Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1880-08-21

AAS PaoJeSseu buSr Vi IdilIoau IN tne VI
cinity Of Medicine Lodge, Wichits and other
points is creating feeling Of apprehension
in the minds OF some of our citizens. II is
reported that road will be constructed on
line forty miles south Of Dodge, and hav-
ing terminus in Meade county. This would
establish a cattle town at that terminal point
and draw the cattle business from this city.
But such thing is not likely to happen for
few years at least, for several reasons. 1t
is well known that all competition is against
the Santa Fe and st. Louis and San Fran
cisco roads. These roads are not practically
one; they are operated as distinct roads, but
they have an alliance in their progress, and
do not share in the benefits of their business
as the establishment Of the latter road has
reduced freights to Wichita. There IS build
ing up against this monopoly several roads
managed by corporations depending upon
aid from counties through which they pas.
II is well known that the st. Louis and San
Francisco road contemplated. extending IFS
line west of Wichita, striking Dodge City
Uaul this ID done other roads will not push
ahead through unorganized counties. The
main business OF the cattle shipping is being
already transacted within their limits. Tire
establishment of 9 composition at this point
would draw more railroad lines hither, and
not at point either south or southwest, IN
less the cattle trade was diverted there
through other causes. There are well de-
fined principles that govern all actions; and
there is rule governing the building Of
railroads; and the rule is to get or share in
what other people have. Comanche, Clark
and Meade counties can offer no inducement
to railroads; they have no business tor one.
IL is not likely that the Santa Fe road VIII
allow business to be taken from its main
line. It.purpose is to keep out other road,
excepting perhaps the extension of the San
Francisco road; and then finally this road
will make diverting course to the southwest.
Dodge City will eaioy the cattle trade un.
til shut out by settlements on the south. The
business will grow larger for a few years,
but may be no; SO profitable as some people
would wish. The cattle business r. growing
every year, bu, it has dropped the ''hurrah"
trade. Things have come down to a steady
purpose, probably within narrower limit
in some respects; but it does not augur any
ill-fate to the country. Some people will
profit by it.
We long ago expected to see the railroad
engineers marking out lines on our southern
boundary; and We are surprised that their
coming is only heralded by mere conjectures
of what will likely be done. We expect to
hear OF survey being made through coun-
tics on the south; but when the railroad is
built it will strike Dodge City; and without
the aid OF county bonds.
Ford county is settling up with stock men,
mostly sheep men, it is true; the smaller
herds OF cattle will follow; and there is like
ly to fall to the towns steady, prosperous
trade. The next three years, taking the his
tory Of the State INTO consideration, will
probably be favorable years to the farmer;
and his products added to the stock interests
will place Ford county upon prosperous
and substantial foundation-and those de.
pending for support will not expect to draw
business from q large scope OF country.
The Wichita Beacon says "the abnormal