The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1877-09-12
VOL, H..
Autumn

|
FADED in their dross Of bleached stubble,
or black with upLurned earth where the
busy farmer has turned the fall furrow.-
There is tinge Of sadness in the decay of
animation, but it is not always of griev.
lous nature What is born must die
What in spring and summer time we SOW,
plant and till, however thrifty, luxurian,
or beautiful it may be IN its prime, must
decay and change. 1t is for the ripening,
1.-The end of growth, the autumn -and its
harvest, that the farmer looks for. The
gathering in of the fruits of summers 5
toll cannot occur until natures law is
fulfilled; hence, the seas IN now upon US
is the farmers pay day, although the mild
forerunner Of bleakness, chill, and gloo my
winter, fruitful autumn is the bright
est season Of his life. gee.
For many reasons the residents of this
county should be doubly gralifed ana
thankful beyond expression, at the bounti-
full result of the seasons growth.
A little over year ago we saw the
Sioux Valley for the ffsl time; it was in
its richest dress and the extensive fields
of grain surprised US, both in extent and
rich growth, for we had been told that
this Was about the ragged edge of civ
ilization and crop bearing soil. Our first
impressions were scarcely removed before
those winged Turks clouded the sky and
swept the fields of their bearings, and
left many destitute of even food to eat,
and with none to sell. The gloomy fall
and fearful winter that followed, was but
| little worse than the dark outlook that
spring brought There was more real
destitution among the people than some
would believe. We heard some who were
possessed of competence, say, that there
was no use of men being SO circumstance
ed, it was their own fault, and cid not be-
lleve that people were suffering as was
reported, and would cite some isolated
case where such an one had prosperpd
even during harder times than taen ex.
listed. This was an uncharitable view
that the cod-hcar;cl and selfish IN inded
man took of the matter. But it did not
change tine fact Individual instances
came under our own cognizance, where
to all appearances, want Was ulknoya t.
them, but they barely sustained life with
the limited amount Of fool they hal.
Then came the question. US to how to
obtain seed That men were poor and
without nccess aries, and no means Of pro-.
curing seed, was evidenced BY the mass Of
people that throngel the Court House
last spring, tu discuss this question. Ma
ny did not procure any, and fields OF rosin
weed and other rubbish corroborate this.
Some only could get flax on credit, and a
little corn; and the statements of reliable
men agree that far less acreage was sown
and planted than last year.
TO add to this embarrassment, was the
loss offaith in the country. Apprehcnslve
of another failure Of crops, another visi-
tatlon Of 'hoppers, many left, others
would, could they have got away, and the
majority stayed because they were obliged
to, and some were bold enough to say they
would never leave unless driven out by
Indians.
Fields were sown aud planted by all
who remained and could procure seed,
and through the long summer, anxious
and with but little hope, they waited for
the beautiful Autumn that is now with us
as the GROWING glory Of bountitul sea-
son.
The future Of this country can now be
foreshadowed; its trial day has past, and
faith in its ultimate prominence and prog.
ress is well founded. The ordeal that
past years have forced upon the adven-
turers within the limits of this Territory,
oppressive and bitter, will prove bless
Ing in the end. 1t has taught patience,
prudence, and economy. 1t has tested
the grip of men; the fact that one can
do without many things that once were
considered Indispensable. 1t has illus
trated the dreadful incubus Of debt, and
shown men who their real friends were.
Such an Autumn then should be en- joy
ed and welcomed as a harbinger of CON-
fort and rest from the demoralizlng sus-
pense that has hung over so many anx-
ious husbandmen Though far from
placing many where they want to be, it
has removed the blockade so that clear
sea and fair sky are visible, aud the new
labor for the coming year can be entered
upon with heart and will that is essential
10 all undertakings, for successful re-
suit. 49,. -...a:. i. g
The channels of business that have been
stagnant indicate signs IF life and reaew-
| al of activity that brings thrift and pros
perity. Capital that has been resting in
vaults, and guarded with unusual care, is
gradually loosed and seeking investments
throughout the west. Railroads. are creep
ing into localities where the autumn fruits
are stored, and men talk business; prop
erty has found q value, and its owner is
beginning to show little cheek. Yes,
though the advance guard OF coming win
ter, and bllzzards, the present autumn @ has
brought the wraps and warmth that will
protect against severity, and crowns with
success the efforts Of the industrious $
farmer. rh y, .
| "A novel sensation has occurred IN
v.rt,ckr over the fact that late inveSti-