Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1892-03-18
HI FAIR.

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Hon.. r. s. Tyler, in relation to the
Worlds Columbian Exposition brings
forcibly to mind the fact that with the
funds at present available or to become
available for North Dakota's exhibit,
this state cannot make a creditable OK
hibit. Probably no section of the
United States would be more benefited
by a display of u and advant-
ages than North Dakota, but we cannot
afford to make an exhibit un-
less it be one that shall be
a credit to the state. We will
have to compete with other new western
states Of greater development and more
diversified industries-with states hav-
ing appropriated four, five and six times
the amount of money to defray the ex
penses of an exhibit. North Dakota is
at a disadvantage all around. How can
it be overcome? There is but one way
and that is to swell the fund appropri-
ated by the legislature for the Worlds
Fair-either by additional state appro-
priations, or by private subscription, or
both. Better make nj attempt at an OK
hibit than to start in with no assurance
of additional appropriation.
The condition OF affairs clearly is set
forth in the following circular which
should be read carefully by all citizens
of the state:
In the success of the North Dakota
display, at the coming Columbian Ex-
position IN 1898, all North Dakotans and
property holders in this state have a
common interest.
Our appropriation was only $4,000.
OF this sum. $4,000 must be used in
erecting the state buildings according to
the plans accepted for the state. Nearly
two thousand dollars have already been
expended for legitimate expenses by the
board of managers. The Legislative act
limited the board in it's expenditures to
$1,000 in 1891, $4,000 in 1892, and &c.,
600 in 1893. The contract for the state
building must be let soon, and steps
should be taken at once toward collect
ing a creditable exhibit with which to
fill the building and to properly repre-
sent our state at the exposition. You
can readily zee that we are without sui
fcient money to proceed. We will have
to compete at the exposition with Min
nesota, having an appropriation of $780,
600, with Kansas and Nebraska, each
having 100000, and with Texas having
from 100000 to 100000. Each of
these states is preparing an elaborate
display of it's agricultural resources.
It is useless, in my opinion, for us to
attempt a display, unless we do it in
such a way that we demonstrate fully
our facilities, and can show beyond ques-
ton the wealth of our to a
degree that will attract immigration.
North Dakota has 45,00O,000 acres of
land, of which less than 100000 acres
are under cultivation. The amount of
unoccupied lands is largely in excess of
that in the agricultural states with which
we must compete. We have more than
3O,00O,000 acros of tillable lands for
which we want settlers. Cannot we bet
ter afford to expend the amount neces-
sary to enable us to make a display
which will attract settlers, rather than
to make the failure inevitable with our
present appropriation?
In the three years directly following
the centennial exposition, where Kansas
advertised her wonderful agricultural
resources, the states population in
creased by $4,000 people or 81 per cent.
whereas in the years prior to 1876 her
growth had been nominal. Until that
time, Kansas occupied the unknown and
somewhat misunderstood position as to
her that North Dakota occu.
pies to day. Cannot we profit by her ex-
perience? This is North Dakota's op.
portunity. Is it not of the greatest i'm
portance to every property holder, bust
ness man and railroad company in our
state, that we unite now and work shout
der to shoulder, North Dakotaus for
North Dakota? The work can be done.
Will you help do it? We have the re-
sources; we must have money to
show what they are. Cannot you
afford to help yourselves and each other
by generous subscriptions and thereby
enable your state board to make an ex-
hibit that will advertise your re-
sources broadcast over the world? This
is our opportunity; shall we make the
most of it? The Columbian Exposition
is beyond question to be the greatest the
world has yet seen. For every dollar
judiciously expended there in advertis-
ing, we will receive a hundred in return
through increased population which will
dot wi nov vacant pralries with viii
lagos, and make large wholesale and
manufacturing centers of our existing
cities.
North Dakotans, think of this oppor-
tunity, and each and every one decide
how much you can and will do. Commu-
nicate with me as to how you think the
work can best be accomplished, and the
necessary money raised. [ respectfully
solicit your hearty cooperation in this
work, which is of equal Importance to us
all. RICHARD S. TYLER,
Executive Manager, North Dakota Board
OF Worlds Fair Managers.
Fargo, N. d., March 10, 1892.
No exchange is welcomed more eager
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