky Hill
Forks, the Big and Little Blue, iron ore
exists in large quantities.
Our Copper deposites are far superior to
any other. Upon the Little Blue, copper
ore exists. which will yield at least 90 per
cent. of the metal. There is scarcely
any need of mining, for the orc lies ex-
posed upon the surface, and thousands of
tons can be loaded without the use Of
tools.
Gypsum, one Of the best fertilizers now.
known, exists in Kansas. The quantity
Is almost beyond computation and the
opinion has been advanced by a learned
geologist, that Sufficient gypsum exists
in Kansas to fertilize and redeem from
barren waste all the scope of country be-
tween US and the Pacific shore" us.
Tin mines have been discovered upon
the head Of the Kansas river. Az an ev-
idence Of their Importance, the fortunate
discoveries have kept the locality pro-
found secret. In time they will be de-
veloped. .....,
Last, and not least, are our Gold mines.
If the discoveries Of gold in our Territory
had partaken of the same character a.
those made in other localities, then We
would indeed regard them as Of the least
importance. But sufficient Is known Of
the recent gold discoveries to warrant us
In the assertion, that they are 10 have sne
great effect on the progress and prosperity
Of our Territory. Gold exists in Kansas.
That fact is beyond doubt; and also in
such quantities as TO encourage emigration
to our western borders; and possibly ere.
ate as great an influx Of population as did
similar discoveries in California.
With such resources as these, who can
doubt but that we are destined to occupy
glorious position? A finished agricul-
tural and grazing country, with inexhsus-
tible minerals, occupying q GENITAL posi-
ton in this great Union, on the highway
| of commerce, and station on the road
Of civilization, our destiny Is bright In
deed. Herald. u q ~