New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-07-08
THE NEWEST STATES.


Idaho and Wyoming also, for there is no
reasonable doubt that Wyoming will be adj
mitted, are to enter the Union under conditions
peculiarly favorable to their development and
progress. Undoubtedly of all the vast regions
left under Territorial government after the
admission of Colorado in 1876, that political
division contained within the boundaries OF
Utah is the most promising 1t is an ard land
but it is amply ard fortunately watered. It's
mountains are high, and can always be depend
ed upon to supply the streams flowing from
them with water enough for the agricultural
possibilities of the soil. The land slopes III
such way that vast areas of country may be
easily and cheaply irrigated. The climate Is
ideal Excessive cold is rare, and the heat OF
summer is always tempered with delightful
breezes. The atmosphere is naturally, owing
30 the elevation of the land, dry and pure. The
mineral resources of Utah are probably richer
than those of any other State or Territory in
the Union
Many of these conditions appertain also to
the two Northern Territories which are soon to
enter upon the experiment of self government.
Idaho especially enjoys great possibilities. Her
southern country, already well developed,
promises to contribute enormously to the agri-
cultural wealth of the Nation. Wheat, corn
and oats will grow easily and mature certainly,
and country of which this is assured does not
need other guarantees of prosperity. But Idaho
possesses other guarantees in great profusion,
and it is by reason of the stimulation which
these have received under the Republican logis-
lation of the present Congress that we say that
Idaho comes into the Union under most favor
able auspices. Her silvcr-ead deposits arc IN
calculable in extent and value. The policy of
the Cleveland Administration and of the last
Democratic Congress in opposing the silver in
terests SO ruthlessly, i'll admitting Mexican lead
free of duty and in reducing the general duty
on lead ore and lcad-droSs was r,linous 10
Idaho. The Occur d'Alenes became again
wilderness. Mines that were producing profit
ably were forced into suspension and thousands
of miners were thrown out of employment.
This has all changed under the wiser and
more patriotic policy of the Republican party.
The price of silver was left by the Cleveland
Mills party at 90 cents. Silver is worth to-day
81 O4. The price of lead fell to SO SO. Lead
is worth to-day 81 AZ. The difference between
these quotations has been the difference be-
tween idleness and fortune to the miners of
the Rocky Mountains Idaho is now alive with
new enterprise The ore that had been so long
lying on the dumps is being put into bars and
placed upon the markets. IdahoS production
of the precious metals in 1889. though the
conditions were still adverse, amounted 10
S6496, 055, and left her sixth in the grand
list of seventeen American commonwealths
who added nearly SOS, 100000 last year to
the worlds fortune of gold and silver. That
she will do at least so per cent better in 1890
is beyond doubt
Wyoming lies outside Of the region of metal
production. IL is true that the Big Horn Noun
tainS have not been proSpected with anything
approaching thoroughnesS, and 1t may be that
Wyoming too, will become famous as mining
country. But this does not now seem prob
able, and it would be almost too much If, in
addition to her great wealth IN coal and on,
Wyoming should also produce the metals. Her
population has been acquired by means OF her
vast range with its rich grasses and plentiful
rivers; but the cattle industry, as it has 50
long existed in the Far West, is thing OF the
past Settlement has gone SO far already that
the business is only slightly profitable and
new system must soon be devised 10 replace
that which hitherto has proved 50 easy and
remuneratve Wyoming will still be famous
for her herds Of sheep and cattle, for her north
ern hills will always be useful as grazing lands,
and under another system it is altogether prob
able that the industry will he pursued in greater
proportions than ever. But it is as an agri-
cultural country pure and simple, and through
her vast oil belt and her enormous coal fields
that Wyoming's greatest future lies. These
must be. and within the next few years sources
of incalculabe wealth