Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1906-08-09


| kota these days in search of lands
and a new home, a good proportion
are going into the territory west of
the Mississippi river. This is sec
ton of the state which has hitherto
been more or less neglected by the
land seekers, not because of any de-
fects OF either soil or climate, but
simply because it has lacked the rail
way facilities that the eastern and
central parts of the state enjoyed, and
the lands there have, therefore, been
principally given over to cattle ranges.
But this year vast development of
the railways of the state is taking
place, and South Dakota will lead ev-
cry state in the Union in the number
Over seven hundred miles of new road
are being built, and a vast extent of
territory is thus being brought into
direct contact with the markets. AS
| a consequence, the big ranges are be-
ing cut up into smaller farms, and
towns are springing up with mush-
room-like rapidity.
There Is nothing of the mushroom
| character about these towns. however.
They are built to stay, and their
builders are possessed with happy
spirit of confidence in their future
that augers we'll for success. The
track layers are not yet out of sight
when dozen or more buildings are
under way and business Is in full
blast. 1t is simply repetition Of
what has taken place in the eastern
and central portions Of the state, and
which has converted those sections
into one OF the richest agricultural
countries in the world.
Proud of Their State.
This spirit of optimism is peculiar
to South Dakota. l found it on every
hand in my travels through the state.
Its men and women are proud of their
state, and they have good reasons for
their pride. The editor Of one of
their country papers recently ex-
pressed this feeling as follows:
For supreme happiness, for utmost
contentment, for plenty of everything
that nature endows humanity with,
look to South Dakota, the home of the
freest, the home of the merriest, the
home of the most light-hearted, liberal
and enterprising people on earth. You
need only to look into the face Of the
average South Dakotan and you will
know that he hasn't anything to wor-
ry about. The deep creases are alb
sent from his face; the frown is dis
placed by a pleasant countenance,
and his hands instead of being in his
pockets clutching the almighty dollar
that makes more men miserable than
happy, is extended in glad fellowship
to the stranger who is seeking a home
for himself?
This is South Dakotan
The picture is not overdrawn. There
was time when there was a general
impression throughout the country
that South Dakota was principally
noted for hot waves in summer and
billiards. in winter. That impression
has been dissipated within the past
few years, and that Is why the set
tiers are fiocking into the state. They
have learned that South Dakota is a
land of sunshine. They have learned
that It's soil is Of the greatest fertility,
and that its climate is of the most de
lightful character. It is not far enough
north to experience the rigorous win
tiers Of some states. nor is 1t far
enough south to be blasted by the hot
winds that ruin the crops in some
others. 1t enjoys the happy medium,
and there is scarcely ever day in
winter when cattle cannot roam and
pick up sufficient forage.
When farmer can go into a new
country and pay for his land out of
his first crop there is good reason foP
contentment. That is exactly what
thousands have done in South Dakota,
and what other thousands are going
to do. met one young farmer when
was in Hand county who owns lit
tie over 1000 acres Of land. He told
me that he was from Iowa. and had
been there for eight years.
How Men Get Start.
"What was your reason for leaving
Iowa?" l asked. 81 have always I'M
derstood that the Iowa farmer was a
very prosperous individual"
THAT is onite true" was his re-
ply "but you must understand that
land in Iowa is high priced, and the
average farmers son has little show
to get any Of it unless by inheritance.
My father has big farm, but he also
has big family. made up my mind
to do something for myself. and my
father loaned me $500 to make start
on. I knew South Dakota land was
cheap, ard came up here and looked
the field over. The first season /
rented a half section and put in wheat.
My crop averaged thirty-five bushels
to the acre. Ny profits were enough
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