The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1889-10-19
AN ERA OF NATIONAL GROWTH.
IN WEALTH AND IMPROVE
MENT


railroad in the country. But at the
close of September of the present year
there were 10000 miles of railroad.
The growth of states in population, i'm
provement and wealth has been very un-
equal. North Carolina and Pennsylvania
were about equal as to population in l7oO,
or a little more than a hundred years
ago. The former now has population
of ,399, $50; the latter state has 4,282, ,S9l.
The former has property valuation of
SAG, 200, 600; the latter has $5,993, 100000.
The per capita wealth of North Carolina
is 1919; in Pennsylvania it is Sl.259;
The average value of land in the
former is Sc per acre; in the latter it is
S45. North Carolina has larger area
by about 1000 square miles; and has also
a milder climate than is round
in Pennsylvania. The latter is
great manufacturing state, and is
a stanch supporter of a protective
tariff. North Carolina has few manu-
factures and has never been to any gre at
extent in favor of tariff for protection.
One other fact has had much TO do with
this inequality. North Carolina was a
slave state up to the date of Llncoln's
proclamation. Pennsylvania was free
state and for more than half a century
had not been hampered with slavery.
The industrial policies of the two states
were always in contrast. The natural
wealth of Pennsylvania is probably
greater; but touching this point there is
some doubt. That of the latter state has
had a wonderful development. Coal and
iron, aside from agriculture, are two
great sources of wealth. North Carolina
to-day is an undeveloped state as to its
great natural resources. 1t has coal, iron,
the best of timber, with a less productive
soil than that found in PENNSYLVANIA.
There are also some striking contrasts
in New York and Virginia. In 1880 the
population of the latter was more than
double that of New York. But taking
all the territory of Virginia, including
that in West Virginia, there is a popula-
tion of 2,13l,O22, while New York has
5.082, ,2lI. The entire wealth of Virginia in
1880 was $1,OOO,OOO,OOO; but that of New
York was $7,619,OOO,OO0; and farm lands
in the latter state had an average value of
$4441 an acre, while in old Virginia the
average value of farm lands was Sl0.Sj
an acre, with $l3.02 for West Virginia.
But Virginia has never supported a pro
tective tariff, and was a slave state until
Lincoln's proclamation took effect. The
contrast is greater as to wealth if the
fact is kept in mind that the natural re-
sources of Virginia are far greater than
those of New York. Virginia is rich il
minerals, particularly in coal and iron
and it is comparatively poor from lack OF
development. The contrast between
Ohio and Kentucky is nearly as great
The one is tariff state and the other is
not.
1t is a fair inference that hereafter
these contrasts of growth will be less
striking. All the former slave states
have entered on a new career of pros
psrity. A great deal of industrial capi-
tai has been pouring into these states.
The census covering the present decade
will probably show "a greater degree of
prosperity in the older of the southern
states than has been known in any other
decade of their history. The coal and
iron mines of the middle and northern
states are to a large extent uncovered
Ohio has 39,96+ square miles, with 3,525,-
600 population; while Kentucky has 37,-
$50 square miles, with 1,727 800 popula-
tion. Yet the former state is the oldest
and the difference III area Is compara-
lively small. Kentucky is now q growing
state and has entered upon q new era
of prosperity. The influence OF
slavery must now be counted ont as TO
future growth. Yet that growth will de-
pend upon the industrial policy which
the state adopts. The coal, iron and
lead now untouched, awaits development
One industrial policy stimulates this de,
velopment and the other does not.
The industrial policy which has made
such great and prosperous states as New
York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, is a good
one for the whole country. 1t goes a
well in the states west of the Rock,
mountains as in the states east of tha
boundary.kAt the present ratio of growtl
a larger population will be added to tn,
country in five years than was contained
in the original thirteen states when the,
entered the Union. Probably the new
era of growth and development will, a
the end of another decade, present a
many striking facts in the great territOr
lying between the Missouri river and tn
Pacific, as in any other part of the coun
try. There are many towns and cite
yet TO spring up where to-day the survey
or's chain has not been laid.