Pueblo chieftain., 1921-05-02


repressible wave of agricultural push
and exploring expansion? Where do
the homesteaders so from here?
Not toward the duo wcst"-cvery
acre has been ransacked, prospected.
examined, and utilized IL found worth
while, all the way to Salt Lake. New
claims are still being filed on at the
Montroso land office, and no doubt
settlers are still going into the large
cold mile-high counties OF northwestern
Colorado. but there, as in Utah and
Idaho. new settlers arc taking only
tho "leavings." there being nothing
else to take. There is not enough good
land open to Justify a visible movement
or migration. This statement may be
made to include practically the whole
OF Colorado.
Meanwhile an ohstinately backward
public impression exists concerning the
vast southwest in the direction of Ari-
zona. southern Utah and western New
Mexico. Appearance OF the maps of
that region shows extensive stretches
of dry or rugged solitudes with dots
denoting human settlement few and
far apart II has been so, over since
any maps were made.
Anyone far along in years can re-
member when the public impression OF
this whole plains country was exactly
similar. Even now It is bilndly re-
tained in the east. where Pueblo is
regarded as n pueblo.
Is Civilization Possible rhcref
Tracts as big as some NJ tho eastern
states appear on those maps as hope
lessly barred to Caucasian settlement
because they arc reservations for three
or more tribes OF Indians.
Beyond them are the miie-deep can
ons celebrated as allurcmcnt for sight
seeing travellers. but tho Bright Angel
trsil is not supposed to lead 10 any
body's corn field. Great breaks cut
crooked gulches, and thero are cvi-
IDENTIFY more angles than angels over
all else is spread the terroriZing story
OF intense summer heat Also. such
words as Aztec. Nancos. Cortez. Ji-
oarilla. TERRA Amarillo, Tucson, and
a hundred other far-fctched names
somehow fail to convey an invitation
as strong as true Indian names else
where hold out
Nevertheless thcrc comes now and
then rude jar somewhat disturbing
to tho apathetic cold shoulder. Such
a surprise camo last week with the
appearance OF copies OF the tho Gallup
Herald, printed right In the thick OF
that boundless southwest given over
To pro historic ruins and Gila mon
sters- No more accurate barometer OF
tho character, size and condition OF
a town caG be found than It's news
papers. and this being tho case we are
forced to conclude that Gallup Is n
coming city of destiny. Hence and
wherefore, such questions as these be-
come pertinent: should or can Pu-
eblo get in touch with Gallup should
the would-bc homestcador head his
prairie schooner In that direction?
1t would he difficult to find more at
uactive. ably prepared newspapers in
southern Colorado than these hand
somc sheets from Gallup. Several con-
tain n little more reading matter but
none offer more substantial induce
nents to new corners. not only in asri-
culture but In various standard lines
OF industry. Who would have iWhg-
incd the Wilderness town OF Gallup as
a good place for manufacturinE3 Yet IT
sets forth a dozen substantial facilities
both in materials and fuel and In sup
ply OF labor. to say nothing OF trans
portation from an inevitable hub OF
radiat.ng lines much like those that
stick out from Pueblo.
Propose. nig Land Deal
At the south end Of a line OF busy
traffic is that growing city of Gallup, |
y. NJ. while at tho north end is tho
equally restless city OF Durango. Colo, |
capital OF tho rich empire OF tho San
Juan basin. A third OF tho way down !
Is the prosperous fruit region of Farm |
ington. For many years Durango has
complained OF being bottled IN and |
has longed and schcmcd for an eastern |
outlet toward Albuquerque. but to lit
Ito effect. and its only supply points |
continue 10 be Pueblo and Denver !
But now within tho last fyw months /
tho San Juan basin has fallen under |
tho covetous glance of the ambitious |
city OF Los Angeles. Probably Gallup /
f. mixed up in Tho ovcrturcs. but any 4
way the scheme is that Los Angeles !
~ TO put UP tho capital to build n rail- |
road outlet south by way of Gallup. |
in payment for which. or as a stimulus (
therefor. or an collateral. or an out
right swap, Durango is to turn over
an Immense amount OF fine laad. Pro
sumably valid tltlo to this land is in
existence. and In any case the arrival
OF tho railroad would doubtless boom