The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-02-22

law Of supply and demand has added
| somewhat to the extent of Pacific coast
markets in the middle west. On the basis
| of largely increased demand this is no
disappointment to the Minnesota lum-
bermen. Eastern rail shipments of Pa
cific coast lumber increased % per cent
in 1901. Some Of this increase invaded
| comparatively nearby markets Of Mime
sofa white pine. T.,
Epoch for the 500 Road.
This is to be big year in the devel-
opment Of the 500 road. If there are such
things as "epoch markers" in railway
history, 1902 will see some epoch max
ing for the 500. The western division of
the road runs mostly through what was
twenty years ago referred to as the west
ern desert. Gradually much Of this 500
territory has been made productive under
the money making art of the settler. The
country along the road has 'flled up so
rapidly in the past few years, and the
prospects in that direction for 1902 are
SO bright that some of what were but
a few years ago unpretentious towns are
taking on the Importance of interior job
bling points. While this means no won
derfully great increase in 500 traffic in
itself, it is good evidence of the wonderful
rapidity with which 500 territory is de-
veloping. Out in northwestern North
Dakota, Minot, SooGreat Northern
junction point, Is to have wholesale
grocery house within a few weeks. It Is
practically settled also that Mlnot is to
cut considerable figure in the farm
implement trade with Canada. American
manufacturers are convinced that ma
chinery warehouses at Minot will be of
much assistance in campaigning the inn
plement trade of the western provinces
even as far east as Manitoba This traf-
fic is bound to grow and as much of it
will be carried over the 500, it will fur
nish one Of the many new items Of traf-
fic which that road is gathering in as a
result of its successful development of a.
new country.
The big increase in population along
the 500 in North Dakota has made the
town of Valley City also ambitious to be-
come the owner of jobbing trade The
extension to Aberdeen is much wanted by
Aberdeen business men as it will put
that town in touch with western North
Dakota. The aggressive and persistent
migration policy of the 500 for several
years back is beginning to show results
in the earnings Of the road and ques-
lions from eastern financial centers ask
Ing for reasons for the steady rise Of 500
stock.
The Farm Loan.
Persons with money to Invest are cul-.
tiyating closer acquaintance with the
farm loan. This is partly due to the fact
that western farm lands have greatly
appreciated in value In the past five
years and partly to the better rate of in
terest which the average farm loan pays
in comparison with other investments. A
first mortgage on northwestern farm land
intelligently placed is a decidedly safe
Investment. The rate Of interest pre-
vafling in many sections Of the north
west has given thousands of eastern peo-
pie with money to loan returns far more
satisfactory than any investment ever
placed by them in eastern properties.
Some life insurance companies have used
the western farm loan for their reserves
for years The number Of companies en-
tering this Investment field has gradually
increased The number Of retired farm
ers, merchants, and other people with
moderate fortunes residing in states as
far west as Illinois who have readily in
vested their money in this manner has
multiplied rapidly in the past eight years.
This has furnished a money supply for the
newer sections Of the west which has had
an influence In decreasing interest rates
to great extent This year there is
every indication that much Iowa money
will be offered for farm mortgages, and
life insurance companies and other con-
Germs working in that field for years will
gradually work Into the newer sections
| of the northwest