Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1890-05-24
A BRIGHT OUTLOOK
South Dakota Crop Prospects
Were Never Better.
But Few Miles of Railroad Will BE
Built This Ycar-Equai Suf-
frage and Irrigation.

lTdst huu lEEtSos'oh'
Sioux FALLS, May 17.-This has been
a bright week for South Dakota be-
cause Of the many showers and warm
sunshine. While it is true that one or
two days were rather cool for May, the
general condition of the weather has
been favorable for wheat. The frosts OF
a week ago did no damage to grain
Farmers claim that early frosts cause
wheat to stool" better, thus insuring
an increased yield, other conditions he
ing equal.
1t is too early yet to form any esti-
mate on the corr crop. In the southern
part of the state there is generally a
good yield, but as all sections Of the
state, ever to the northern line, are
trying the production OF corn, it is es-
sential that the weather be favorable.
The general conditions are good in
South Dakota for a prosperous year.
Everything looked blue W weeks ago.
The question as TO what was to become
of this country became one Of serious
moment. If 1890 were to be an exac
counterpart of 1889, one or W counties
would be depopulated. But, the fact is
people became unduly agitated. While
it is discouraging to lose ones crops.
and particularly hard in this new coun'
try where people are not prepared for
such events, yet the country has far
from gone to the 'dimnition bow
vows, and will yet be rich in agricul-
tural resources.
During the present year there will be
little if any railroad building in South
Dakota. The grade may be ironed be-
tween Gettysburg and Forest City, in
Potter county. This represents only
seventeen miles. There is talk OF a
road from Aberdeen TO Pierre, and
another from Huron to Milbank. These
are both future possibilities, just
what the condition is of the Sioux Falls,
Yankten and Denver cannot be found
out. Boston capitalists have backed out
of the deal, but strong efforts are being
made TO influence other parties to a
hold of the project. The Midland
Pacific from Sioux Falls TO the Pacific
coast is a sure road in the future, but
may not be started this year. The poor
crops of the last two years has not beer
favorable to railroad extension, but a
good crop or two will bring renewed
activity in this direction. Some Of our
most productive sections are too far
from markets. 1t is only a question of
a few years when all this will be
remedied.
The counties OF Charles Mix, Buffalo,
| Jerauld and several others should have
more and better market facilities. What
the railroad companies will do with the
large reservation area opened to settle
ment is not known. The Northwestern
system stops at Pierre and the Milwau-
kee at Chamberlain, and SO far have not
shown any intention of crossing the
Missouri river. 1t is more than prob
able that neither road will venture into
that section in advance of settlement as
was the case east of the river eight or
nine years ago.
The equal suffragists of South Dakota
have begun a vigorous campaign. The
state constitution adopted last year
made it necessary for the legislature to
provide for the submission of this ques-
ton at next November's election. In
view OF this the equal suffragists have
brought their ablest speakers into
the state. Susan b. Anthony, with
headquarters at Huron, is chief
known ability as an organizer indicate
some lively work. But all is not har-
mony in the female camp. Marietta NJ.
Barns. of Webster, ~Daycounty,a bright,
active woman, is anything but pleased
with the ancient Susan's promotion, and
she has on several occasions said
naughty things Of Miss Anthony. Sew
eral other women are here and the
whole outfit are hustling. Thus far
very little impression has been made or
the wicked men, but the copious supply
Of tears and pleadings fred at them for
the next six months will nc doubt be-
effective in a way. 1t is too early to
guess at the result, but the campaign is
cited to show up one of the many issues
the voters Of South Dakota must face
this year.
The irrigation committee continues
its experiments in the James river val
ley. Their attention is being devoted
mainly to that of artesian wells, of
which there are many in the valley.
Colonel Nettleton, chiefo Of the investigat.
ing committee, says South Dakota does
not need irrigation, and that this cry
has done a good state q serious injury.
Il nc COlOHti CldlLhb bHdb III Il pIOpdui'-
ity the drouth Of the last two year will
never be repeated. His examination of
the artesian well basin, as far as APP
pliances and time will permit, causes
him to look favorably upon this as a
means of irrigation, If such is needed.
But as it would require more money
than the government would give TO
make the wells general enough TO bs of
,nnch hannGt - 10 uyhothap
this mode of irrigation will be resorted
TO. The rain thus far this year indicate
that the drouth. which has hung over
the state like a doom, is broken, and
may not return for many years, if ever.
This year the system of irrigation In
South Dakota would be more a needless
luxury than necessity. 1t will not take
long to change the feeling from gloom
to one Of gladness and faith In the fer
tility and desirability of South Dakota
as a state.