Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-07-08
CoIorado's Prosperity,

From the Denver Republican.
Colorado is the most prosperous state in
the Union. 1t was expected by some per-
sons that in consequence of the depression
in the price of silver it would be ruined.
They either did not know the real char
acter of ColOrado's resources or they did
not take into consideration all the factors
of material growth and development that
exist here.
Colorado is the one spot in all the land
scape upon which the sunlight is stream
ing. Everywhere else there. is cloud and
gloom. The East is depressed. Idle la
Dor crowds the streets of Eastern cities,
towns and hamlets, for there is no work
to do. The fires are dead in the furnaces
and so is hope in the hearts OF the people.
But it is not so in Colorado. More men
are employed in the mines of this state
now than ever before in it's history. The
mining industry was never before in so
healthy a condition or gave so much ground
for encouragement.
The great activity in mining is accounted
for by the attention which is given to the
production OF gold. Silver mining is not
dead. 1t is merely depressed. But gold
production more than makes up Industrial
ly for the falling off in silver mining.
When il was seen that the profit in silver
mining had been in a large degree de-
stroycd. Colorado men turned their atten-
ton to gold mining; and they met with
great success. for this state is a gold, as
well as silver, producer.
Gold mining is Il wonderful industry.
Its product finds a ready sale at the nigh
est market price. The market is always
active. and the demand is without limit.
Gold is the only industrial product Of the
United States OF which this can be said.
Colorado gold producers do not have to
hunt for n market or dispute with pur-
chasers about prices. The market is right
at their doors. and the minis of every civ
ilized nation are open to take all the gold
that may be offered.
This is the industry which in the past
four years has sprung into such great i'm
portance here, and that is enabling Colo
radc to laugh at calamity. 1t enables this
state to endure the evils of gold mono
me:allism more readily than any ether
member Of the Union. for gold mOnometal-
liSm, which depreSses the price OF silver.
enhances the value of gold. With the
profit in silver production reduced. Colo
radc people turn to gold mining with light
hearts. knowing that with it they secure
prosperity for themselves and their state.
This has not been fully appreciated by
the people Of the East, and so they have
not grasped the fact that Colorado is truly
the most prosperous state in the Union.
Probably few of them kncw that accord
ing to the estimate of the superintendent
Of the mint Colorado's gold product last
year was less than $4,000 below that of
California. EXcursionists to California
this year make a mistake II they think
that they are going to the leading gold
state Of the Union. When they cross the
western boundary of Colorado they leave
the greatest gold state behind them. for
this years record will show COlorado's
product to be far ahead of that of Califor-
mia. Colorado produces more silver than
any other state in the Union. Last year
it stood second in the production of gold.
This year it will stand first in both gold
and silver-a bimetallic state, industrially
as well as in the political faith and senti-
ment of its people.