The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1891-12-18
COMMUNICATION.

down the Missouri Valley, though the
view in winter is rather desolate
one. Signs of the recent cyclone were
manifest in the broken and uprooted
trees, and where the wind did its
worst even the houses suffered. A
day in Kansas City revealed the third
young giant of the West, which is
pursuing fast after the Minnesota
twins. The numerous manufacturing
plants give very favorable opinion
to the stranger, and the business por-
tion, solidly built up, presents the
same scene of push and activity that
is to be observed in her three competi-
tors, Denver is the fourth.
Boarding the splendid through Chi
cage and Denver train on the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fee road at Kansas
City, we were whirled westward over
one of the finest ballast roads in the
country. The service could hardly be
excelled. This train is called the
finest in the world. Going west many
y
themselves. Between these, numer-
Gus small coal mines are dotted along
either side of the road and supply an
excellent fuel. Further west the lime
stone crops out and the quarries sup
ply the farmers with his fences as well
as his foundations. There are hun
dreds of miles of these stone fences,
built about 80 inches high. Board
fa q no Iar caa roo on fIoco tpaa-
less plains. The only trees seen are
those along the banks of small streams
and there the imagination can pic
ture the Pawnees and Comanches,
crouching for the early emigrants,
who felt happy in the near prospect
of water and camping place. There
is no lack of room in western Kansas
and Colorado. The boundless plains
are but thinly inhabited, and the most
Of these settlers appear to be late
corners, some living in tents or mud
houses. In Colorado, great numbers
OF cattle and horses cover the other
wise, at present, useless land. We
passed one breeding ranch Of 10000
acres. But water is doing a great
deal more for man, and large tracks
are now made fruitful by the irriga-
tion bitches. We crossed some of
these and when they are extended
wherever practicable this naturally
wonderfully rich soil, which now sup
ports with difficulty the sage brush,
ground pine and cactus, Will blossom
as the rose" Fifty bushels to the
acre is common yield of wheat in
those districts which are supplied
with water, led from the mountains
in open bitches.
Our first view Of the Rocky noun
tains was not far north of La Junta,
though it required many hours to
reach them. / will not burden the
reader with description Of the scene
ry which | have enjoyed, and which is
indeed grand, but has been frequent
ly described by ADLER pens.
Two days in Denver showed a grow
ing city and one with a brilliant fu
ture, 1t is not Solidly built up, but
has large and substantial blocks either
built or in course of construction.
The cattle kings and silver barons
have fine homes. A new park system
is being laid out, and one or two small
artificial lakes are carefully foStered,
for the whole state of Colorado has
scarcely as many lakes as Blue Earth
county. The street car service needs
improvement, and in some other re-
SpectS few years will add needed
maturity to the city.
A week was spent at Baulder, a
coming health resort, of 1900 souls,
and Nesting under the mountains. 1t
is the seat Of the richest mining
country in the state. | was shown
Copper silver mine, owned by Mr..
Williamson and valued at $3.50, 900.
Six levels lead 900 put into the side of
the mountain. The neighboring
mountain sides were dotted with
shaft holes and prospect holes. Gold,
silver and lead are found in close
proximity, and seem to be there in in
eXhaustible quantities. The railroad
leading up the canon to the mine is ID
miles long and in that distance rises
$500 feet and crosses 6S bridges. /
rode up several beautiful canonS, over
| fine but generally steep roads, meet
| ing few besides the freighters, whose
sharp whistle to their four mules can
be heard for long distance. Occa-
sionly stage comes along at brisk
rate. The freightera bring down ore
from the camps and take back mer-
chandise. The best posted are said
to make $500 to $40 per day, but they
earn it.
''Rocky mountain canaries," the
patient burroS, are to be seen, and are
the delight OF children. Among real
birds, the maybe is the most common
now, resembling crows in their habits.
The air in this high region is brac-
ing and invigorating in wonderful
degree, though some cannot stand its
rarity. The population is largely
composed of those who hayecOme from
the east on account of lung troubles
and if such come in time they are gen
orally cured or given longer lease Of
life. Almost everyone gains in weight
sometimes to remarkable extent
Yet the climate is probably not as
good for throat troubles and surely
not for nervous diseases as that Of
lower attitudes. The drinking water
comes from the mountains and can
not be eXcelled.
To-day | spent in viewing some OF
the wonders of nature at Manitou
, six miles west of here, and close tC
Pixies Peak. There is good tourist
travel, though of course the rush here
is in the summer. Manitou has 2,00(
people, and Colorado Springs 10000
Both are peculiar in that the popula
tion is largely made up of wealthy
Daon1p who have huj1t elegant cum