New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-10-18
WIDE FIELD FOR ENTERPRISE.


To the EdifOr OF Thc Tr'b"Hs-
SIN. During all the time of my residence here
have been in constant receipt OF applications i"r
information ~ to New Mexico as place oil business;
n crcumst ance probably not surprising az a time
when most branches of industry have been 50 much
depressed at the East and when many have been
practically compelled 20 find new fields and new
surroundings II has been impossible to answer all
these applications singly. and 50 | have concluded
to ask space in THE TRIBUNE for very brief
statement of what may he called the business situa-
ton IN New Mexico.
In writing general letter to old friends on Long
Island ON this subject last Spring saId that there
was no opening Of all for men without some means;
that mechanics, clerks aud liboring men could find
no adequate field OF labor. This was based on the
fact that the wants of lie native population are
generally few and easily satisfied, that rs a rule
they are far from rich that they have little desire
for new houses, and that whatever building was
progressing was in adobe, with which our MECHANICS
were unacquainted and as TO clerks and laborers.
that there were more men than places already. Ihls
VS. entirely true then, but the circumstances are
since somewhat changed by the advance OF the
railroad The Atchison, Topeka and Santa lie line
has now not only reached Las Vegas, but Is press
ing with all the speed that enterprise and full re-
sources can impart to the Rio Grande. which 1t is
expected to reach by Christmas. 1t brings with IT
new and active population and great change IN
conditions. Las Vegas is to-day one of the busiest
towns IN the country full of active, busting, rest
less American life. hundred and fifty houses
have been built in six weeks and there Is
constant struggle now to procure mechanics for
rapid future improvements The haste to build
may be exemplifcd by the fact that | counted
twentv-fonr carpenters on the roof Of one half
finished hotel all buslly engaged at the same time
in Singing.
These circumstances. of course, present field
for mechanics and believe that tine advance Of
the railroad will cause this field to increase
rather than diminish for the next two or threes
wears. Carpenters. masOns painters and plastercr .
can all find employment in considerable number
hut especially carpenters, as houses must be built
but painting and ?lastering are matters of not such
immediate necessity few cabinet makers, who
can make and repair the furniture suitable TO
new population can also find profitable employ
ment These, think. constitute all the classes of
men without any capital, who would do well to
come to New Mexico at present There is no lack
of common laborers, or of young men fitted to be
store clerks.
And now for the branches of business in which
those with some money can proftabIy engage.
SHEEP RAIsING.-I mention this first because it
is the most important industry of the Territory. II
extends from the extreme east on the head waters
of the Canadian River TO the San Juan County IN
the far northwest The sheep Of New Mexico are
to he counted by the million and yet there is plenty
OF room Tor enterprises both as To number and
quality. To commence the business properly re-
quires a capital of $1,000, which will buy 1900
sheep and provide for all necessary expenses until
regular income is derived from the flock. No bust
ness can be safer surer more beautiful but like
all others it requires work and attention and If
anyone thinks that sheep raising is to be conducted
proitably by living in town and having focks
roaming the pralres under irresponsible herdsmen,
without personal attention. he had better remain ut
the East.
CATTLE RAIsING.-An immense field for this
branch Of industry is still open IN New Mexico; and
it can be surely successful under the same condi-
tons ~ with sheep raising. The profits are greater,
but it requires a larger capital at the commence
ment aud longer period before there are returns
Of income.
FRUIT RAIsING.-The whole valley of the Rio
Grande from Santa Fe to Socorro is admirably
adaptcd to fruit culture, and other portions
of the Territory. Plums and apricots flourish con-
sderably to the north of Santa Fe, and grapes-of
which will speak separatey-to the extreme south
of the Territory. 1t is only within few years that
fine varieties of fruit have been introduced from
the Eastern States but the perfection in which they
can be raised here, and the size which they attain
are extraordinary The flavor of fruits here APP
pears to be much higher than in California. Until
now, It has been useless to extend the culture
largely, as there was no adequate market for the
products but now that there will soon be direct
communication by rail with Kansas and Colorado.
the valley of the Rio Grande will become the great
orchard of the West. Any good fruit culturist com
Ing now to New Mexico, and establishing orchards
in that fertile valley. will find an immense market
open by the time his trees IN bearing and can
not fail to reap profitable reward
VISEYARrs AND WINE MAKING.-FOr years the
grapes ard wine of Ell Paso have been celebrated
but this gives but small idea of the extent of this
vineyard region, of the future importance of this
branch of industry The Rio Grande valley from
Bernalilo down to the Mexican line is naturally
grape growing region and vineyards are already in
full bearing at all the important points, and at
some have existed for more than 200 years. The
finest varieties of both native and foreign grapes
succeed admra bly, that raising the fruit for i'm
mediate shipment will be most excellent business
within two years, when the railroad shall have
made transportation swift and easy. 1t is none too
soon now to arrange the vineyards for this ap-
proaching trade, as the demand will be enormous
before vines. planted this Fall, or next Spring.
come to bearing. The grape now ordinarily grown
and of which vineyards of full Size can be purchased
if desired, produces excellent wine largely used
at present in the Territory, and which will no doubt
find a market abroad soon the railroad is
completed. Unless all reports false this is the
finest vineyard country in America, the climate al
lowing the growth of many varieties too tender for
the North. while the flavor is higher than IN Cali
fornian grapes. The present native wine il said to
carry more than ordinary amount of spirits and
To produce excellent brandy at small cost. 1t is
II. L.
reliable, that a competent dstilcr can do large