The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1881-01-11
COLORADO.

paratlvely an unknown country. III tne
early days when the long trains of California
gold-seekers passed over its grassy plains,
none dreamed of the vast wealth concealed
in the everlasting hills that could be seen in
was often made by the thoughtless throng
that the land now embraced by Nebraska,
Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Nevada,
was formed by a wise Providence for the
purpose merely of connecting the then
Western States with California. But two
decades have wrought a marvellous Change.
The narrow track that was once deepened
by the nervous tread of the eager, restless
thousands that hurried to the farther west,
has given place to great trans-continental
thoroughfare. Cities have sprung up where
the wigwams of the savage once stood. The
wilderness has been subdued, and the deserts
have been made to "blossom as the rose.'
States and territories have been formed, each
and magnitude could create and support an
empire.
Standing second to none among the COM
monwealths carved out of the great north
west territory is Colorado. The growth of
this state has excited the wonder of all who
are not acquainted with the vast mineral and
other resources it contains. The Republican,
published at Denver, furnishes some interest
ing data from which we can determine the
present point Of prosper y the state has
reached. During The year 1880 the city rail
way carried 1,lO0,0 900 passengers. The
flour products amounted to 100000 sacks,
valued at 81, SOC, 600, There are 1900 miles
of railway IN the State whose assessed valua
ton is 1881 ,292. Since the first of May
there have been ST. buildings erected i'll
Denver at an aggregate cost of So, 734,962.
The school population of the state is 355,566.
1t has 292 school houses, which with sites
and furniture are valued at $6S2,4l0. There
were employed PAT male and 431 female
teachers for the year at total expenditure
Of 1895, l27. From February 1st, 1880, to
October 1st ult., the loans and discounts of
its banks amounted to $11. 800, 461 90. Total
deposits for the same length of time $25 $780,
65l &c. The amount of Eastern exchange
drawn by the bank during the year approxi-
mates sos, 600 900, as against $36, 0o0, 600 for
1879 In tie mineral divisions 1,4O0 surveys
have been made as against GIL for last year.
This showing for a country that has barely
attained its majority, is simply marvellous,
and When we take into consideration that
but a short time ago the only way of getting
to or cut Of il was by horse, mule or OK trains,
it seems really incredible and almost staggers
belief.
There is a state that twenty years ago was
an almost u%nhrOken wilderness. A few
hardy prospectors and hunters. surrounded
by rowing bands of hostile Indians, were
cautiously picking their way over its hills
and valleys in search Of its hidden wealth.
1t was a wild and trackless waste. Gold was
found, quartz leads were opened, towns and
cities were built, and to-day it ranks as one
Of the most prosperous states III the Union,
with q population of nearly 200, 900.
What Colorado has done Montana can do.
What she has become, Montana will become.
Colorado is in her adolescence, Montana in
her infancy. The mines of Colorado are
reached by the locomotive !: Montana's
by the slOW-moying mule or OK trains. Col
orado has her 200 miles of railway; Mon
tana less than a hundred. Within q few
months al the farthest, Montana will be
placed upon an equal footing with her sister
mining countries. The iron horse will reach
Inr ,,i pi,r - n,,J .I., 49,.
%roWthanG prosperity that has attended Colora
dosince The building of herrailway system will
be experienced by our Territory. When that
time comes Butte will be to Montana what
Denver is to Colorado-the great business
and money center OF this northern land.