Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1884-12-24
NORTH DAkoTA's COAL SUPPLY.

The wise workings of Providence have
never been more manifest than in the demonstra-
tion of the fact that Dakotas future fuel supply is
assured. few years ago. even after experience
had clearly proven that everything and anything
raised in the old Western and Northwestern
States could be produced here, the fear existed
that, when the limited supply Of timker should
be exhausted, we would be obliged to transport
all our fuel several hundred miles by rail. But
all is changed. The last supposed drawback to
the prosperous future of this country has been
overcome, and now there seems to be nothing to
retard the rapid settlement of North Dakota by q
class of energetic and enterprisinE people. and
with All absolute certainty OF wealth coming to
many of them and independence to all.
When Ignite coal was discovered in this region
many there were who predicted that it would
prove OF little value But time has demonstrated
the falsity of their predictions. In Illinois the
writer has used many of the grades Of soft coal ;
in Moth Dakota last winter, he used Ignite
and he has hesitancy in asserting that there is
very little difference between the two. The lig-
nite needs finer CRATE and a larger hre-box and.
these being present, no better coal for cooking
and heating a,urposes 10 required
That Ignite is the fuel of the future throughout
North Dakota, unless anthracite be unearthed,
there can be no doubt To those contem plating
emigration from the East the question of fuel
supply in the neY country toward which their
vision ID disected is matter deep concern; and
the Record desires to the class referred to
that they need have trouble on this score If
they come to the Missouri Slope.
Nor is this Ignite coal found only at far-distant
intervals. 1t is everywhere. No sooner is new
settlement founded and the people begin to dig
wells than layers of the dark brown fuel are pen-
etrated. Some of these seams will not pay the e1-
pense Of working, owing to lack of proper thick-
ness; but many Of them are apparently inex-
haustible, and their product is put upon the mar.
ket at low price.
Like all her sister counties bordering or near
the Upper Missouri, the year-old county of Em-
mons has been fortunate in the discovery of un.
limited quantities of Ignite Last summer half
dozen wells near Willismsport were dug through
heavy veins Of coal but not until recently has
mining been done. short time ago Mr.. Charles
Edick and his associates sank shaft not far
from town. and within n week sufficient coal
will daily be hoisted to the surface to supply all
demands from the surrounding country.
*x*
1t has been shown by the indisputable logic Of
fact that wheat will grow here; that oats, rye and
barley will grow here that corn will grow here
thut milet, timsthy and clover will grow hero
that buckwhea and the finest of vegetables will
grow here; that timber trees will grow here
that the hardy varieties of apples and nearly all
small fruits will grow here; that stock can be
raised at great profit; and that the best OF run
ming and we'll water may he obtained that the
winters are more comfortable here than in many
states further south; that as 6ne farms az man
could wish may be procured on payment Of the
governmental fees, and that good and cheap fuel
abounds.
Now, can All Eastern farmer in moderate cir-
cumstauces give u valid reason why he should
not dispose of his farm. keep his stock and tools
if not too far to transport tllem and come to Da-
kota next spring? The RECORD does not ask him
to believe its statements without Endorsement !;
and, that abundance of evidence may bo given
him, il only asks that no VISIT Emmons County
before locating.