The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1903-01-15
PROGRESS OF THE STATE.
The Years Output OF New Wealth
Amounted 70 $40 Q4Q ono

INV tCdT 0uIput OF NEW "edlIn
Amounted to Sis, e49 900.
In his review of the progress OF the
state for 1902, Secretary Doane Robin
son. OF the State Historical society.
says the most striking feature has
been the phenomenal demand for real
estate. From careful approximations
he estimates the total land transfers
to aggregate 100000 acres, involving
S30,OO0,000. One year ago he approx
mated the population at 100000, and,
from extensive inquiry, he now thinks
that figure was somewhat too high,
480 900 being more nearly correct, and
at this date he believes, from many ev-
licences, that the states population has
reached the 100000 mark. The coun-
ties east of the James river have all
made some gain in their farm popula-
ton, and there has been a marked In
flux of homesteaders upon the reser
walton lands west of the Missouri.
Next TO the real estate movement,
the characteristic feature Of the year
has been the prevalence Of new build
ing in every section. The building of
homes has been prominent feature.
Wells and Railroads.
On. Jan. /, 1902, Prof. J. Il. Todd, the
state geologist, reported $500 artesian
wells flowing in South Dakota. Since
that date no fewer than 800 additional
wells have been. sunk. The new wells
are chiefly of small bore--One and a
half and two Understanding plenty
of water for all farm purposes and for
driving light machinery. The artesian
territory has also been extended, that
is, wells have been procured in sec
tions formerly supposed to be under
laid with granite which would pre-
clude the possibility Of reaching the
water strata.
There has been but little new rail-
road building. A branch OF the Ere
mont Elkhorn & Mississippi Valley,
Northwestern line, has, been extended
into Gregory county, terminating at
Bonesteel, and affording access to the
reservation lands, which are attracting
wide attention. The Milwaukee has
extended its line from Eureka north
across the state line, to connect with
the Northern Pacific at Linton, North
Dakota, and some short extensions in
the Black Hills, by which the standard
roads obtain access to Lead City, COM
prise the run Of this years construc-
ton.
The States Wealth.
The assessment for the year does
not do Justice to the state, nor in any
way indicate the growth of values. For
the two previous years particular eff
fort had been made to secure compli-
ance with the statute which, requires
property to be listed at its true value,
and though no substantial compliance
was secured, still the agitation re-
suited in q higher standard; but this
year there was no agitation, and the
assessor dropped back to the old meth
cd at listing II at about one-third of
the true value. However, a gain of q
per cent is shown, and 1t may be safely
assumed that the aggregate value OF
the states wealth is $3.50, 900 900.
The business of the people continues
upon safe and prosperous basis, and
throughout the state all classes have
lived we'll and usually saved some
thing. III the bank deposits may be
taken as an index of popular condi.
lions, the showing is superb. The last
call for a showing of the condition OF
national and private banks revealed
deposits as follows:
banks, Sept. is, 1902, $10,S99, 1T.
In state and private banks, Oct. z,
1902, $19,517,165. -.......-..
A total of $50, 416,341
In national banks, October, 1901.
$S,11S,277. .-.
In state and private banks. October,
1901, S11,313,52S.
4 total Of 9,431 sos.
Showing an increase for the year of
;10,94S,55.
AT the days Of these calls the banks
had combined resources aggregating
S40,601,1 10.
Most Valuable Industry.
Dairying continues to increase In
importance and is destined to become
the leading industry OF South Dakota.
The assessment for the present year
accounts for 541, 734 COWS, but this fig.
ure Is manifestly too small. The as
sessment of 1900 gave 420, 7ss cows,
but the federal census, taken at the
same time, gave $50, $50, or 81 per cent
more COWS than were returned to the
assessor. Applying the same ratio
and adding the 81 per cent to the as.
sessment of this year, makes the total
number of cows in the state 709,691.
The total value of the dairy product is
figured at $6,579, 923.76. Only about
one-half of the creameries reported to
the dairy commissioners out of 153.
These SO reported the payment to their
patrons, net, 81, 294, 503.30.
Live stock continues to be by far the
most valuable industry of the state.
The census of 1900 placed the value at
S64, 900 900. On the basis of the as.
sessment the increase since that time
has been &c per cent, and the average
price this year is IL per cent higher
than In 1900. Mr.. Robinson, therefore,
places the investment in the industry
at this time at sSS,510,000, and the
product this year from growth, in
creased price and sales at $31 ,219, 900.
Summary of Productions.
The following figures OF the value OF
the years productions are conserva-
tive and approximately correct:
Bushels, Value.
Wheat ...... 46,25S,Oh0 s26, 239, 900
Corn (frosted) 100000 $500 900
oats 24,500,0 1000. 900
Barley ....... 9,uVUUOV o,oVo'VVV
Flax ......... 100000 2,000.O00
hye .....'s'' 1tVVV,VVV 1V1'VVO
Live stock -. ....".,.. 3l,209.O00
Dairy and
creamery ;. ......... 6,579,O0O
Eggs and