Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-05-22
COLORADO SMALL TALK-Y.
GRKEIrY, CoLo., Mar. 'ss.

GREELEY, CoLo., Mar. 'sS.
Mr.. Editor:
Allow me to devote one chapter to Pu-
eblo-the future Pi.tsburg OF Colorado
and perhaps OF the West, where l have re-
Gently spent more than two months.
The population of the whole county was
less than 5000 in 1850, but the city Is now
held to have 5000 vary high estimate.
A year and half ago the boom was so
great that people rented almost anything
for shelter, and some magnificent build-
ings were erected and among them the
. Grand Hotel" which to-day stands emp
". Rents have suddenly declined, and
times are decidedly hard in Pueblo. To
superficial observers the cause would not
be apparent, since much money is still
paid out by the various corporations. Let
US explain. There was time when Pueb-
10 was believed TO be the site of great
city. Eastern capitalists came flocking In
70 secure space to start business. The
real estate was in the hands OF old-timers,
who suddenly lost their heads and put fab
ulOus prices upon their lots. Even the
Methodists were offered $40, 900 for a corner
ordinarily worth about $1,000, and refused
the offer. One capitalist who represented
4 quarter OF a million Of money, withdrew
because he would not invest with real es-
tate al fictitious values. 4 full million OF
money was sent back where the wood
blne twiueth," so to speak. The voice OF
financial repentance was heard in Pueblo,
and many cursed and some failed. Man
Is prone 10 speculate; but in this case he
overdid the matter. Meu will lose their
heads sometimes.
Pueblo is really composed OF several dis
tiuct cOrporatiOns-namely; Pueblo, Gen.
trial Pueblo, South Pueblo and Bessemer.
The time will come when all viii be one
city. but at present they are as Jealous OF
each other ss the several members Of a
church choir. To show how very handy
Il j. 20 have a wheel within a wheel, the
expressman could not deliver q package
for me ia North Pueblo because he had no
license for the latter burg. Then again II
Is not easy 10 use North Pueblo hose 10
put on; a South Pueblo fire, or TO decide
who shall build the bridges, etc. But they
are a unit In hating Denver which persists
In being richer and larger. also In getting
railroad rates quite unfair to Pueblo.
Tie schools OF Pueblo are improving all
the while, as may be said OF the schools
generally OF Colorado. and number Of
iiuc school buildings are nearing compile
ton. The churches are al present very mea-
gre for the population, bu: Rev. Mr. Hol-
man. lately from Massachusetts, IS getting
up stone church which will be & special
help TO The BaptistS, and 4 good thing for
the whole region FOR ii win be long time
before Pueblo will be too religious.
Three railroads center in Pueblo, and a
street railway is in use. Telephones are
largely used, and gaS-works and water
works help to make life pleasant. Whole
sale houses are numerous and will I'M
doubtedly hold the southern trade, not
wi;hstadiug the discrimination against
them by the railroads in favor Of Denver.
one great shelter is doing an immense
business. aud another smelter is about 10
be located in the city. The steel-works at
b. Bessemer, built within about TWO years,
are doing an immense business. The cor
poratiou name Is the Colorado Coal and
Iron CO., and owns many coal mines and
deposits ofiron, and also limestone. Calling
upon the Secretary FOR information for
the DEMOCRAT he gave me the following
figures;