The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1897-03-22
ABOUT sOUrH TEXAs.
what Mr. Boyle Thinks of Houston
and Its SURROUNDINGS

and Its SURROUNDINGS
Talking about South Texas" said Mr..
J. T. Boyle. ONE OF the new proprietors OF
| the new Hutchins. II have been In Texas
number Of years. principally in South
Texas. l am thoroughly acquainted with
the south half OF the State in every re-
| spect and will say that it is composed of
a rich alluvial soil. used for and adapted
to farming. stock raising, agricultural pur-
suits, except that portion which is semi
mountainous, composing the mining in
terests. and that part which is heavily
timbered making up the great lumber dis
trlcts.
'"rhe climate is tempered by the Gulf
stream and is even. mild and delightful.
There has been marked stride in
agricultural development IN the past three
years. and in and around Houston are
many truck gardeners and fruit farmers
whose industry. coupled with favorable
climate. soil and markets, is realizing hand
some profits. There is no reason why this
branch of agricultural development should
not grow to great proportions, because the
soil is of the best. the seasons from four
TO six weeks earlier than in any other sec
ton OF the United States. and there is no
reason why fruits and vegetables, which
are of the finest quality in South Texas.
should not be first in the Northern and
Western market and at a lower freight
rate than any other section owing to the
unparalleled railroad competition.
I'VE have located within thirty miles OF
Houston the largest sugar refinery in the
South and it is not uncommon to see plan
tations with thousands OF acres of cane
and cotton in cultivation and the cotton
yield in many instances is from one to
one and one-h half bales per acre. The to-
bacco and rice industries. where developed.
have proven very successful and this branch
OF industry should be developed. Tobacco
raised in this section is equal in quality
to Havana tobacco and has ready sale in
the market at 10 cents pound
While within the past three years the
agricultural development has been won
derful and the growth of South Texas
towns marked, yet there are thousands of
acres OF lands undeveloped waiting for the
homeseeker and these lands can be had
on easy terms and at low prices, offering
the greatest inducements OF any country
in the world for home. health. happiness
and wealth.
The advantage and benefits of the large
frontage on the Gulf of Mexico is this.
there is room for several deep water har-
bors and ports where ocean steamers may
bring us what we have not and take TO
others that we have, making Sount Texas
and its ports the natural inlet and outlet
for both the product and wants of the
great State of Texas and tne great North
west and especially the immense cotton
and grain interests of Texas and the grain
and packing interests of The Northwest
The further reason for this is more
natural because water rates are cheaper
than rail and the railroad rates to this
point especially to Houston the greatest
railroad center in the South. are reduced
10 minimum by competing roads and the
farmer in Kansas and Nebraska can mar
ket his crop of grain cheaper via Houston
ana by water route than he can overland
ana the cars which bring down exports
from the Northwest take back our own
southern products and Imports which
makes double reduction in freights
lho manufacturing interests In Hous-
ton and South Texas are growing RAPIDLY
and at present there are in operation ear
wheel factories bottling works hreweries
many machine and railroad shops cotton
seed on mn rehnerics, paper mills cot
ION mills. tobacco factories furniture fac
tories and flour mills and many other kim
dred enterprises. and there is now under
construction u large packery. but with all
these there Is room for much DEVELOPMENT
IN ms line and every inducement for IT;
lapor Is cheap and natural products or raw
Inaterals on the ground. saving freight
mere are three coal mines within "A hundred
miles Of Houston from which coal can he
obtalned at cost of So per ton and oil
Tor Iuei purposes AT 5ia cents per gallon.
me general outlook for the prosperity
OF houston and South Texas promises
nuch ana the renewed activity in all lines
OF business is very marked. The index
nnser OF prosperity points unswervedly to
South Texas and to Houston and even tho
must ardent anticipations are quickly
crystal izing into prospectus realities