Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-09-17
ADDRESS.
., W. ". GARDNER, ., Tuner c.urt,

ADDRESS.
BY VI. ~. GARDNER, d Tune, csunb,
Read Before the Dakota Territorial Awr,.
cultural Society, At its TAird Annual
Fair At vernllion, Sept. IL, ls7s,
Ladies and GcmAemen Of tie DAKOTA Ter.
risoriat A~gricSAsral Society:-The history
Of the settlement and development Of the
Atlantic States brings out prominently the
fact Of their slow growth, amid great pri-
vations and hardships, their gradual devel-
orment by d,nt Of great labor from the
bowling wilderness into rich common
wealths as We see them to dav. American
industry, h%ardihood, push, energy, perse.
verance and courage were cultivated and
developed during the growth of these states.
The obstacles to be surmounted developed
the men for the occasion. We look back
eastward along the pathway of emigration.
and see it blossoming with PROSPEROUS
states. thriving cities, busy Villages and a
prosperous agricultural community. We
see what has been done-we note and un.
derstand what is doing-we have hope, con.
fdence and courage for what is to be done
to build here in the Territory Of Dakota, a
success which shall equal that of the Older
states. 1t is our work to construct the
highways, bridges, project the railroads,
villages, cities. and develop the farms and
business of this territory; establishing the
means and developing the resources by
which a population is to live--be fed
supported.
The interior states have developed since
the revolution. We can many of us re-
member when the government lands Of
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois. Michigan and Wis
consin were being disposed Of, saying moth
ing Of Minnesota and Iowa. We have seen
California in thirty years grow into the
wealth of an empire.
In the growth of Illinois, Ohio, and Min
nesota We have those conditions of mixed
industry: agriculture, manufactures and
mining, which We hope to see developed in
Dakota through the accretions of individual
industry and prosperity, which go to make
in the aggregate, the wealth of the state.
How to secure to this our chosen land, a
success, equaling if not exceeding the re-
ward of individual labor in the more
developed states is the question of the hour
with every industrious worker in this fair
land. To found a prosperous agriculture,
which shall build with it a corresponding
carrying trade, inter. state commerce, towns,
villages andcities-thrify prosperous, is the
desire Of every citizen of Dakota.
The question We have under discussion
has been at some period of the past, para.
mount i'll Massachusetts,, New York, Ohio,
and all the older states. They have sue
cessfully solved it-solved it or are solving
it surrounded by difficulties as great as we
have to meet to day in Dakota-not the
same difficulties perhaps-but every whit as
great. Were we of the older states to-day,
we should feel the competition of the grow
ing west, as they feel it-one Of the chief
obstacles to profitable production. So far
as the success of the older states is achieved
it was won by dint Of great labor, just as We
are to succeed here in Dakota. There is no
easy road to victory-the opposing fronts
must face and the conquering force must win
through superior strength, knowledge or a
better disposition of forces here as else
where.
We are not here to discuss the obstacles
to be overcome-you and l understand what
they are, and that they must be met and
vanquished. The early settlers of Ohio
did not find the soil ready and waiting for
the pillow as We find it as our untouched
lands are to-day. They had a generation of
labor as woodmen; before their lands were
ready for the pillow.
Dakota is a natural meadow of exceeding
productiveness. Grass, the essential ele-
ment of all profitable husbandry grows here
as We never saw it elsewhere. Cali flesh ia
grass" Gays the book of inspiration-and in
our grass crop we have natural wealth sur.
passing the Indies.
Our meadows are favorably located as to
climate and market facilities. The wealth
OF the mines of gold, coal, &C., on our
western border will ere long employ a pop
equal to Pennsylvania, giving as a
home market in that direction while the de-
mands of eastern markets will give us fair
returns for our labor. Give US half the
years of development which the older states
have had and Dakota will be their peer if
lead them, as Minnesota has done.
The great bulk of our incoming popula-
lion are farmers-they would cultivate the
soil. What crops to cultivate-in what d.
to push their energies, are among
he most important questions Of the day.
The Savior Of man while upon earth, de-
that man Should moi live by bread
llone"-so we judge that it is not wise for
our farmers to devote their energies too ex-
clusively to the production of grain crops.
The Jews laid the foundation of a most.
marvellous prosperity as race of shepherds.
Those are the richer nations to-day which
nave the largest and best aocks and herds.
The sheep of Spain have brought her more
wealth than all her gold mines. So our
all through our broad land, who
rave the most numerous focks of cattle,
and sheep are the most prosperous.
NJ r $500