The Washburn leader. [volume] (Washburn, McLean County, N.D.) 1890-1986, 1904-01-09

orally for stea.. purposes. The proc
ese OF briquetting is being developed
and 1t is thought will eventually result
n q Ignite product that will equal any
hard coal mined in the world, and at a
comparatively small cost. Our enor-
nous clay beds will turn out the finest
kind OF tile and pressed brick. and we
may expect before many years to be
eating our breakfast out of dishes
made of u North Dakota clays. We
are already turning out a Portland &C.
ment that is finding its way into the
leading markets by reason of it's .un-
usual staying qualities. We think it
should be named No. l hard, for surely
1t is about as hard as flint when in
use.
Railroads.
Railroad facilities are u%nexcelled in
any state of its population and state
OF development. Nine different lines
in 1899 had a combined mileage Of
1853 miles; in 1902 the mileage had
increased to 1888, and at the present
time it is said to be $3.50 miles. The
farmers are even building railroads.
The general manager Of the famous
Farmers road north of Devils Lake,
twenty-six miles in length; informed
MI that even though the road was
built and operated under the most. un-
favorable conditions, yet it was pay
Ing handsomely on the actual invest
ment land it's business was constantly
increasing. In 1890 North Dakota had
123 miles of road for every 10000 pop
ulation, South Dakota u miles for ev-
cry 10000 population, and Minnesota
AZ miles for each 10000 population,
which shows that our state has decid-
ed advantages in railroad facilities, and
recent statistics show that the pro-
portion has been kept up. Our city Of
Grand Forks Is the third best city for
passenger business on the Great North
ern system. 1t is led by Minneapolis
and Seattle Only. Prospects for the
extension Of other lines to the north
ern part of the st"te were never bright
or, and increased efficacy of service
is assured in the near future.
Financial Condition.
Referring to the financial condition
of the state as compared with twenty
years ago., any one having a frontier
experience in banking knows how hard
1t was in the early days to interest
Eastern centers in practically an I'M
tried country, consequently high rates
prevailed for money and the supply
was limited. 1t was only by the per-
sistent bringing of people from the
East to study our conditions and re-
sources that has enabled our state to
now command capital for its agricul-
tural and commercial operations at as
low a rate as anywhere in the middle
West. Banking capital is still INSULT.
cient for the needs of u fast develop
ing country, yet the past three years
has seen so much new capital invested
here we may look for all the capital
we require for legitimate needs and
meritorious enterprises. The Red riv'
er valley is o so we'll known in mon
eyed centers of Europe as we'll as OF
America that one has but to mention
the Red river valley to inspire conf
dence. ~ -
There is no surer index Of the
growth. Of q country than its bank de-
posts. Every business nan as well
q. farmer knows that the past few
years has shown great activity along
all lines in North Dakota, and when we
note the increased bank deposits in the
past three years we will be impressed
that there has surely been "somethine
doing" up here in this neck of the
woods At the call of the controller OF
the currency on Sept. 5, 1900, we had
twentyseven national banks with q
total deposit Of $5,093, 73o. At the call
of the controller of the currency Or
Nov. II, 1908, we find we have seven
ty-hve national banks. with a total de-
post of $13, 225, $50. 1t is Jul belief
that the state banks have made just as
strong q growth, and the number OF
new state banks have increased as
largely as the national banks.
Education.
hardly need refer to our educa'
tional facilities, which are well known
to you all. The percentage of litter
ates of ten years of age and above is
but 5 per cent of the population. In
this respect North Dakota ranks sew
enteent!l. With our estimated value OF
lands belonging to the state. the Id
come Of which is used only for schools
is SIS, OOO, 900. our university and other
schools have additional grants. The
number of schools for 1903 il 3,72S
with 5,O41 teachers and 1881 school
children. Expended for 1903 for pub
lie schools, 1888, 6s4; value Of school
property, $3,178,101
Our prairies are dotted with, church
spires of all denominations. I doubt
If, any section of the country of like
area and population can show ~ large
a proportion of church-going people
and where the standard Of morals 10 al
high. So cannot We reasonably OK
pect, with such q groundwork Of oil
that goes, to make up the highest and
best in our civilization. to turn from
the ranks Of schools and univers'
tiles a grade Of young men and WON
en- that will be felt to a marked degree
wherever their lot may fall, and from
which we may look to see emerge such
talent MS will be found in the councils