Year: 1877

In our local columns will be seen no
tice of the arrival of the Steamer Benton
and manifest of her cargo. When We
remember that the Benton is only one Of
thirty.six boats plying regularly between
Bismarck and the military posts above
us-our attention is forcibly directed to
the commercial importance Of Bismarck,
and we learn that the above manifest is
not an unusual one, in fact less than IS
frequently reported from down river
boats. .....-..


We are confident that neither Eastern
capitalists, or in fact our own citizens,
have realized tythe Of the importance
of Bismarck as commercial center, or
of the commercial value of the vast coun-
try north and west Of us directly tributa-
ry to our new commonwealth. While
we have no disposition to be visionary
yet we fee. justified in inviting the at
tention of enterprising capitalists to few
facts confrmatory Of our ideas Of the value
of Bismarck as commercial point. Two
thousand miles of navigable waters are
beyond us towards the setting sun, drain
ing nearly forty thousand square miles of
country most of which is the equal Of
Minnesota in agricultural and timber re-
sources and in addition to that are vast
mineral deposits which present devel-
opements affirm to be beyond computa-
ton; and the entire commerce of this
vast tract Of country SO rich in agr1cultu-
raj, mineral and timber resources must
pay tribute to Bismarck as the available
outlet to the markets of the world; a
wise policy of enterprising business in
our city would hold the key Of this posi-
ton for many years.


It is almost bewildering to contrast the
business Of the Upper Missouri and its
tributaries with FIVE years ago, the arti-
cles numerated in the manifest of the
Benton, previously referred to, are among
the most valuable exports known to any
country. They are Of practical: utility
everywhere, and their production is be-
ing so rapidly increased IN this country
tributary to us that it seems almost inagi-
cal, and in return for their exports their
demands have been increasing 50 rapidly
that it requires an active mind to keep
pace with them. From the first Of April
to the first Of July there was received at
Bismarck thirty million one hundred and
thirty thousand eight hundred and eigh-
teen pounds Of freight; the most of this
has been rehandled here and sent into
this upper country. If Developments
continue as rapidly for a few years to
come as they have for two years past Bis
marck will be really one of the greatest
commercial centers of the western coun-
try, the future of our city rests with us in
agreat measure. If those who control
the property interests here adopt and
continue: liberal policy, capitalwill come
here and seek investment.


There are many business enterprises
which can be made very profitable. So
many saw and stamp mills have gone in
to the Black Hills and Big Horn country
lately it seems to be a necessity that a
foundry and machine shop, with depot
for mill and machine supplies be estab-
ished here and in our opinion forum:
awaits the party who is first in inaugura-
ting the enterprise. Bismarck is the ma
tural radiating point for all this vast
country north and west Of us. Enterpris-
ing capital can make it the great depot