The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-09-06
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THE REHABILITATION OF THE SOUTHWEST,
M. M. MURDOCH, Editor.

THE REHABILITATION OF THE SOUTHWEST
The vigorous and widespread rehabilitation Of Kansas
is nowhere more than in the southwestern sec
tion-that section which suffered most from the depress
ions disasters the stagnant times which marked
the seven first years decade from 1890 to 1900
county has emerged from its sackcloth and ashes
and avalanche under which fell despond
ent No county suffered the conditions of confidence
which existed at the close of the decade from 1880 to 1890
more than Barber county and county has shown
greater recupeave powers under the changed and more
favorable conditions prevailing. That county we
are informed by statistical data Of recent date and by
letter and communication, is teeming with pros
pery growing in population and increasing by strides
and Jumps in wealth. Mortgages disappearing,
judgments are being wiped and the people are re-
establishing their lost in wonderful manner
The banks are full of money the business stock
ing M the farmers are extending boundaries Of their
possessions and the stockmen-the who was hit
the hardest-is multiplying herds, wping out his OBJ
legations and piling up money.
This year Barber county has its adaptation for
agriculture The wheat crop very good and the
alfalfa kafir and crops were beyond question the
best ever raised The season was the most favorable
capita will be unprecedented Some excellent authority
vouches that the value all the commercial productions
OF the season will not fall very far $500 for every
person in the county.
Perhaps the greatest source of wealth Barber county
not only remains undeveloped but Reference
is made to the immense hills Of gypsum containing
dreds of millions of of what is becoming impor
tant commercial commodity Conditions not yet ripe
for its utilization but deposit bless
and enrich future generations and make Barber county
one of the industrial centers with tonnage
perhaps larger than any other field
The wholesalers of Wichita say-and they very
observant Of development changes in their commercial
terrtory-that the principal towns of Barber county
Kiowa and Medicine Lodge-show healthier commercial
conditions other of similar location and
environment. They are larger buyers than towns
Of and stable in their credits Both
cities have increased in the volume of business trans
acted This is especially in the matter of farm
chnery which shows advancement along agricultural
lines sure evidence of a countrys prosperity.
Barber county has always been noted for her great
men Probably no other county in population
and opportunity consdered-has turned out many
comparatively strong They have been absorbed
into all the lines of activity in southern Kansas
and Oklahoma and their ability make themselves
heard and TO find place of prominence in their com
1nunities Is conceded by all
In the matter of public accommodations Barber county
is well equipped 1t has two railroad systems and an
adequate supply of first telegraph telephone and
rural delivery service 1t schools churches and
social organizations in superabundnce and lacks nothing
contributes the building up ideal American
honoa from, tho follas AMI viens tho
fluences of undesirable elements.