The Cause in North Dakota.
By George C. Tenney
In the history of our country and perhaps of the world, there has never been recorded so rapid a settlement and development of country as has taken place within the limits of this Territory. There are so few obstacles here to be overcome before the reward of labor can be reaped. The hospitalities of free homes and free government have been extended to other nations; and they, with a large class of our own people, have availed themselves of the advantages offered by the boundless prairies of Dakota. Many young men starting out for themselves in life have chosen homes here. The land and money "sharks" and speculators have discovered their opportunities. Men of more money than judgment have also tried their fortunes here. Some have come here for their health; some to obtain a home which they could call their own; but the moving consideration with nearly all is to make money. In North Dakota the principal dependence is upon raising wheat. The farms are generally large, sometimes embracing several thousand acres, one man having the present year 32,000 acres of wheat. The season is short. The work is facilitated by machinery; and seeding, harvesting, threshing, and plowing are "rushed." Between the seasons there intervenes a long and fierce winter, during which but little can be done or is undertaken. Being far north, and upon the western border of the standard central time division, the evenings in summer are almost annihilated. One can read by natural light in summer until 9:30 o'clock. In the country, houses are very scattering, and the villages lie along the lines of railroad. Civilization in the shape of railroads and school-houses has, in most instances, preceded the people. The former are built through countries without inhabitants; and the latter are often built by a town system of schools which prevails where there is scarcely a house in sight, and that means a long distance. Into this country a few Sabbath-keepers have moved, and for some time have been sending calls for labor. Directed by the counsel of the General Conference Committee, and, we humbly trust, by the will of God, this field has now been opened. There are difficulties to meet, as may be seen; but already have we seen many tokens for good. A large portion of the inhabitants are Scandinavian, and there are many indications of an earnest interest among them. We are happy to have Eld. M. M. Olsen associated with us in this field, and he is sometimes welcomed with tears of joy by those of his language who have been receiving the papers from missionary workers, and are longing to see the living preacher. Several opportunities for public labor are already presented. "A great door" is opened to us. God grant it may be an effectual one. G. C. TENNEY.
Fargo, D. T., Sept. 5, 1884.