Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1902-04-16

taken, and are now in cultivation. If
the lands are as sterile as he believes,
is it probable that the homesteaders
would have wasted five years of their
lives in proving up2 There are hun
dreds OF thousands OF acres OF land OF
the very best quality in Eastern
Washington subject to entry.
But, says Edmonds, horses, harness
and wagons are too high, besides the
cost of seed and sustenance before a
crop can be raised. Studebaker wag-
ons, made especially for this section,
and OF the best material and construc-
ton, sell for from $75 to $S5 each.
Farm harness from SIG to $35 per
double set. Horses are sold weekly
on the streets of this city in open
market at from $35 to $3.50 each. On
Saturday, the 9th inst pair of
horses weighing each 1000 pounds,
one 7 and the other 8 years old, both
sound, were sold for $l65 for the two.
Ordinary hacks may be had from $35
to $50 each. Roadsters and blooded
horses sell for more money. 1t is
true that farming implements must
be bought, and that the homesteader
or other new conner must pay for feed
and food while preparing for prcduc-
ton, but at no higher price, freight
added, than in the eastern states.
Edmonds says it takes two years to
raise crop; that lands are only
cropped ON alternate years. He illus
trates by 100 acre farms. There are
but few cultivated farms of less than
800 acres, and speaking for Adams
county it may be said that the lands
under one ownership usually aggre-
gate section or more. The time to
elapse between harvest and seeding is
SO brief that it is impossible to pre-
pare such large tracts for sowing. 1t
is therefore customary to alternate
the crops as stated. Immediately the
fall sowing is completed the farmer
prepares the ground for spring sowing
in March, and continues the prepara-
ton OF the remaining farm for fall
sowing, continuous round of rlow-
ing, sowing and reaping, with no idle
time, but certain and adequate re-.
ward.
But, says Edmonds, "every man
who has lands here wants to sell out"
Within the last 60 days Henry Rosen.
off, resident of Adams county for 20
years, already owning more than GAO
acres under high state OF cultiva-
ton, bought of VIM. B. Spanjer,
another longtime resident, 800 acres
of land, also under cultivation, lying
within three miles of Ritzville, paying
therefor $35 per acre.
Scores of instances of old residents
increasing their holdings could be
given. This case is mentioned be-
cause it is the highest price so far paid
for land in Adams county, and be-
cause the SALE WAS MADE WITHOUT
THE AID OF THE ALLEGED LAND SHARK
The larger number OF improved farms
are not for sale. Many fine well i'm
proved farms may be purchased.
Some owners, rich in pocket and
ripe in years, wish to retire. Some
owning one section want two and the
neighbor won't sell. Some with the
pioneer instinct seek cheaper land in
more remote districts. Unimproved
lands are for sale, because the owners,
approaching the advantages of quick
development, are willing to sell to the
settler at fair price the lands whose
cultivation will make all lands more
valuable.
Mr.. Edmonds criticises the rail-
roads and land agents. The railroads
are making low passenger rates and
distributing literature descriptive of
the country. An opportunity at
slight expense is given Co all to exam
inc the state and its resources, to
verify or disprove statements, to buy
or not to buy. Nothing can be fairer
than this.
Land agents are enthusiastic, be-
cause none know bettor than they the
vastness OF our resources, and none
more intelligently forecast the great
ness of our future. They are alert,
active and tireless. That irresponsi-
BILE and INSCRIPTIONS men may also
engage in the business is true, out as
a class the real estate dealers in this
state are honorable, upright and
reputable citizens.
Mr.. Edmonds attacks the whole
state. A state whose coal measures
are boundless, whose timber in guam
tity and quality is unequalled, whose
cereals, fruits and vegetables carried
off the media! at the late exposition