The Van Buren press., 1859-11-11
For the Van Burea Psess.
Santa Te Trade.

While the country is venting its just in
dignation upon the fanatical outbreak at
Harpa's Ferry, whilst Arkansas should
not remain silent upon the subject, still we
OF tho far West should not lose sight of
those advantages, which, when secured,
cannot fail to render Arkansas one Of the
first States in the South West. By be-
coming strong. wealthy, and consequently
influential. we will be the better able to
cope with those influences which work such
diabolical results upon the peace. happiness
and prosperity of the entire South. Most
readers are aware of the fact that the San
ia Fe trade flows into northern Missouri,
thence southwark until its apparent effect
and influence is lost in the mighty tide of
wealth which constantly flows along the
wlndings of the Great Father Of water
Arkansas feels not the least pulsation of
that power which this lucrative trade i'm
parts to our northern sister, Missouri. Let
us ask ourselves the simple question, why
is this 7? Have we no inducements to offer
the hardy trader of the plains Are we
off the natural route from the States to
Santa Fe? Are there no facilities for the
transportation of goods from the Eastern
cities to Van Buren,, or is not the present
state of things caused by sheer negligence ;
a mastery inactivity which has SO long
been characteristic of A.,,sansas. A., and es.
pecially the Western portion of it. With
m..-a..ons of wealth lying within our reach,
let us no longer slumber, but take hold like
men, and determine to have a Santa Fe
Trade from Van Buren, to the great mart of
New Mexico. In late speech addressed
by the Hon. Mr.. Phelps of No., to the cit
liens of Santa Fe, he tells them in so
many words that the point of departure for
the caravans must be changed from Inde-
pendence, and it is his desire to establish it
at some point nearer the southern line of
that State. He pictures in glowing but not
exaggerated colors, the immense advantages
that have accrued, are accruing and will
accrue to the State of Missouri of pecuni-
ary character from this trade with New
Mexico. Our trade, already immense, may
be vastly increased, if we only determine
to have it SO. With an Indian trade Of
over $3.50 600. our city must become a
point of importance, if we will only imi-
tate our sister city in her blowing. Now,
if Mr.. Phelps is determined to change the
point of departure of the Santa Fe cara
vans, why may we not have it start from
Van Buren,, and travel the most practicable
route, to wit, the route often travelled by
Josiah Gregg. This is the straightest route,
the least exposed, and one upon which the
grass springs up much sooner than on the
present Santa Fe route, or any route that
can be selected by starting from any point
on the borders of Missouri. One great OBJ
ject in carrying on the Santa Fe trade, is to
make an early start from the States and Sc
curing, thereby, all the advantages of fore
stalling the market All merchandise de-
sired by traders may be easily consigned to
this point by water in time for an early
start in the spring. Everything necessary
for the trip can be procured in this city and
complete outfit made as cheap, If not
cheaper than at any point in Missouri or
anywhere else. Let us turn our attention
to this matter, and see what can be effected
After the completion of the Railroad to
this place it will become the best place be-
yond all comparison for starting point
We would ask Santa Fe traders to look
well to this matter, and by consulting the
maps they will readily perceive how much
straighter, better watered, and altogether
how much more preferable this route is to
any one that can be selected. 1t is to your
own interest of course to select the best
route. G..