The weekly times-record. (Valley City, N.D.) 1912-1922, 1915-12-30
NORTH DAKOTA NEEDS
STRONG ORGANIZATION
TO DEVELOP THE STATE

TO DEVELOP THE STATE
Bismarck, Dec. 23.-"The spirit Of
organization is strong in North Dako'
ia now" remarked leading business
man of the eastern section of the state
who was spending today at the capital,
this is the psychological period for
the accomplishment of a great move
ment in North Dakota if there is a
man or set of men big enough to
grasp it.
There is a general demand" con.
tinued the visitor, "fOr a comprehen.
sive system of internal development
within the state. Punitive efforts are
being made in almost every county
and in many twons in most of the
counties, through individuals and local
organizations, to accomplish some
thing. Some results are attained, but
it is generally admitted that compare
lively little is accomplished in return
for the effort put forth. Lack of or
ganization, lack of intelligent direc-
ton of the effort and lack of co-opera-
ton are the three great weaknesses
that must be overcome before any real
ly big things will be accomplished.
This sentiment is so rapidly growing
that it may result in the organization
Of some statewide movement that may
mean much to the development of the
state.
Il have frequently heard suggestions
made for the organization of something
like the Northern Minnesota Develop
men organization. That this has been
"a highly practical and successful
movement appears to be generally rec
ognized, but it occurs to me that
something in North Dakota that was
statewide rather than sectional could
accomplish more.
"The opportunities for material de-
velopment are almost limitless.''
Outlining some of his ideas the
speaker continued: Here is North
Dakota with an area of 10000 square
miles and with less than three-quar-
tiers of a million of people, practically
few more than are to be found in Min
neapolis and st. Paul and their sub
urban towns on an area less than some
of our counties. The least observing
individual in the state must see that
the greatest need is more settlers,
more people to assist in the develop
ment of the wonderful agricultural
possibilities of North Dakota. The
present population should be at least
trebled or quadrupled to make a re-
spectacle showing and not merely
make bluff at the cultivation of the
large arabic area awaiting better de-
velopment.
Despite all this imperative neces-
sity there is no organized immigra-
tion effort, either official, or otherwise
in North Dakota. There are many in
dividual and Independent movements,
that, if properly combined and work
ing under some comprehensive sys-
tenn, might accomplish great deal
more for their communities and for
the state.
Next in importance is the necessity
of inducing capital to come to North
Dakota to assist in the development
of the manufacturing enterprises. This
could be accomplished easier after Il
proper advertisement of the state and
the acquiring of additional settlers.
There are wonderful opportunities in
the way Of development Of the devel-
opment Of the natural resources of the
state. With the cheap fuel, the good
water, the possibilities of water trans
portation, the varied and prolific agri-
cultural products, the clay beds, the
opportunities for -four mills, cereal
plants, butter and cheese making, the
manufacture of many products daily
in demand, there is a great field for
the investment of capital and for the
creation of unlimited wealth by in
dividuals.
North Dakota, it seems to me-" con-
cluded the business man, has more
latent possibilities and less organizaed
effort to get something out Of them
than any state in the union. The most
pathetic feature Of the situation is
that so many people apparently realize
this, and yet so little is being done in
an organized way to bring about a
change"
Whv Va, chanld liza Cha - a 81 q inSs