Durango semi-weekly herald., 1907-04-29

relaxed unll the desired end Is OD-
tanned"
Mr.. Jackson then called upon Frank
Eldredge who responded to the toast,
What Are We Here For?'
Il am more than pleased to see as
sembled at this table so many rep
resentatIve business men OF this sec
tion." said Mr.. Eldredge. 1T would
be most gratifying, to me. at least, II
I were but gifted with the language
of our esteemed toastmaster, who has
so ably extended the glad hand Of
hospitality.
"As the task Of stating the object
OF this gathering has been delegated
to me, I will. as briefly as possible,
state why this meeting has been call
ed.
I'VE are all residents of the great
southwest. What n vast territory is
included in the meaning of this phrase.
For n moment think of the magnitude
and the resources OF this section.
Imagine Durango the central point, for
at this time 1t stands as the CONNER
cial center of this territory. To the
north lies one OF the richest mining
sections in the world, as yet compare
lively undeveloped. To the east, south
and west Is a vast agricultural coun-
try. The surface is irregular, but in
its valleys and on its mesas is some
of the richest and most productive
land of this continent. / must ask
you not to forget the vast territory
underlaid with coal; also to bear in
mind the grazing and timber lands.
Briefly, Durango Is the center of a
territory one hundred miles north and
south by about the same distance east
and west, equal to 10000 square miles.
OF this vast section, 1t Is estimated
that their are at least 100000 acres of
tillable land that can be and will be
irrigated from the many streams that
flow through this territory, as soon
as the waters thereof can be CON
served and applied to beneficial use.
"Only comparatively small por-
| tion OF this section is under cultiva-
tion at this time, but 1t is rapidly
being taken up and 1t is only qnes-
| ton OF time before 1t will be brought
under cultivation. Let us consider
what 1t will mean to this section when
| this land Is made to produce such
crops as can be grown in this climate,
on this soil, and at this altitude. This
| is the first season that sufficient wheat
has been grown to supply the local
| demand and only a comparatively
small portion of this territory is In
| cultivation. The same is true of oats.
hay, and potatoes.
1--WE cannot consume all OF the
fruits now being produced. MANY car
loads are being shipped to outside
markets.) Under the present condi-
tions of transportation, we can only
claim as a market for the large ma
| jority of our products, such districts
as can be reached by our local system
| of railroads, and while the prices paid
are, as rule, much higher than can
| be obtained elsewhere, yet the market
is limited and can only consume grad
| ually, and in limited quantities, the
| products Of this section.
| What will be the result when more
land is made to yield its harvests?
We are doing our best to encourage
| immigration and to build up this sec
| tion. Many new settlers are here now,
| seeking investments in our cheap land
| and water rights. We are glad to
| welcome them. Capital Is also seek
| ing investment in mining, irrigation,
coal, live stock as well as in manu-
featuring enterprises. We invite as
sistance in developing the vast re-
/ sources of this section. Our shingle is
| out with an invitation to all the world
| to come and see this section, unequal
ed as 1t is in resources, which only
| require capital and intelligent appli-
cation to develop.
| what does the development of this
section mean? What will we do with
the products? Where will the market
be found? These are very serious
questions, and it requires the most
careful consideration and intelligent
! cooperation, in order to solve the
problems before us; problems that
must be met in the near future.
| "In looking over the faces of those
present tonight. l recognize many old
timers. Some of them have played an
important part in the development of
what was at one time, the wild and
| woolly west" some have been here
more than quarter of a century;
! they have spent the best years of their
| lives in the great southwest; they are
! here tonight to study local conditions
and to assist, as best they can, in
forming some plan for the beterment
and advancement of the present condi-
tions. II we are to realize our eXpec-
| tations, we must unite in boosting this
country.
| "As individuals, we cannot do n
great deal. but as an organized body,
under intelligent direction, we can
make our influence felt.
I'VE want many things. Among the
most important is n beet sugar fac
tory. We want better and more ex-
tensive railroad facilities in order to
reach a larger market. We want bet
, ter railroad service and n lower tariff
We have outgrown the narrow gauge
| system and any material increase In
production means that the present rail
| road equipment already taxed to it's