Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1895-12-21
Minneapolis Rallraid Convention.

w q. Porter and B. X. Wood, Clusters
delegates 70 the railroad convention at
Minneapolis. returned on the Monday
morning passenger. They report large
attendance and much enthusiasm at the
meeting. They also report very en-
couraging outlook for the building of a
railroad in the early future that will
give the Black Hills direct communica
tion with the twin cities. the state ca
pital and other important points in
eastern South Dakota. While it is too
early to speak definitely Of future re-
suits, the intense enthusiasm and uni
yersal interest manifested would seem
to be ample warrant for the attainment
OF the very important object desired.
In any event the convention cannot
prove otherwise than beneficial to the
Hills, inasmuch as it was the means of
advertising our boundless resources
among a representative business class of
people who were not previously well
informed in this direction. Many of
ths prominent business men Of Mime
apolis and st. Paul knew little concern.
ing the vast resources and wonderful
possibilities of the Hills region, and
were greatly surprised at the statements
made and statistics presented by our
delegates In relation thereto. The
speeches mrde before the convention
by the Custer delegates are reported by
the Minneapolis papers as being replete
with statistical facts and statements de-
scriptive of the commercial status and
future prospects Of the Hills that car
ried much weight and created most
favorable impression. An executive
committee was elected with the follow
ing officers President F. G.. Winston,
Minneapolis; Vice president, p II.
Kelley, vt. Paul; Secretary, J. +. Calder
wood. Minneapolis.
Among the members Of the executive
committee, the following were appoint
ed from the Black Hills: II. w. Web
ster, Custer; +. L. Exams, Hot springs;
j. X. Brennan, Rapid B. p. Dsgue,
Deadwood, and w. A. Dawley, Sturgis.
In relation to the prospects for the
building of the road Judge Il. ii. Keith,
who represented the jobbers association
at the convention, submits the follow.
ing to a reporter Of the Sioux Falls
Argus Leader:
There was the greatest enthusiasm
shown by all in attendance at the meet
ing and the general feeling prevailed
that the road would be built. Before
going to Minneapolis had great doubts
about the building of the line, but now
l believe it will be built, and built next
year. The delegates from the Twin
Cities are all men of influence and
wealth, who are able if they wish to Sc
cure sufficient capital 10 construct the
road, and they all seemed to be deeply
in earnest in the matter. The commit
tee appointed to look after it could not
be stronger, and l am informed that
they are going promptly and energetic
ally 10 work. The people of this state
of course are not In q position TO pay big
cash bonuses and yet they are ready to
give great assistance. The Pierre peo-
pie have finished the grade Of the line
from Pierre 10 within ten miles of Aber
deem, one hundred and twenty-eight
miles, at cost of S250,000 and this they
are willing To donate TO the new COM
pany The Rapid City people have
graded forty miles on grade eastward
from that city and that will also be
donated. Besides this South Dakota has
agreed to give the right Of way along
the entire line. including the entrance
to and depot grounds in all the towns.
Thus the bonuses will amount to little
less than million dollars or one quar-
ter of the cost. One great problem in
connection with this road has been the
bridging of the Missouri, work of high
cost. was informed that the people OF
Pierre would take care of that, that they
already had taken steps to form bridge
company and know where they could
float sufficient bonds to build the struct-
ure.
The estimated cost of building tie
road varies from $4,000 TO $4,000 per
mile and the ca ,jitalists Of the Twin
cities can readily obtain that if they
wish. That the will do so is clear to
my mind Minneapolis and st. Paul
used to handle all ofthe wholesale trade
Of the Hills before the building of the
Elkhorn line, but since that they have
done none. As that trade is highly
remunerative, they are anxious to get
it again. thought l knew something
of the resources Of the Black Hills. bu,
was simply astopnded TO see the array
of figures presented bv the Hills dele.
gates. 1t is certainly wonderful
region. The new line will give it a
wonderful impetus. was also in
formed that the Northwestern road have
lately becn looking up the advisabiliy
Of building over from Pierre. no doub,
heing stirred tn it by the agitation o.
the new line and there is more than q
possibility that they will take the field in
the spring"