The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1879-01-30
1879 !

.... 1879 ~..
Bids fair 10 be al important year to Da-
kota. n large immigration is promised
and beyond that Of last or any previous
year in its history Letters received and
requests for local newspapers, are accom-
panied with expressions of intention to re.
move thither in the spring or summer
in spite or the combined efforts of some
railroad corporations and numerous land
holders of other localities, who have sell
tshly endeavored to divert migration to
| the line of their investments and possess.
sions, Dakota has become now an object
OF inquiry equal to that Of Kansas and
Nebraska heretofore. Our Territory has
been peculiarly unfortunate in being mis-.
represented and in its grasshopper vista.
tons at a time any mlshap to the crops
were fatal to its advancement and Grip.
pling to its residents
Less damage has been done here by the
seasons and chintz bugs than in some of the
eastern wheat growing states, but the set
tiers were generally poor, and grain was
their sole dependence; their entire labor
| and farm culture was devoted to the rails
ing of small grain, IL that through blight
or pest was destroyed or reduced in yield
their source OF revenue or income was ex.
| hausted, and their credit was the only cap
| ital and the merchants the bankers to car
ry them, surplus stock was only IN the
hands Of q few who had brought money
with them.
The trials endured have been what all
countries have experienced, Only brought
by different causes, and they have not been
without salutary effect, it has satisfied the
farmer that grain as a sole dependence is
uncertain and is leading him to diversity
his labor. Property has enhanced in val
ue with the approach of railroads, freight
facilities is reducing the price Of the arti-
cles needed for home use, and adding to
the value Of his marketable products, fuel
one Of the most important articles of pur.
chase can now be had at one half less cost
than heretofore, lumber also is obtainable
at nearly the same reduced rate The area
of broken prairie has been increased
largely during the past year. Many have
erected granaries and barns, and some
have built new residences and the old sod
shanties are being abandoned.
Three Railroads are also arranging for
extending into the interior Of this vast do
main. The Chicago III. & St. Paul. The
ST. Paul & Sioux City, and the Chicago s.
| Northwestern companies, the latter com.
pany is air .ady transporting ties and iron
to the State line at Gary preparatory to
commencing work at Lake Kampeska
westward when the season opens All Of
these roads will draw to their lines an i'm
migration beyond a prophetic estimate,
there being no unpaid land grant to absorb
the alternate sections, the three roads will
simultaneously open larger extent of first
class farming lands to actual settlement
than was ever done in any state or terrific
~ on the continent. The Sioux, Vermil-
lion, James and Missouri Rivers, vital ar
tcries, extending tar into the upper, and
beyond the boundariesjot the territory will
be crosse' by these roads stretching their
iron 5auds towards the mineral wealth Of
the nation. The rich acres now unbroken
and in the solitude that prevails in the Alb.
sence of man. are to be subjected to the
culture of the settler, and the sound Of life
and industry will be heard where towns
and cities will spring into existence.
Such things have occurred In states east
Of us, and they are surely to be repeated
here, for Railroads are the regulators and
source Of rapid development, towns and
counties may contend against their sp-
proach and attempt to change their course
but their efforts are futile, they will build
where 1t is for their interest, and men will
follow them aud avail themselves Of the
facilities they afford.
The outlook for us is certainly flattering
and should in a measure so.ace US for the
past embarrassment.
With spring we have assurances Of the
visitation of gentlemen who will invest
should the country meet their desire, and
we feel confident that our condition has
not been overdrawn, and that theywill find
the natural facilities as gooi if not better
than represented. The line of the Nc.
Gregor road is not yet determined or al
least its points o! crossing the Sioux has
no: been made public, ba: that i: viii
build some rs or 100 miles into the Terri
tory this season is asserted by those who
are informed as to its movements, the
country will experience the benefits from
} its construction. but the town on the Sioux
tha: it will build is uncertain, this ddisa
greeable suspense will doubtless be remov
} ed soon.
If anticipation is anyways beneficial OF
consoling, indications are clearly assuring
Of prosperous year for Southern Dakota
and an immense immigration and q devel
opment that will place this much abused
region above reflections Of parties interest