The Crittenden press., 1920-04-30
Cs,]wrS hbscco into sLlSy7ehou,e

There are huge areas OF country emil
nently suited for grazing, and many of
the leading authorities are Of the opin-
ion that Rhodesia will In the near fu-
ture be one Of the greatest mcnt-pro-
ducing countries of the empire and the
world. The native cattle are small.
but hardy and fleshy, and n satisfac-
tory breed is now being graded up
which preserves the good qualities OF
the native stock, while adding the
greater size OF the imported bulls.
Great efforts are being made by the
British South Africa company to de-
velop the industry. and extensive ar
rangements are under consideration
for both refrigeratlng and canning on
a large scale.
The staple product Of agriculture
proper Is ''mealies" or maize. for
which there is large demand amore
the natives; but the soil Is so prolific
that large variety OF other crops can
be grown, according TO the region and
altitude selected Oranges and lem
ons and tobacco, Of both the Turkish"
and the "virginian" varieties are being
grown more and more largely. the cul.
tivatlon OF tobacco, In particular, being
assisted by the British South Africa
company, which provides expert advice
and assistance, as well rs curing
sheds and packing-warehouses for
grading and preparing the leaf.
Has Overcome Severe Setbaeks.
Rhodesia has been unfortunate In
experiencing many setbacks, which
might have discouraged or even
wrecked less courageous community.
The Matabele and MashOna rebellions
were. for n time, dangerous menace
to the country, and were only quelled
at great expense OF time and money ;
but wise and sympathetic treatment OF
the natives have, II Is hoped, eliminat.
ed this menace for the future The
unfortunate jameson raid involved
Rbodesia In It's consequences. not the
least Of which was that, for n time at
any rate. Il was deprived OF the wise
counsel and guidance Of Its founder.
The rlnderpest outbreak OF lSB
swept away a large proportion Of the
stock which was the mainstay Of both
settlers and natives; but modern sci
ence has discovered means of prevent.
ing this and similar epidemic diseases
among cattle, SO thnt fears need no
longer be entertained on this head by
the farmer who takes the needed
, measures Of protection.
Lastly, both the Boer war and the
war with Germany have depleted the
country OF large number Of It's best
! men, at a time when they were urgent
ly needed for development. But now
; the men have returned. for the most
part, and the material future of Rho
desia Is bright one. With abundant
, natural resources, fine climate, con
, geninl society and most of the conveni
ences Of civilized life. RhodesIn oner'
I n fine future 10 those possessed OF
, some capltal-say, from f2OcO TO 20,
, 600; for the moment conditions ARE moi
, favorable for the settlement OF th'
r small man without capital.
D The political future Is less certain
= but the majority OF the Inhabitants
y looking to the advantage Of settled
e rule, undisturbed by political changes
ut home. md backed by the ever-read!
: check book OF the Chartered company
n seem TO prefer, for the present, nt an!
!. rate. to remain In statu quo, rnthe
than to essay the doubtful experimen
r OF either independent responsible gov
g ernment or Inclusion In the Union o
}. South Africa.