Great Falls tribune., 1888-12-08
BOARD OF TRADE.
PREPARING BUSILY FOR THE WIN
TER'S WORK.
Statehood Receiving C0nsideration---A
Practical Address by Mr.. Paris
Gibson on Home Interests,

Messrs. Paris Gibson, Ira Myers, T. E..
Collins, Maclay, Race, Wegner, Dickin-
son, johnson and Beachley. Vice Presi-
dent Ira Myers presided.
Secretary Race said that he had receiv-
ed many communications aud was now in
correspondence with people who want to
know the inducements we offer them
Most inquiries are from farmers in Wis
consin, Michigan, Indiana and northern
Ohio. He has provided them with infor-
nation regarding the soil, crops and eli
mate Of the country around Great Falls.
Some farmers would be here with teams
in the spring. In reply to an inquiry
from Mr.. Gibson, Judge Race said that
he had on hand accurate statistics regard
ing the crops as we'll as full record of
the weather last winter.
On motion of Mr.. O'Dwyer, seconded
by Hon. T. E. Collins, the following reso-
luton was adopted:
Resolved, that special committee of
five be appointed to report on the ques-
ton of statehood with the view of deter
mining the best line of action for the
people of Montana to take under the
present circumstances.
The chair appointed Messrs. O'Dwyer,
Rolfe, Gibson, Webster and Fairfield as
such committee. M.--
Mr.. Paris Gibson then made some in
teresting and timely remarks relative to
the work of the Board of Trade. He
said that the business men Of this city
ought to do a good deal of work this win
ter in promoting the advancement of this
region. This work might,be done with
advantage through the medium Of the
Board Of Trade, which could speak with
authority. He understood that the Mani
toba railroad intends to pursue a viger-
Gus policy to promote the advancement
of this country, because it was convinced
that 1t is good country. [Applause.]
The town can do "a great deal toward
directing migration to this locality. The
Townsite company had nearly concluded
to send Judge Race on an eastern tour of
three months, with the view Of making
known the resources Of this region. He
would go accredited from the Board of
Trade. The business men here should
cooperate and second such efforts. The
people who come here should be placed
in good localities. No better means can
be taken to build up this city than to
settle up the ennntry around it. Business
houses start up without difficulty, but
farming interests call for special atten-
ton.
Mr.. Gibson then referred to the best
means for enlisting the attention Of the
many thousand farmers who are looking
westward for homesteads. The results
of the successive crops raised here should
be compiled and presented in popular
form. He believed that we are in the
best grain growing section Of the country
We have the perfection of climate fol
cereals. We have, Of course, prejudice'
to overcome, but he met daily people
who had changed their opinions. Blu
more information must be diffused. Evel
people in Montana are unaware OF tn
resources of this northern country. War
rem Toole, who is one of the Oldest set
tiers, said that he was astenlshed at thu
capacity Of the country. The samples o
wheat sent from here to Mr.. Marvel wer
very fine and will do great dea
to advertise Great Falls. Some o
that wheat had been raised 77ea
places 5000 feet above the sea level AM
some had been produced to the extent
81 bushels to the acre. In conclusion
Mr.. Gibson said this town must fight 1t
own battles. There were plans on foe
which would be Of great service to it, bu
we must do our part. [Applause.]
A committee on the subject OF publ
, information was then appointed and tn
. board adjourned until Wednesday next.