The morning call., 1894-07-15

evidence of knowledge of engineering
such as we of modern times might be
proud of.
The question of irrigation seems now the
absorbing one with Arizona, taking prece-
dence even Of that of mining. for without
the necessary supply of water this interest
suffers as we'll as that of agriculture.
10 the ordinary traveller who only sees
this country from the railroad cars as he
nurrleS along over an almost imltless
desert there comes disappointing impress
sion, as ne does not stop TO consider that
the railroads are necessarily built through
the desert portion on account OF the cheap
ness OF construction, and yet there might
De lar Inland OF the desert land where
there Is something more inviting IN Vege-
talon thau cactus and sagebrush.
Inc exception as to cheap railroad
building is found in the excellent and thor
0ughly constructed road of the Santa Fe,
prescott and Phoenix Railway Company,
the northern terminus of which is Ash
FORK on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad.
ana the southern terminus Will be, when
reached, the city of Phoenix.
mere mas already been reached con-
siderable elevation at Ash Fork, and from
there to Prescott the traveller passes
through broken and almost noun famous
country, gradually ascending until at Pres
colt ne has attained an elevation OF nearly
6OOO feet. On this section of the road there
are evidences of skillful engineering not
excelled by the loop at Tehachapi, which
are credit to G. w. Vaughn, the chief
engineer and vice-president of the road.
Inc cars are now running to Dickson,
twenty miles south of Prescott, and it is
expected that the rails will be laid TO
Morgan, the point from which write.
early in July.
Morgan promises to be an important
station, at which stockyards and other
nuclei Will be located, and about which a
considerable town may be volved. 1t
VIII be quite distributing point for the
different valleys, that seem to center. here.
From this point also many of the prin-
clpal mines are readily reached. 1t is
Impossible to estimate the mineral wealth
OF this country Within limited radius IN
this county, besides gold and silver mines,
we have what is believed TO be one of the
most valuable copper mines of the world,
principally owned by W. A. Clark, of
Butte, Mont. also quicksilver claims, only
requiring capital for Development The
mountains In the Immediate vicinity are
known to be depositaries of immense
bodies of iron ore, while undeveloped
quarrleS of beautiful building stone, and
exquisite specimens of onyx are near at
hand.
l am enjoying the pleasures and excite
ments OF Arizona life on The extensive
ranches and range of +. d. Morgan. man
aged by his son Marshall, and lying at the
head OF Kirkland Valley, in the immediate
vicinity OF the townsite of Morgan. The
home ranch is perhaps better known than
any other in the Territory, as it is one of
the Oldest, and having abundance OF water
from Kirkland Creek, is more thoroughly
cultivated than any other property 10
Kirkland or adjoining valleys. The yield
of alfalfa is enormous.
Fruits are exceptionally fine, and pOr-
ton OF the lands produce all the varieties
Of vegetables known. TherangeS are COW
cred with hundreds of cattle and horses,
and the rodeo of Spanish Mexican day is
still an institution of the present The
typical cowboy Is still to be found, daring
in character and generous III nature,
many having left homes of refinement in
the older States to enjoy the eXcItements
and brave the dangers of frontier life.
Occasionally an Apache or Walapai In
dian is seen who knUws.enough of civil
lied life to do odd jobs about ranch for
a very modest stiUend. The incoming
population is of the best character aud
law and order prevail, desperate deeds OF
lawlessDess being only re oInted as men,
cries of earlier days.
In this connection may be recalled a
part of the history of the Morgan rancho.
The value of the water right to Kirkland
Creek, claimed by former occupant and
owner by right of appropriation and long
use. was such that 1t became a subject of
litigation. While the question was settled
by the court, the outside claimants were
not satisfied, and as a result OF a naud-tO-
hand hight In the courtroom the owner of
the rancho was killed and one of the op-
posing claimants lost an arm and nearly
lost his life. The man who did the kill
ing, and afteward owned the rancho, was
himself shot and killed in Prescott, al
though for causes outside the water aues-
ton.
The present owner of the rancho is not
likely to continue a record of blood and
crime such as stains its past history.