davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19

state of Maine, thirteen times as large as
Delaware and three times as large as Con-
necticut. 1t is watered by the Rio Grande
and it's tributaries, and has population
of about $4,000. Mining, agriculture and
stock raising are the leading industries,
for which facilities are offered not sur
passed in any other part of the territory.
The farms of the county are found prin-
cipaly in the Rio Grande valley, begin.
ming at Sabinal about thirty miles north
of Socorro, and extending to the fertile
fields of San Marcial near the southern
boundary.
Every foot of this section, comprising
an area of over 150, 900 acres, is extremely
susceptible to irrigation. and the mesas
and bench lands have 100 900 acres more,
than which there is no better agricultural
land in the world. From La iowa to the
Sierra county line there are 30, 900 acres
under cultivation out OF 60 600 acres under
ditch.
In the western part of the county, near
tie Arizona line. is another splendid az
ricultural section, watered by the Tularosa
and San Francisco and their thousand
tributary streams.
To Mr.. James ]. Lesson, the president
of the Bureau of Immigration of this ter
ritory, we are indebted for the following
report upon the material resources OF the
county OF Socorro
"The first attempt to mine for precious
stones in Socorro county, as far as there
is any record, began about the year 1887.
The Ladrones, Magdalena, San Andres
and other mountain ranges were explored
and still show the old Spanish shafts.
These mines we're worked periodically un-
til 1854, when the Indians rebelled and
murdered many of The settlers. the sur
vivors retreating to San Nicholas, in Old
Mexico. The mines were not worked
again, go far as there is any record, until
1861. From that time until 1880 very lit
tie was done, owing to the want of rail.
road facilities and the great difficulty OF
reducing the ores, owing to The limited
conditions then existing. Stree that time
the development of the mining industry
has been steadily advancing, having been
performed almost entirely by miners
without capital, who have had to depend
solely upon their own labor for success.
"From the year 1880 to 1895 the total
output of the mines in Socorro county, as
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19

business is like any other, to be made re-
munerative it must he closely guarded in
every detail"
Continuing, Mr.. Dolan kindly gives his
views respecting other industries in his
section, with which he is thoroughly con-
versant, and which will be valuable to
the prospective settler in Lincoln county.
Mr.. Dolan says:
Mining and stock raising Cattle and
Sheep are the principal industries of this
county, and as they advance 80 will our
agricultural resources in like proportion.
None of our industries, in my opinion,
will thrive to any great extent until we
have eastern connection by railroad.
When we get this there will be no esti-
mating the value of our agricultural lands,
as under any conditions it is limited in
extent and doing it's best. I don't think
enough produce can be raised to supply
home demand. 1t Won't be long before
every acre of land in this county, subject
of irrigation, that won't be valued at from
500 to $3.50 per acre; in fact it is worth
that now to thrifty families for homes.
"There is splendid opening in this
county for grist mill; at present it has
none, and flour is shipped in here from
Kansas and other states to supply our
population, which IS over 5000 souls.
Anyone taking hold of this enterprise is
sure to reap rich harvest on his invest
ment. 1t is said our farmers won't raise
enough wheat to keep mill running.
This is not true. Guarantee to our far
mers that when they raise their wheat
they can have it made into good family
flour, then enough wheat will be raised to
keep good-sized mill running the whole
year. Good water power can be had close
to the junction of the Rio Ruidoso and
Rio Bonito, but would recommend
steam power, and located at Lincoln, the
county seat, which is close to both wood
and coal. think coal is delivered there
at 81 per ton and wood at l.50 per cord.
"O1r nearest railroad is the Pecos Val
ley, which at its present terminus is of
very little benefit to any of our industries.
and will remain so until such time as it
can connect with some eastern road.
When this comes about this section of
New Mexico will make such rapid strides
in progress and wealth that it will sur
prise our oldest and most knowing set
tiers. We need statehood and railroads,
and until we get them both l am afraid
our industries will remain dormant
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19

or uplands. The bottom-lands are rich
aIluvia soil. very deep and very produc-
tive Here the yield of potatoes, cabbage,
vegetables is truly wonderful, while the
small frnits, such "a the cur.ant. raspber-
ry, strawberry, goosebeiry and others
equal in quality and surprising in flavor
the hest California production.
The mesas or nplands are composed of
an excellent sandy loan that does not
bake, and until disturbed by the busy
hand of the husbandman is covered by a
good growth Ct nutritious grasses, chiefly
among them the red and black gramma,
the best and most nutritious OF grasses.
The mesas extend back to the foothills,
and are broken here and there by small
streams of fine cold water, which cut
their way down from the mountains ;
these streams carry sufficient water for
irrigation purposes and for watering
stock. The lands in all these valleys are
fast becoming valuable for agricultural
purposes and are being rapidly taken up.
On the mesas the yield of wheat, oats,
rye, barley and alfalfa is remarkable,
wheat giving forty to sixty bushels per
acre; oats, sixty to eighty; rye, forty to
fifty, and barley, fifty to sixty.five, while
alfalfa gives four crops each year, the
general average being seven tons per acre /;
the prevailing price Of produce in this
country, which has good home market
for the entire production, has in the last
few years given the following prices !:
Wheat, one and quarter to two cents
per pound; oats, one and three-quarters
OF two cents; corn, two to two and half f;
alfalfa, $40 per ton loose baled, $l3 pota-
toes, one and quarter cents per pound ;
butter, thirty cents; eggs, twenty-five
cents per dozen; chickens, twenty-five
cents apiece.
Socorro county is probably the best
grazing county Of the southwest, and one
Of the greatest stock counties in New
Mexico. Its rivers and lakes and numer-
GUS springs afford an abundance of water.
There is great variety of rich grasses,
chiefly among them, as stated above, the
gramma, the most nutritious grass grown,
which covers the mountains and mesas,
affording for the stock an ali-year range,
the dry winters causing the grasses to re-
tain their strength and nutriment. In
order to judge of the vast herds that Craze
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19
Value.
Amount.
Ore.

The above report may be somewhat
misleading, as it includes not only the
ores mined in the county of Socorro, but
the entire product OF the Socorro smelters,
which includes much ore from other
places. 1t will be seen from this state
ment that the mining, smelling and mill
ing of ores for Socorro county has been
prominent industry and productive of
large results.
The chief producing camps of the coun.
ty are found IN Magdalena, Kelley, Mo-
COLON, Black Range, Water Canon, San
Andres, Pueblo, Limetar and Socorro. In
addition to the precious metals OF this
county, the coal measures are very enor-
nous both east and west of the city of
Rio Grande, and with some few excep-
tions are all bituminous and of good quail.
ity.
In addition to the land opened there
are other far larger fields which have not
been operated, owing to their inaccessi-
bility. Traces of petroleum have been
found in several localities, showing con.
siderable volume of oil; but owing to the
want of capital no explorations have been
made to discover the extent or value of
what is known to exist in this direction.
There ore several large deposits Of alum
in the form Of alumnite, situated in the
northwestern part Of the county; also
large deposits and veins of iron, zinc,
lime, fire clay Of the very best quality in
inexhaustible quantities, near the hot
springs deposit OF ozocerite, and large
deposits Of salt in the western part OF the
county. Building stone of a very fine
quality is found in several localities. Sui.
phur abounds in large quantities, rang
ing from 80 per cent to state Of almost
absolute purity in the extreme southwest
ern portion Of the county.
The arabic agricultural lands Of Socorro
county are divided into two classes, the
bottom lands along the Rio Grande, ella,
Frisco, 6alads and Pusrco, and tho mesas
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19
This is one OF the most important stock

This is one of the most important stock
raising sections in the territory. Stock.
men estimate that cattle pay so cents
monthly per head, and that the profit in
sheep is little better than so ner cent.
The c. ndtions are particularly favorable
here for stock, and the loss while the
stock is on the range is never more than
per cent, figures that no other stock
section of America can show.
There are splendid opportunities for az
riculture, which has not been carried on
to any great extent, but where ever tried
has given good results and pronounced
success.
Alfalfa is staple crop and averages
from four to five cuttings per year, seven
or eight tons to the acre. There are large
areas of fine agricultural and grazing land
in this county, still belonging to the pub
lie domain, to be had for the asking, and
there are excellent opportunities here for
young, energetic men who desire to grow
up with the country.
Until recently agriculture was very
primitive, though the yields were always
phenomenally large. The old and labori-
GUS methods of the past have given place
to modern science. The best agricultural
implements have been employed and to.
day the county is dotted with thrifty
farms. All the valleys should be covered
with them. Grapes and currsnts grow
wild in this county, and when cultivated
mature in the utmost abundance. All the
vegetables thrive. The size OF all is aston
ishing and the quality perfection.
There is another thing that should be
remembered, and that is that some Of the
best agricultural and grazing lands in
Lincoln county still belong to the public
domain.
The plains, plateaus and valleys, indeed
all the level country, is generally without
timber, but the mountain areas are heav.
ilv forested.
The wood consists of pinon, pine, iuni-
per, ash, cottonwood, oak, etc., and
affords excellent building material.
The county seat is Lincoln, situated in
the central portion of the county and con-
nected by daily stages with Carthage and
San Antonio, on the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe railroad, and also with Lava on
the same road.
The surrounding country is principally
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19
Santa Cruz Castillo.

Santa Cruz CASTILLO. superintendent o.
schools for the county Of Socorro, is 9
native of New Mexico, born at Limetar
Socorro county, April 5, 1866. lie re.
ceived tn borough education at Albuquer.
que, and after seven years. course grad.
uated in English and Spanish with high
hOnors.
Returning to Socorro county he learned
the jewelers. trade, and afterwards became
book-keeper and clerk for large mer-
camille establishment at Lincoln county,
New Mexico. Here he remained for
about year and half, again entering
the jewelry business and following this
until he resigned to accept position with
the firm of +. Abeyta & Brother, at Santa
Fe, at this time the leading jewelers. OF
the city.
In 1889 he again left the business to
take position Of weigh master and hook
keeper for the Rio Grande Smelling Com
pany, which he held for five years.
In 1887 Mr.. Castillo was appointed
deputy county assessor OF Socorro county,
and the following year was elected clerk
of the city OF Socorro. In 1894 he was
elected councilman of the 4th ward OF
that city, and in November of the same
year was elected to the office of county
superintendent of schools, for which posi-
ton he possesses the highest attsinments.
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19
H. Lynch.

The subject of this sketch located the
first store in Navajo Springs, Ariz., four.
teen years ago, and from the modest
commencement he then made has devel-
oped an establishment that does the
largest mercantile business in that por.
ton Of the southwest, nothing within a
radius Of fifty miles approaching it in
point Of value or volume. While build
ing up his extensive business, Mr.. Lynch
has also found time to act as postmaster
Of Navajo Springs for twelve successive
years. He does an extensive trade with
the Indians, feature Of which is han.
ding the famous Navajo blankets made
by the surrounding Indians), thousands
Of which annually pass through his
hands and which have made his name
as dealer therein famed the country
over. Mr.. Lynch was born in Missouri
the same state that has contributed
so many prominent men to the popula-
ton of the great southwest.
New Mexico was organized at Navajo
Springs in 1868, and that incident serves
to give the place most interesting page
in the territory's history.
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19
socoRRo COUNTY.
Mining, Agriculture, Stock Raising
Room Here for Thousands of
Home seekers.

Socorro is the largest county in New
Mexico and comprises an area of 1898
square miles, or 8,949, $50 acres, of which
2,70O,OOO acres are mountainous and the
balance we'll adapted to agriculture and
pasture.
6ocorro county Is half ~ large - the
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19
LINCOLN COUNTY.
The Stock Raising Section of the West
Mining Leading Industry.

Lincoln county Is situated in the SOUTH
eastern section Of the territory and is
bounded on the north by Guadalupe and
Lincoln counties, on the west by Socorro
and Dona Ana counties, on the east by
Ohavss and Eddy counties and on the
south by the state of Texas.
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19

devoted to stock raising and mining, and
the trade of the town is with the ranch
men and adjacent miners.
The town OF White Oaks in all proba.
bility will shortly have good railroad
connection through the Pecos Valley rail
road As it stands now it is eighty miles
distant from the Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe road. 1t is surrounded by good
gold mines and mills and is altogether q
thriving town.
In the central part Of the county is the
town of Nogal, or Black Walnut, so called
from the great number of these trees
which grow in the neighborhood. 1t is
located in beautiful mountain park
watered by streams and springs, and is
altogether delightful place. Its princi-
pal trade is in mining and ranch sup.
plies.
~
Filiz Cattle Company.
The Feliz Cattle Company, one of the
largest corporations engaged in the stock
industry in the territory of New Mexico,
was organized in 1887, and operates in
Lincoln county. The company has about
II WV u6Au VI Chttlo, WulCL uuu pdbtuI :
age on an immense range twenty miles
square, the annual shipments amounting
to from 700 to 1900 head.
Mr.. James !. Dolan, the efficient gen.
eral manager OF the company, has had
extensive experience in the stock business
and is therefore we'll qualified to speak of
the outlook for this great industry that
has played such an important part in the
industrial development of the territory of
New Mexico.
Lack of transportation facilities seems
to Mr.. Dolan the great drawback at pres
ent to the development of his section,
Lincoln county, but as there is every
prospect Of railroad passing through
this county in the near future, he has the
greatest faith in the impetus it will give
to the industries of this rich part Of the
territory.
Said Mr.. Dolan in recent interview !:
II consider cattle one Of the safest invest
ments that can be made in this section,
but can zee no prospect of improvement
until such time az We can get through rail
connection to the eastern markets. In
this business great deal depends upon
the range, and to anyone contemplating
investment in this industry, / would re.
spectfullv suggest that the first cousidera-
ton be position of range. Secondly, that
care be taken not to over-stock 1t. This
Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-12-19

on its lands, the shipment for the fiscal
year ending August l, 1895, amounted to
la, GAO head.
Fully one-third of the land Of Socorro
county is covered by forests. The yellow
pine, white and red cedar, pinon, oak
and cottonwood predominant.
The sawmills Of this county, during the
year 1895, shipped over 1900, 900 feet Of
lumber, the average price per thousand at
the mill being $l2.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-27
Not Single New Idea on the Finan-
cia1 Question Advanced.
Treatment Tariff Not in His Best Vein-Other Top
les Touched-As Whole the Paper
Is Disappointing

Canton O.. Aug 26.-Major Mckinley
gave his letter of acceptance to the press
associations this afternoon, having fin
ished his last reading and revision of 1T
at 1890 o'clock The letter touches upon
all of the important planks in the repub-
lican national platform but the first half
of it is devoted to a discussion of the
money question. The letter is as follows:
Hon. John M. Thurston and Others
Members of the Notification Committee
of the Republican National Commit
tee
Gentlemen: In pursuance of the prom
tse made to your committee when noti-
fled of my nomination as the republican
candidate for president, | beg to submit
this formal acceptance of that high hon
or and to consider in detail the questions
at issue in the pending campaign
Perhaps this might be considered un-
necessary in view of my remarks on that
occasion and those | have made to dele
cations that have visited me since the ST.
Louis convention, but in view of the mo-
mentous Importance of the proper settle
ment of the issues presented in our fu-
ture prosperity and standing as a ma
tion and considering only the welfare ana
happiness of our people, could not be
content to omit again calling attention
to the questions which In my opinion VI
tally affect our strength and position
among the governments of the world and
our morality integrity and patrlotlsm
as citizens of that republic, which Tor
century past has been the best hope OF
the world and the inspiration or man.
kind We must not now prove false TO
our own high standards in government
nor unmindful of the noble example and
wise precepts of the fathers or the con-
fidence and trust which our conduct In
the past has always inspired.
Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-27
WILLIAM M'KINLEY.

yer Is a mena ce to be feared; we are al
ready experiencing the effect of partial
free trade. The one must be averted, the
other corrected. The republican party is
welded to the doctrine of protection and
was never more earnest in its support
and advocacy than now. If argument
were needed to strengthen its devotion
to the American system or increase the
hold of that system from the party and
people, 1t Is found in the lesson and expe-
rence of the past three years. Men are
feeling in their own daily lives what be-
fore was to many of them only report,
history or tradition. They have had a
trial of both systems and know what each
has done for them.
Goes Way Back to Washington.
Washington in his farewell address,
September II, 1896, 100 years ago, said:
"As very important source of strength
and security cherish public credit. One
method of preserving 1t Is to use 1t as
sparingly as possible, avoiding the accu-
mutation of debt, not only by stunning
provisions of expense, but by vigorous
exertions In time of peace to discharge
the debts which unavoidable wars may
have accustomed, not ungenerously
throwing upon posterity the burden
which we ourselves ought to bear"
To facilitate the enforcement of the
max1ms which he announced he declared:
ut is essential that you should especially
bear in mind that towards the payment
of debts there must be revenue; that to
have revenue there must be taxes; that
no taxes can be devised which are not
more Or less inconvenient or unpleasant; /;
that the intrinsic embarrassment insep-
arabic from the selection of the proper
objects (which Is always a choice of diff
cultles) ought to be decisive motive for
candid consideration of the government
in making 1t, and for a spirit of acquies-
cence in the measures for obtaining rev.
enue which the public exigencies may at
any time dictate"
Animated by like sentiments the peo-
pie Of the country must now face the
conditions which beset them. The pub
lie exigencies" demand prompt protec-
tive leg,sla ton, which will avoid the ac-
cumulation of further debt by providing
adequate revenues for the expenses Of
the government. 1t Is manifestly the
requirement of duty. If elected presi-
dent OF the United States it will be my
aim to vigorously promote this object
and give ample announcement to the
occupations of the American people,
which above all else Is SO imperatively
demanded at this juncture of our ma
tfjnal affairs
Quotes From Harr1son.
In December 1892, President Harrison
sent his last message to congress II
was an-able and exhaustive review OF
the condition and resources Of the coun-
try. 1t stated our situation so accurate
ly that I am sure it will not be aniiss to