The St. Lucie County tribune. (Fort Pierce, St. Lucie County, Fla.) 1905-1920, 1911-12-08
TIE ROMANCE
or FLORIDA
A Boston Newspaper Reviews
Florida from Earliest History
THE DEVELOPMENT ERA
For Less than five Years Florida Has Al.
traCted the Former Western Inimi-
sra,ion-Great Progress

Romance has played leading part
in every step of Florida development
from the settlement Of st. Augustine,
North Americas oldest city, TO the
progressive era of the present." says
the Christian Science Monitor. Ro-
nance walked daily with the first set
tiers, with the hardy pioneers who
braved the Indian warriors, with the
veterans of the civil war, who first
fought and then struggled against OPP
preston during the days of reconstruc-
ton and with the captains of indus
try who have buided a really great
state upon a wilderness foundation
thoroughly interviewer with that which
is romantic and old citizens revel in
wealth of stories that prove that truth
is stranger than fiction.
"FIorida's first actual development
began in the early sos. opening with
the entrance of few small railroads.
which have since grown into big sys-
tens that traverse every productive
section of the state. The struggles of
those who inaugurated these small
roads were dscouraging, especially
from financial point of view, and
majority found their way into the
| hands of receivers before their real de-
velopment began. The big trunk lines
were gradually attracted Florida-ward,
| though, and today several scores Of
passenger trains rumble into Jackson
vile daily, particularly during the win
ter tourist season. p.
1T is estimated that 1000 tourists
visit the state each year and Florida's
rapid growth during the last two de-
cade has been greatly due to the set.
Element and investment of many of
these tourist folk. They have worked
hand in hand with the Florida crack
ers' in upbuildng the state and marks
of their enterprise are found in even
the remotest localities.
"Florida's principal attraction at
present is the oversee extension OF the
Florida East Coast railway, which is
expected to be operating trains into
Key West and from thence to Havana,
Cuba, by the middle of February.
1.-The work of building the line of
about Is miles of water, underneath
which is soft muck, is regarded as one
of the engineering marveS OF the time.
It passes through wondrously fertile
section and is expected to prove Il pay
ing investment. as well as a monument
to it's builder, Henry NJ Flagler, who
has been ceaseless worker for the
commercial and industrial advancement
of Florida.
Havana is only 80 miles f. ON Key
West and 1t is the intention of Mr.. Flag
Ter to operate large railroad steamers
between the United States and Cuba.
If Mr.. Flagler's purpose is carried out
the trip can be made without leaving
cars, and the expense of the tranship-
nent of freight will be eliminated.
For five years Florida has been taxi
inc the place Of other western states
in the eyes Of Immigrants from the
crowded and less favored sections ANA
the rush has been unprecedented slnre
the reclamation Of vast and fertile
tracts of EVergIai"S lands brcIIu' Il
realized fact. Like the states or ia"
West. Though Florida hes BEEN "N uloit.
ed very much ~ 'mnd thHrNS m3uy
Of whom have sold thousands Of urlc2
Of practically worthless lard {" tuo,r
who were not Sufficiently wise 10 wat,a
thorough iuro,ugai lOn before Im1,ila,.
INC home and tarm sites. These cpu-
ulti0ns, however have been more. iiau
counteracted 10y The rlrH harvest yl'h,,
that have come to those W.r have l.G-
chased farms and tiled tac s,l EXPORT
". and at no time have TIE s,r,n's
prospects been brighter, FJr,h'ruB'r
all settlers are being instructed T.. -
the oe,t manner Of filling Florida soil,
and the results are surprising f. tnru
and to their friends back home.
The principal agricultural industry
is, Of course. the cultivation Of citrus
fruits, for which the state is noted.
Florida oranges, the growers claim are
superior in quality to those from
California, but for years they hav"
been packed and shipped improperly.
However, the day Of antiqiaded meth
DDS is passing. Three years ago
prominent business men and growers,
taking their cue from the progressive
California organized the Florida Citrus
Exchange, the objects of which are
exactly those of the California ex-
change. majority Of the growers
belong to this exchange adhere strict
" to its rules, and have their fruit
prepared, shipped and marketed in
much more advantageous manner and
the benefit is now greatly felt from
financial standpoint. In this connec-
ton the last legislature enacted law
against the shipment of green fruil,
the enforcement of which will do much
toward bettering the reputation of
Florida fruits in all markets.