Willmar tribune., 1911-03-29


change Of commod titles, that is=no5
good reason people should always
take. such a narrow view Of the
question.
We have immense coal land re-
gions Of the most excellent coal
which you people will be.looking
for after few years. I don't
think that it is only jim Hill who
will profit by a torn down tariff
wall. 1t is a question of the great
est Importance to both countries to
establish reciprocal trade relations
| take my stand with former Gov.
Lind and President Taft on this
question.
I might have a lot to say about
my visit at Willmar, the pleasant
evening | spent with the Minnetaga
Temperance League. and other
features Of my visit to our home
county, but space will not permit.
Many [ met wanted to know
more about Canada. While going
through Saskatchewan one sees
nothing but an endless prairie as
level as the sea. Many have done
we'll on such land. Going farther
north where there is more of a
wooded country the reports do not
sound so good. Coming into the
part Of Alberta between the Saskat-
chewan line and Viking, it is most
hiliy land good only for range for
cattle and horses, and good for
such purposes. From Viking a
bout forty miles west and south to
the boundary line there is mostly
plain prairie. North and around
Edmonton is wooded country.
Northwest Of Edmonton for 500
miles is said to be an excellent
country-the Grand Prairie and
Peace River districts. There is
where you have to go for home
steads. But that country has not
yet railroad, although stretch
Of $50 miles is to be built this sum-
mer. Those who have SONS they
want to locate and have some
money, I would advise them to buy
land in the settlements. There are
always some bachelors and families
too that want to sell out-especi-
allv those men who do not want to
work. and if they get dollar they
spend it at the saloons and let their
families suffer for the necessaries
Of life. There are several around
here who want to sell out. Land
NAV still be purchased here from
1900 to $4,000 for the quarter
section. but twenty miles south
land is selling Tor $50 per acre. and
know Of instances where $35 to
$40 have been refused. There are
lots Of wealthy farmers from the
States coming in with their money.
In cur immediate neighborhood
mixed farming is the best. We
are near the hills. which afford an
excellent range with good grass
and plenty Of water.
Since Alberta became province
in 1905 we have had no province
tax. Our only cash tax is the
school tax, which is diffeient de-
pending upon how much railroad
land has been sold in the district. We
have q $12 tax, which is considered
high. as nearly all our railroad land
is unscld. In district eight mile
south they have a $5 tax and get
ahead with that. The road tax
we can work out at $500. per day
for man and team. Such tax is from
$6 to SIS. You may say this is a
high tax, but, bear in mind that we
have no poll tax and are not taxed
for our horses or cattle or personal
property at all, and that the range
is free for all for pasture. Now,
you ask, who pays your county
officers? Praise the Lord, that
plague has not come yet. With
my best wishes and greetings to all
my friends, | will close this letter,
Ever Your Friend,