Custer chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, Black Hills, D.T. [S.D.]) 1880-1890, 1881-01-01
SATURDAY JANUARY /, 1881.
DIVISION

IA ~ h1Ort Nltal H. SliSIOSinS toDiE
in our broad Territory. An opportunity
seems about ready to be offered us, and
just what are the wants of the people to
be affected thereby is being set forth by
the public journals Of every portion of
the Territory. Probably every man
within the Territory Of Dakota, is in
favor of admission as q state for that
particular portion in which he resides.
The only difference of opinion which
seems to exist. is that some do not seem
to desire the company of other portions
of the territory. Why they do not is
what we have been e~ndeavoring for
some time to find out. But thus far
nothing more than the bare fact that
they want division has been made pub
lie. So that to arrive at a solution Of
the problem, II has to simply look at
the actual status Of the entire territory
and try if he can see any valid reason
why this territory should be cut in two.
The Fargo people as well as the Dead
wood inhabitants are particular anxious
for division. But unless there is some
where in the dim future a possibility Of
still another division scheme, which
would enable each to become the capital
Of q state or territory, wa cannot see
what they want ii for. In the Pioneer
ofthe 25th, a column article from Fargo
c!amors loudly for division upon the 9TH
standard parallel, which is six miles
south ofthe 10th parallel, and it is es-
pecially noticeable that the only claim
for division is that the territory is 40
large. They then start off with Il com
plete list Of all the railroads in proScess
of building or projected, which shows
that Dakota is to very soon be the field
of an immense railroad system, which,
instead of being an argument for divi-
sion completely defeats their purpose.
Granting that the territory is very large;
if there were no railroads, or simply
two lines crossing il, east and west, II
laying we'll to the north and the other to
the south portion ofthe territory without
any connecting branches, and We could
then see the force of their reasoning
why We should divide, but SO long rs We
are to be covered with q. complete net
work of lines, it would seem certain
that communication with even the most
remote corner would be speedy and
easy, SO that the argument Of impracti-
cability ofall parts meeting at one capital
falls to the ground. Then again, al
though there are three great and dis
tinct interests growing up within our
borders, in fact already grown up to
magnificent proportions, that is mining.
stock raising, and agricultural, yet each
is in a manner dependent upon the
other, and they may we'll live harmoni-
ously together as each profits by the
other. We of the Black Hills engaged
In mining furnish no inconsiderable
market fox the farmer and cattle men.
The cattle man must also buy of the
farmer, and the greater the quantity of
what is produced hat can be used with
in our own borders without. having to
ship it east, so much the better for the
producer and for the territory. 1t is
simply an illustration of the republican
hobby of protective tariff. The mere
question Of extent or size is nothing I'm
a state, provided, there is easy access to
the central commercial and political
points. This it would appear is certain
TO be had within two or three years, and
there need be no inconvenience in the
whole territory going in, in one body. If
afterwards there is any valid reason for
certain portions to be set off into separ-
ate states, it can be just as easily accom-
plished as now, and NJ doubt, poftieas. of
Montana and Wyoming could be secur-
ed to 60 with them. But SO far as the
CHRONICLE is concerned, and in fact a.
majority Of its readers, there is no desire
for a division at present. Instead of
that they all desire to see the territory
admitted as a whole, and all believe
that within a few years the new state
would take rank as one of the most i'm
portant and wealthy states of the great
Northwest. We are glad to see that
our contemporary the Black Hills Jour
max favors the same plan. In it, issue
Of the 10Th it says: 20 : '~>-''
No doubt exists that congress will
readily grant the admission Of our terri
tory as a state, and We believe the foun-
dation can be laid within our own legis-
lature in such a manner that there will
be no contest brought. The introduc-
ton Of the bill for admission as a
whole, will, we believe, fill the require
ments Of our people, and the introdnc-'|
ton of amendments, or of other hills for
admission Of a part, would be conducive
ONO good, but of harm, and would per
haps delay final action upon the matter,
until it would be impossible to pass
upon it during the present session Of
congress. If the people of the territory
Stand unifnd for the maasure IL will on