Editorial May 3, 1900 Issue

The Power of the West

Editor

A short time since we received a letter from Mr. Edgar S. Bradley of Omaha, thanking us for publishing extracts from one of a series of letters he has written to the Boston Herald, of which he is the special correspondent for that part of the West. These extracts, it will be remembered, related to the power of the West, especially in its future political, social, agricultural, and commercial aspects.

We are glad to publish so valuable a contribution from so able a pen as Mr. Bradley's, not only for the information given, but because of the necessity for awakening the people of the East to the rapidly increasing magnitude of the great West. It is high time such an awakening should take place. A more thoughtful study, by the people of the East, of the almost limitless possibilities of the vast region of country lying between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean, will bring with it a revelation even more wonderful than that which followed the discovery of the American continent by Columbus; especially that part west of the Missouri River, which only of recent years has been, to any extent, developed.

This region of country is a vast empire, embracing within itself every needed element of material prosperity. Its agricultural resources, brought to their highest development, would furnish a net product almost equal to the world's present demands. Its mineral wealth of gold, silver, lead, copper, coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, etc., is only just becoming known. The discoveries and output thus far are but suggestions of the vast treasure-vaults yet undiscovered. Its horticultural possibilities are astonishing even the oldest experimenters. Its grazing—cattle and sheep raising—facilities are vast beyond the conception of those unfamiliar therewith. A large part of this great region is arid, and can only be reclaimed to cultivation by means of irrigation, and this is being done, thereby adding, with annually increasing rapidity, to the settlement and population of a region which, in the past, has been believed to be uninhabitable.

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Article
Among the Churches
May 3, 1900
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit