Santa Fe daily New Mexican., 1897-10-26
NEW MExIC0'S PROSPERITY.

The year just drawing to a close has
been one of great prosperity for New
Mexico, and the territory has made a
wonderful stride forward as one of the
solid, progressive sections of the United
States. ...
The first indication that return to
former conditions was approaching was
the rapid and almost unexpected rise in
the price of cattle. The days of big cat
tie companies and bigger herds in New
Mexico have, of course, gone for good,
but the number of cattle is still consider
able, and the effect of the increase in
values for feeders was to strengthen the
confidence of rangemen in the business,
and to enable them to pay off their debts,
and if there was no balance left, they
we're able to start even with the world
again.
The sheep and wool industries we're the
next to receive an impetus from a strong
onu oohoponAy iioibk uioin noo' Elooh-
masters have received more than double
for lambs, and fully twice as much for
wool this year as they have for many
years past, and this class of citizens have
been able to get in good shape fnan-
cially.
One of the great blessings enjoyed has
been an abundance of moisture, insuring
large crops Of everything raised in the
territory, aside from furnishing feed for
grazing stock. Particularly is this true
of fruit. Could the exact number of
dollars that agriculturists and hortioul- |
turalists will receive for their crops this
year be known the amount would as
tonish even the most optimistic. Prices
for all manner Of grains, fruit, and
produce have ranged high and the pro-
ducers have been the benefciaries, for |
the reason that no sales were made until !
the era of high prices was established.
To the mining districts great activity
las ruled and the discoveries and de-
made have resulted in vast
Increase in the output of gold, lead end
copper. Outside capital has been at
;racted to the territory by the new dis
,overies, and the money paid out in wages,
which is no uncomfortable sum, has aided
in the upbuilding of the camps.
The years prosperity in all the varied
Industries of New Mexico, as a matter
VI present moment, is sufficient to make
very resident of the territory congratu
ate himself, but after all, that does not
ell the tale by half.
A glance into the future is only needed
o clearly show the ultimate result. Capi-
al is no longer fearful of investment.
lew railroads and great irrigating sys-
ems will be constructed; large areas of
rid lands will be brought into oultiva.
ion and the food supplies increased
many fold, feeding the growing popula-
ion and allowing heavy surplus to be
hipped to profitable markets to the west
nd south. The focks and herds are
eing steadily increased and i'm
roved, and the great mesas will
ecome of value as grazing lands, while
liners and mine investors will take hold
the industry with no hall. hearted
leasures and make of New Mexico one
the greatest gold producing sections
| the country.
In the much talked of "good old times"
7erything was on a boom basis, and
hen the crash came the bottom vir-
lally dropped out of every industry in
10 territory. The past years of depres'
on and hard times have eliminated
'erything of boom nature, and the
lsiness revival, now making itself mani I
st, is built upon substantial founds-
ons, and the territory is entering upon
| area of permanent, rapid development +
I'd growth.