Greeley, Colorado - The Union Colony at Greeley, Colorado, 1869-1871 (part 4 of 4)

A Glance At Its History

The proposition to form a colony for settlement in Colorado originated with Mr. N. C. Meeker, then an attache of the New York Tribune. It was warmly seconded by the venerable editor of that paper, and received a hearty endorsement from hundreds of people in all parts of the country, who expressed their desire to become members and join in the enterprise. An organization was effected, and early in the spring of 1870 the locating committee consisting of Messrs N. C. Meeker, R. A. Cameron, and H. T. West, arrived in the territory to select a site for the coming colony. They decided upon this point, and on the 5th of April, 1870, announced their decision. In every respect it was a fortunate location, and the wisdom of their action has since been abundantly demonstrated. Located upon the banks of the Cache-a-la-Poudre, possessing an abundance of water and enjoying admirable facilities for irrigation, with a fertile soil, an unequaled climate, a fine mountain view, and finally, having direct railway and telegraphic communication with the commercial cities of the territory and of the east, the site chosen for the pioneer colony was one which, by its many and combined advantages, has contributed not a little to its success. The colonists arrived slowly during the latter portion of April, and it was not until the first weeks in May that they began to come in any considerable numbers. Work was immediately begun, and at once the building of a town, the cultivation of the soil, the development of the various resources of the place, and the organization of schools, churches, and all that pertains to a well regulated society commenced. To review the struggles of the organization and the various difficulties which surrounded it is not necessary at this time. There were disappointed and disaffected ones ; there were ambitious men and faint-hearted women; there were worthless and lazy members, who were appalled at once by the pioneer's duty, and gave up in despair ; there were grumblers and growlers, and mocking ones, who, like birds of ill omen, gave tokens only of failure ; there were imperfections in the plan, and mistakes in the organization which had to be remedied and overcome; there were unforeseen obstructions which had to be surmounted; there were unexpected obstacles which rose daily in the path, and which had to be met by wisdom, candor and moderation. Amid all this, however, there were those whose faith never lessened, whose courage never quailied, whose confidence never weakened, and whose enthusiasm and patriotic devotion to the cause of the colony, and determination to see it succeed, only increased amid the dangers and shone more brightly amid the threatened storm. Wisdom in council, moderation in action, energetic endeavor, and an industrious and persistent labor have won the day. The organization has completed its first year, and, crowned with success, and bearing the fruits of its trials and experience, the Union colony of Colorado today vindicates the idea upon which it was organized, and is a practical illustration of the excellence of the theory of immigration by colonization.

What Has Been Accomplished

The results of the first year's labor are eminently satisfactory, and show an industrial, financial and social progress which is most gratifying to all friends of the west. Thirty-six miles of main irrigating canals have been constructed, which place an aggregate of 60,000 acres of land under the influence of water, and insure an abundant supply for all time to come. A simple and efficient system of lateral ditches has been begun, which gives a full and equal distribution to all portions of the colony domain. Two thousand acres of land are now plowed and being placed under cultivation, and it is safe to assert that before the end of the season at least 2,500 or 3,000 acres will be planted with grains and vegetables and this year yield remunerative returns to the husbandman. A thriving and flourishing town has been built up, in which are stores which are carrying on a growing business in all the departments of trade, a bank whose operations indicate a sound and healthy state of finances, churches, schools, societies, and all the various elements which constitute a community. From January 1st to April 15th, inclusive the freight received at the depot of the Denver Pacific railway, amounted to 258 car loads, or 6,414,386 pounds on which was paid a total of $30,096.87. The local ticket sales for the same time were $1,072.80. There is also a large express and telegraph business. The receipts of the post office for the various quarters since the organization of the town are as follows: For the quarter ending June 30, 1870 (55 days) $4.25; ending September 30, $332.50; ending December 31, $478.06; ending March 31, 1871, $598.94. The number of papers and periodicals received is 441, of which 131 are copies of the weekly New York Tribune, and 50 are copies of the Weekly Rocky Mountain News. There have been given 422 deeds on improved property, and 2,954 shares of stock issued. The present population of the colony is between 1,200 and 1,500, which are the extremes of the different statements. The most wonderful and at the same time the most important facts connected with the progress of the colony relate to real estate, and the pernament rise in its value which has been effected in the twelve month of its existence. Speaking in general terms, the amount of money invested in lands, and improvements by the colony as an organization, and by its individual members approximates an aggregate of $800,000. The present estimated value of the same to-day, giving inside figures, is $2,400,000, a rise of three hundred per cent. The increase of individual investments is not less astonishing. A person who a year ago invested $225 - $155 for membership, $50 for corner business lot, and $25 for inside business lot - can today realize from $600 to

$3,000 for the same, independent of any improvements. An actual sale was made last week for $1,500. The average price of business lots is $300, equal to the rate of $2,400 per acre, and this land last year was purchased at $4 per acre. The per cent of increase is almost incredible. The advance in the value of resident lots, and five, ten, twenty, forty, eighty, and one hundred and sixty acre tracts, are correspondingly great, and only further confirm the figures we have already given. To note the increase in business of all kinds; the various educational and Christian and social interests which have been inaugurated, and are in a prosperous condition ; the excellent moral status of the town, and the true temperance principles upon which it is conducted ; the confidence in its future growth and in the development of the surrounding country, and the actual power and experience which has been gained, and which constitutes an element of strength, whose capabilities and influence for future progress are so unlimited, is only necessary at this point. To elaborate or enlarge upon them is forbidden by want of proper space, and rendered unnecessary by the intelligence of the reader. With all its commercial and industrial progress, its social advancement has kept equal pace. The material growth of the Union colony has found a rival only in the moral and intellectual influence which it has cultivated and extended.

Concerning The System

While the system of immigrating by colonies finds an abundant and ample triumph in the facts now stated, a few general remarks may not be inappropriate, and may afford aid and information to those now organizing colonies, or who are looking to the west with the expectation or intention of emigrating. There are advantages in the colonial plan which render a removal to the west more pleasant, and which separate it from nearly all of the isolation and loneliness, and numerous deprivations which are generally attendant upon the first few years of pioneer life. Combined with the inducements which generally attract people to the west, are the additional ones of schools, and churches, and society; the colony bringing with it its own civilization and planting it at once in its new home, and not waiting for it to spring up and crystalize and grow through long years of slow but constant progress. There is strength also in unity, the colonial community being endowed with progressive elements from the beginning. The Union colony has accomplished more in one year than the same number of families scattered into different localities could have done in five, if not in ten years. A combination of energy, industry, intelligence and capital, mingling with the desire to open up, to develop, and to improve the resources of the west, and to build here new homes, will, when properly directed, accomplish wonders and surpass the expectations of the most sanguine. In the practical workings of the system there is required an amount of patience, of firmness, of moderation, of fairness, and of honesty of purpose, which can not be underestimated, and which is absolutely essential to the success of any colony. There must be the prevailing elements, and if they are lacked there will be no true success. It is the possession of these characteristics in the management that has given such great success to the Union colony. Their never failing determination to do right, to be fair and to be moderate under all circumstances, supplemented by an honesty, never doubted, has contributed everything to the success of this organization. Without these necessary qualities in the managers the colony would have failed miserably; and so will all future colonies fail unless they possess and maintain these principles from the beginning. Whatever else may be lacking there must be honest men in power, and an overruling and unflinching integrity in all their public transactions. Encouraged by the success of the Union colony many others are now organizing, and are being located in our territory which extends to all a cordial welcome. There need be only success, and no one of them should, with the experience of the past year to guide them, have a less favorable history than this Union colony. If any of them fail, however, it will not be the fault of the system, but owing to the absence of good management and the lack of the vital requirements we have named. Let all colonists weigh well these sentences, and see to it that they entrust their money, their interests and their welfare in the hands of capable, upright and honest men whose management will be above suspicion.

The Future Of The Colony

With a beginning so favorable, and with so great a progress for the first year, we are warranted in predicting a continued growth and an increased prosperity. The present is only an index of the future, and past achievements are regarded only as a basis upon which will rise a far more generous structure of commercial, industrial and social greatness. The present season will see an addition of at least two hundred families, while two hundred and fifty can be furnished with lands which are now covered by the irrigating canals and ready for immediate occupation and cultivation. The improvements for the common benefit, such as fencing, the completion of main and lateral irrigating canals, the building of bridges, the adornment of public grounds, and similar works, will be prosecuted with energy. The crowning act of the management will be the erection of a graded school, to cost not less than $10,000, a work upon the importance of which it is unnecessary to dwell. A mere statement of the fact carries its own reflections with it. While these public improvements are in progress, individual enterprise will accomplish its work and keep pace in the advancement of the general colonial interests. The town will become a busy mart of trade where the pleasures and elegance of city life will combine with the restless spirit and activity of commerce. The country for miles in every direction, subjected to the labor of the agriculturist, and the fertilizing power of water, will yield its annual harvests, and insure remunerative returns to industry. Manufactures will thrive, herds of stock will throng the extensive ranges, and prosperity will everywhere reward those who seek her favor and prove themselves worthy of her smile. For Greeley, for the Union colony, and for the country, and the valleys which surround them, and extend their fertile and productive acres for miles away from this centre, awaits a future whose speedy development will be equaled only by its substantial progress and prosperity. We hail this first year's as an index of a brilliant future.

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the colony by the Denver Pacific and Kansas Pacific railway companies ; and also to mention the fostering care of the National Land company, under whose auspices it was organized, from which its lands were purchased, and whose agents arranged the many and complex details of transportation. To Col. John S. Loomis President of the company, and to Wm. "N. Byers the General Manager for Colorado, the Union colony are indebted for an active care and attention, and watchfulness which has contributed greatly to its advantage, and demonstrated the beneficent workings of the company they represented. In the history of western settlement and enterprise the National Land company will be accorded a place among the leading and most powerful agencies which hastened its growth and > development. Let me also award the proper praise to the officers of the colony who have labored so hard, who have given so much of their personal time and attention to the common good, who have been so often abused, and most times so unjustly blamed, who have succeeded so well, and through whose capacity, honest and practical ability the Union colony has won permanency and success. To N. C. Meeker, the persistent, faithful and honest president, and to Gen. R. A. Cameron, whose active energy and practical ability, patient temper and farsighted care as vice president and superintendent has done so much for the public weal, let that acknowledgment be given which eminent services alone deserve and demand. In their labors they have been supplemented by an efficient board of trustees and officers, who must receive honorable mention as faithful and devoted public servants. Whatever mistakes they may have made, whatever errors they may have committed, or whatever blunders may be charged against them, it must be admitted that their administration has been characterized by a firmness, an ability, an honesty, and a success, which raises it far above cavil and entitles them to credit and consideration at the hands of a discriminating public.

Personally let me acknowledge my indebtedness to Mr. E. H. Abbot, the gentlemanly agent of the Denver Pacific, to Mr. J. B. Flowers, to Mr. H. T. West, to Mr. E. S. Nettleton, the colony engineer, and finally to my excellent friend Mr. W. E.

Pabor, the present efficient secretary of the colony, for various important information, as well as for constant and generous courtesies and attention.

- 1 We had a visit last week from one of the aristocracy, perhaps it was one of the Royal Family of Cheyenne, and he wanted to start a Billiard Saloon, and he went from one man to another asking if he might, and every one told him he might' nt, unless he wanted a fight or a fire, and he went back, and when he walked he stepped slow, not lifting his feet more than an inch above the ground, which is a way the Royal Family of Cheyenne, in the male line, have; and departing, he looked back on the town goodly in size, without a billiard, and wept

From Greeley.2

Editors News: An important colonial meeting of the members of the Union Colony was held at the Tabernacle on Saturday evening last. It was called for the purpose of getting the sentiment of the people upon the future policy of the colony and the probable election of a new board of trustees, the present board going out of office the first Tuesday in May. The hall was well filled and the interest evinced was commendable.

Captain David Boyd was called to the chair and Mr. N. C. Meeker was the first to address the meeting. He was in favor of a continuance of the policy in force during the last year and had no special reason for any material change.

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member of the colony board. This announcement took the audience by surprise, as no hint of such a purpose had been made public, and we cannot but feel that the master spirit of the colony will withdraw from the field of action when the able vice-president and superintendent permits (if the people of the colony will allow him so to do) his mantle of authority to fall upon the shoulders of a successor. Feeling thus free to suggest what should be the future policy of the colony the general gave a brief but comprehensive summary of the purposes that should be kept in view. These were to encourage immigation by every available method in order that the lands under the colony control should be occupied by new comers, that new laterals should be run from the canals at present counstructed and these canals be enlarged in order to bring within the area of cultivation whole sections of railroad and government land now beyond and out of the reaeh of irrigation ; that the officers of the colony - whoever they might be - should be encouraged and trusted; that the probabilities were that even with all the land under each canal under cultivation, grain and vegetables enough would not be raised in sufficient quantities to supply the demand for home consumption; that a thousand new comers would settle in the valley before the fall, and their wants must be met and supplied ; the river should be bridged at at least three new points, and a road laid out on the north side leading to the Platte valley. As to the past but little need be said - facts spoke in tones full loud enough to be heard in every village in the nation. The question of a graded school was settled easily and satisfactorily. About $8,000 would be realized in a few weeks from the sale of reserved lots, and by fall a building would be ready for occupancy worthy the enterprise, the thought, and the intelligence of the people who had made "this wilderness bloom and blossom like the rose."

A. J. Metor, J. H. Foster, Wm. Foote. jr., and other speakers follow General Cameron, discussing the temperance policy of the colony as well as the question of making the ditch corporations subject to civil control But some of the speakers evidently got befogged on the stock share question and the right to tax shares and land alike.

The meeting prolonged its session until near midnight and then adjourned, having accomplished but one practical result - the appointment of a committee of three to call another meeting for Tuesday evening, at which time nominations are to be made for a full set of officers for the colonial, the school, and the town organization.

At present writing the indications are that nearly, if not quite, an entirely new board of trustees will control the destinies of the Union colony for the next year.

Men may be changed, but measures of vital necessity to the success of Greeley cannot wholly be overridden or set aside, and the wise policy of the past must be continued in the future, even with a new pilot at the helm. There can be but one course for the gallant craft we have set afloat, on which to steer.

So might we say of the Union colony, as the poet said of the grand union of which he sung. And we say to the overburdened hearts in a thousand eastern homes, that here at our ever open gates, a welcome and an entrance waits.

Greeley Kews.1

Messrs. Editors : - Greeley "still lives", and I am proud to say, still growing. New members to Union Colony are arriving each day by the dozens. New buildings are in the course of construction, and beautiful improvements are every day being made. Amongst them I will only mention a few of the most prominent : "The "Colony Market," under charge of B. F. Pinneo, has been

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Mr. Obid Plumb, proprietor of the "Farmers' Exchange," has recently built some four or five dwelling houses, which he will probably rent. One of them is being fitted up for his own private use, in an elegant manner. Mr. Plumb intends to occupy it by the first of the following month, and if our Denver friends ever visit Greeley, and should look at this house, they will simply exclaim that it is immense.

Mrs. Euthven is building a large addition to her house ; the carpenter work is being done by Mr. J. Higgenbottom. When completed, this will be the largest private resident in Greeley.

P. T. Barnum's hotel will open on the first of May, under the management of Mrs. A. M. Olds. This house will accommodate one hundred and fifty guests. Mr. Chas. Taylor ia personally superintending the carpenter work. Mr. Henry is the mason. The decorating and paper hanging is done by Mr. A. DeLano. Everything is being done to make this the leading hotel.

The Greeley House has changed hands - Mr. Boynton, of Central City, is the purchaser, and is undergoing a course of reconstruction. The carpenter work on this building is done by Mr. Hund, painting by Mr. Nye, and paper hanging by Mr. Delano. Several others are building, and workmen are in constant demand.

The "Sensation of the Period" is a juvenile "Boot Black," who made his appearance on the streets with his opening chorus of "Black 'em up and make 'em shine less than a minute - only a dime."

Willie E. Pabor is no longer Secretary of the Union Colony, being superceded by Mr. W. H. Post. Messrs. Meeker and Pabor (the two prominent officers of this Colony) have dissolved and given up the real estate business.

The Mutual Admiration Society met last night (Saturday) for the purpose of selecting candidates for the ensuing year. The meeting was a total failure. General Cameron in an elegant manner declined to serve as an officer of this colony. A vote of thanks was unanimously given him for services rendered.

Union Colony has lost a valuable and trusty officer - one who has worked hard and faithfully for its success. General Cameron has stood the trials, the burthens and the troubles in the early days, while Mr. Meeker, like the Arab, "folded his tent and quietly stole away." After some very appropriate remarks, the gallant General, amid unbounded applause, took his seat. Then a long, lank, cadaverous, long-haired man, with spectacles, and a shabby genteel make-up, got up, and said some one had made slurring remarks against the temperance cause, but says he, "Who is it P "You must find out, for I'll never tell." As this was a hit against General Cameron, the General immediately rose to his feet, and in a brief space of time informed the audience that this story had been thrown in his face several times, but denounced it as a vile fabrication, manufactured from whole cloth.

Col. White then took the floor, but as he endeavored to show the present officers of the Colony up in their true light, he was several times called to order. Col. White appealed to the audience for his right to proceed. After a decision in his favor, he had his say, and told of the ungentlemanly acts of the Executive Council.

Although many were there, but few were chosen, and as the Society thought it best not to let any more exposures be made, one of the leading spirits took the floor, determined not to give any one else a chance to say a word of truth, and keep it until a late hour. The meeting adjourned until Tuesday, without affecting any business. More anon.

- 1 The election of Colony officers, and the nominating of officers for our city, takes place next week. Friends at a distance will be pleased to learn that we have caucuses and wireworkings that would be a credit to the most civilized community, but it is remarkable that while so many are seeking office, no officer gets any pay.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 371 The Ball At Greeley.1

Our correspondent at Greeley attended the Odd Fellows' Festival on Wednesday night, and sends us an account of the same. We have published the main features, except the following :

. About 200 couple joined in the dance, the music for which was furnished by Smith's Quadrille Band. The supper (if I may be allowed to call it by that name) was furnished by Judge Childs, and if any one made themselves sick by eating too much, I should have been happy to have had a seat at the same table, and if ever another ball takes place at Greeley, if my advice is worth anything, I should say, let the job out to some "hotel," which has accommodations and facilities for getting up a supper. Coffee and cake is pretty good, but something more substantial is better.

Mr. Charlie Abbott, Mr. D. C. Root, Sheriff Brush, and the others of the committee, deserve great credit for the manner in which they conducted the whole of the arrangements, and every one present seemed to appreciate their desire to please.

Among the many fair ladies present, was the beautiful and gentle blonde Miss Gussie BT - Is, attired in a magnificant light silk, with point lace, sash and bow, "en pannier."

And as white seemed to be the reigning color, Miss F. E. also chose it, and with a profusion of cheap jewelry looked very well. Miss Lottie "N - s looked immense in a plain black silk, with pannier, and the most costly jewels. Miss R - y wore an elegant orange dress, tastefully trimmed. Miss D - k - n also in white, with black silk overskirt. Miss H - y, Miss G - n, Miss E. B - d, Mrs. O - s, Miss S - d, Miss S - m and the talkative Miss F S - y, were all in full ball room costume. Mr. Benedict, Mr. Moffat, Sheriff Brush, Mr. Babcock, Mr. Watson, Mr. Root, Mr. Ruthven, Counsellor Knowles, Col. Gipson, Station Agent Abbott, Conductor Prugh, Mr. Thomas, were all enjoying themselves at the late hour that I left.

Territorial News.1

The result of the two caucuses of last evening you will find appended to this report ; a full gathering of the clans was held, and at first there were indications that harmony would prevail as far as town and school boards were concerned, and a committee of conference met and considered the subject ; but the bitter feeling evinced by the opposition against the name of General Cameron, and the firm stand taken by his adherents to unite on no ticket that did not present his name, led to a failure of agreement.

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Shuttuck, ~N. Holmes, D. Boyd. Opposition, N. C. Meeker, A. J. Wilber, E. T. Nichols, W. B. Plato, D. Boyd. For town trustees - Administration, K. A. Cameron, E. T. Nichols, N. D. Wright, E. S. Nettleton, Levi Hanna. Opposition, H. T. West, K D. Wright, N. Holmes, H. Platt, L. W. Teller. For school directors - Administration, J. L. Brush, L. W. Teller, Win. H. Post. Opposition, J. L. Brush, F. H. Kous, J. C. Shattuck. The administration party will hold a grand ratification meeting at the tabernacle on Monday evening. The indications are that the administration ticket will be elected by about a twothirds vote.

Editors News: The second colony meeting to consider "the affairs of state" was held here last evening, and after considerable sparring between the factions, it was mutually agreed upon that each party (the administration party and opposition party) should meet on Thursday evening to make its own nominations, and then test its own strength on the day of election.

We cannot say that such meetings as these two lately held have been productive of good, in such crowded assembleges and when seemingly parties are hardly equally divided, there is always some one individual who stands ready to "spit" at his opponent in a way that is ungentlemanly and unwise. Now last night there was one who was emphatically a "Jumping Jack" and it is a question in our minds whether his associate had not, previous to the opening of the meeting, attached some mechanical contrivance to the seat of his breeches by which, at a touch from the "chieftain of the clan" he sprang up to "play his part" and show how little there was in that puppet's part, and how well he could play it. As the venom was mainly personal and directed solely against "General Cameron and his associates." to those who came unprepared to decide between the two contending factions, it was evident that the opposition was connected together with cement of personal spite, and we cannot but help predicting that the sound common sense of the great majority of stock owners will be found arrayed on the side of the able general on whose broad shoulders has been placed so many burdens and so much odium as attaches- to the highest position attainable in the nation. To build a vessel outright is more difficult than to pilot it after it has been launched, and to no one man does the colony owe its success more than to the one against whom the opposition so universally sets itself, as a turbulent wave sets itself against the solid rock.

On Thursday evening each party will make its own nominations, and on Tuesday next the silent fall of the potent ballot will forever set at rest this element of discontent, now disturbing for a brief season the harmony, the safety, the success of Union. Then the brief pantamime over the "jumping jocks" will disappear as suddenly as they have appeared upon the mimic stage. Maple Buds.

Progress Of The Colony.1

Our town of Greeley has started with more varied aims and objects than any other town. First, it is a leading and general aim to make it a centre of trade, of manufactures, and also of whatever relates to education, culture and good society. Second, to make it a temperance and moral town. Third, to make it self-sustaining, by means of agricultural and horticultural pursuits. To carry out the general plan, there has been a remarkable assemblage of men, ambitious and anxious to succeed, and also well fitted for the undertaking, and to this end they have gathered from many widely different sections, much as the elements of minerals crystalize and form a perfect body. In other words, the building of this colony is analogous to the demonstrating of a mathematical problem.

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self-sustaining. Plowing is going on everywhere, and wheat, barley, oats and potatoes are given to the earth with no sparing hand. Thousands of fruit trees are planted, broom-corn, sorgo, and garden vegetables of every description are planted on a most extensive scale, while productions intended for early use have been growing under glass for some time. In hundreds of windows of residences, and in the windows of many business houses, tomato, cabbage, and other plants are growing in boxes, all of which shows a wide spread attempt to plant on a large scale, and to secure as early maturity as the season shall permit.

The evidence is presented on every hand that there is confidence in this colony; for no one can fail to see that men of means are investing money liberally, and this in improvements of that class which are made in older settled countries after experiments are no longer needed. The planting of orchards and of strawberries by the acre, not in a few, but in many cases, going on through these passing days, are seen only in places in the States where the demand has gradually forced such efforts.

As a consequence of this condition of things, money is plentiful, trade and business of every kind are brisk, and no one wishing work need be an hour without it So great is the need for work of all kinds to be done at once, and so anxious are men to get through with one thing that they may immediately take hold of another, so many are the teams hauling goods, supplies, and building and fencing material, so busy are clerks and salesmen, in short, all classes, that one who is an active participant is hurried forward, much the same as in New York City, busiest of all cities ; and every body is, in a measure, intoxicated with the excitement, along with the bracing atmosphere of this most delightful climate - intoxicated we say, although there is not a drop of spirits, nor of wine, nor beer to be had within all our boundaries, which shows the utter folly and extravagance of resorting to stimulants as a means of sustaining men in protracted labors, and in efforts requiring acuteness and activity.

We refer to one thing more, which is our financial condition. As many as fifty who joined the colony a year ago, and paid in their money, fail to come, which is a small per cent in so large a number as 700 ; and it is with pride and pleasure that we state that all such can have their money returned, if they wish it, and not only this, but the year's interest added. Those not acquainted with the circumstances will not be able to understand how we should be able to buy land with money which we are yet able to return, and not become insolvent. The truth is, the increase in real estate has been so great, and confidence is so deeply founded, that these certificates of indebtedness are richly worth their face, while the prospect is that, during the coming year, they will appreciate in value from 50 to 200 per cent. Hence, there have been cases where certificates have been bought up as soon as sent in, to be located and held for a rise. Certificates which were located, and which, by action of the Board of Trustees, have a year longer to run, in which improvements may be made, sell readily at 100 per cent premium, and if the locations are choice for much more.

In the midst of all this, grand improvements, requiring much money, are entered upon, among which are the digging of a canal which will make a most magnificent water power, and the building of a graded school house to cost from $12,000 to $15,000. The money for these works is derived in part, from the sale of resident lots, of which there have been two recent drawings, and they were taken with great avidity and the cash paid for them. The conclusion which one would gather is, that the members of this colony have money, and that they are not afraid to invest it in real estate, and in making such improvements as elsewhere come only after many years.

The Election.1

Last week was all alive with caucuses and electioneering, preparatory to the holding of the first annual election, which took place yesterday, the result of which appears elsewhere. In the first place a meeting was held a week ago last Saturday night to consider the proper policy to be pursued in Colony matters, when it appeared that a party had been already formed, called a reform party, one object of which was to transfer all matters now regulated by charter and controlled by a Board of Trustees, to what was termed civil authority. The case is this : On organizing the Colony it was found necessary to take out a charter under the general corporation law of the Territory, which had recently been amended to suit plans of colonization, which was done, and land was bought, irrigating canals dug and other work done under this authority, and the legal life of this charter was to be 20 years. To supersede this Board of Trustees by the appointment of town officers, at least to such aff extent as should make their duties nominal, was a favorite plan with a few, still it was presumed they might hold title to the land yet belonging to the Colony, and also, to some other possessions, but it is probable their ideas were quite indefinite. They also objected to the provision of the law which entitled a man to cast a vote for every share he possessed, that is, they objected the same as if single share-holders in a Bank should object to large share-holders casting more than one vote. They also objected to the sessions of the Board of Trustees being secret, and one speaker insisted upon greater economy, but his remarks fell flat, for none of the officers get pay. After a little, a motion was made to nominate officers for the coming election, by which it appeared they had a slate already prepared. The administration party, so called, objected to this as unfair, for the meeting was not called for any such purpose, and the plan was defeated, when it was voted to meet next Tuesday for nominations.

Before Tuesday arrived several caususes were held by each party and when they came together, each with a well prepared slate, which, as the event proved, was broken, they could not agree on any method, when a committee of conference was appointed. After being out more than an hour they returned, reporting that each party should hold its own convention, on Thursday evening, from which time the two parties had each a separate existence, one being named the Regular and the other the Reform party. During these sessions there were many sharp speeches, and the excitement at times ran high ; in short, politics and office-seekers were in the ascendency, and there were the same scenes as are enactd among politicians elsewhere.

One might think that this was all, but far from it. On each ticket were names which some did not feel they could possibly vote for, inasmuch as they were men who had done little or nothing in the way of forwarding the interests of the Colony, and the result was that on Saturday morning they agreed on an Independent ticket, forming a third party, which shows a remarkable progress and enterprise in so new a town.

The Independents said they had great hopes of carrying their ticket, for the reason, as they alleged, that the two parties were nearly equal, which fact gave them the balance of power, but the returns show how capable they were of judging.

The election yesterday was remarkable for the small number of ballots cast, the number being 206. Last summer, with half the population, the number was 230.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 379

There was a great deal splitting of tickets, and many of the officers were elected by the three parties. The Independent Ticket showed a full strength of about 300 votes, or shares; most of its candidates were on the Regular Ticket election of town trustees and executive council of Union colony No. 1, was held at Greeley, yesterday, May 2d. The following gentlemen were elected : Trustees for the town of Greeley - R A. Cameron, H. L. West N. D. Wright, E. S. Nettleton, Levi Hanna ; board of trustees for the Union colony of Colorado - N. C. Meeker, J. C. Shattuck, Nelson Holmes, E. Hollister, David Boyd ; treasurer - Charles Emerson ; executive council - James G. Cooper, C. D. Farwell, F. L. Childs, Arthur Hotchkiss, Joseph A. Woodbury, Ovid Plumb, D. B Ranney, James H. Johnson, James Inman, M. B. Knowles, Joseph Murray, Evan Rea. This election is a triumph for the regular ticket, which was elected throughout with the exception of S. T. Nichols, who was defeated by H. L. West

The school district election was held in the same town on Monday last, with the following result : President, J. L. Brush ; treasurer, L. W. Teller; secretary, W. H. Post.

Union Colony Matters.1

Editor News : - The contest is over, the smoke of battle has been lifted and we know where the dead and the wounded lie. As we predicted the victory is with the "administration" by a vote of two to one, and it is surprising, considering the bitter feelings evoked during the campaign, to see how acceptable the result is to the great majority of the members of the colony. Unlike the south, the "opposition" accepts the situation, and if there be a grumbler he grumbles alone and without sympathizers.

But following closely upon this election is an event of more importance even than the success so well achieved. The subject of schools is one that engrosses the attention of all the members of Union colony. Last night there was a meeting held at Colony hall, the importance of which cannot easily be overrated. It was resolved that the question of raising $15,000 by a tax be submitted to the voters of the school district at an early day; this added to the $15,000 to be donated to the board of school directors by the trustees of the colony for the same purpose, will go far to erect a graded school with no superior in the west. The site for this school is also donated by the board of trustees, and is as fine as any reserved so wisely by the first officers of the colony for town, county, and educational purposes. It faces the park and will be about 240 x 115 feet in size.

The mill race for the grist and woolen mill about to be started will be commenced next week, and the water power we will obtain will run these and a paper mill in addition.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 381 News From Gkeeley.1

Editor News : - At a meeting held last evening, in Colony hall to arrange for the first annual celebration of the arrival and settlement of the Union colony in Colorado, to be held on Island Grove park, Saturday, May 13th, 1871, the following programme was arranged: First - Raising the national flag in Lincoln park, at sunrise. Second - Labor at embellishing the park, by the planting of trees, ploughing and grading walks and roads, to commence at 8 :30 o'clock, a. m., under the superintendence of engineer E. S. Nettleby, and to cease at 12 :30 o'clock, when the call from labor to refreshment will be given through music by the Greeley silver cornet band. From this time 'until 2 o'clock, will be devoted to recreation and social gathering during which each family or collection of friends, is to spread their basket pic-nic dinners.

Exercises at the stand will commence at 2 o'clock, p. m., precisely, when the following programme will carried out: First - Music by the Greeley glee club. Second - Prayer by our first minister, Rev. A. Baxter. Third - Song by the Greeley glee club. Fourth - Poems by Captain David Boyd. Fifth - Song by the Inman brothers. Sixth - Oration by General Robert A. Cameron. Seventh - Song by the Greeley glee club. Eighth - Poem by William E. Pabor. Ninth - Song by the Inman brothers. Tenth - Volunteer speeches and songs. Eleventh - Benediction at 4 o'clock, by Rev. S. M. Brown.

You will observe by the above that quite a celebration will be had, and as all our business men will close their stores from 9 o'clock, a. m. to 4 o'clock p. m., it will be quite a gala day. As there will be a good opportunity for Denverites to run down and enjoy the hospitality of our people, and witness the exercises, and return the same day, we hope they will take advantage of the excursion rates issued by the Denver Pacific Railway.

Greeley Memorial Day.1

The first annual celebration of the arrival and settlement of Union Colony at Greeley, will occur on Saturday of this week. The exercises will be as follows :

Labor, commencing at 8 :30 a. m., under the charge of the following committee: E. S. Nettleton, Engineer and Chairman; Capt. Arthur Hotchkiss and B. S. La Grange. Persons are requested to report to either of the above named what teams and implements they will bring, that their share of labor in treeplanting, ploughing and grading may be duly assigned. Work will cease at 12 :30 p. m., when they will be called from labor to refreshment by music from the Greeley Silver Cornet Band.

Until 2 o'clock, the interval will be devoted to recreation and social gatherings, during which time each family or collection of friends is requested to spread its Basket Pic-Nic Dinners.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 383 Greeley'S Gala Day.1

A splendid day - Grand display - Beauty, wit, and poetry - Speeches by colonists, and "music by the band" - Picnic, tree-planting, a glorious time, and everybody happy and nobody drunk.

The people of Greeley - or at least the officers of the celebration - did a very sensible thing when they postponed the tree-planting exercises and basket pic nic, with its attendants of speeches, poems, and good-will, from Saturday to Monday. The lowering clouds and the chilly atmosphere of Saturday were entirely dissipated yesterday, and the sunshine and beauties of a May day are the only words to adequately express the atmospheric surroundings. Greeley was in high feather, the lads and lasses and the staid matrons and stern fathers vied with- each other in the general gaiety. The day had been looked forward to with anxiety and earnest expectation by all of the colonists, and on every hand liberal arrangements had been made to insure the success of the occasion. The city was in her festal garb, and from the outset everything betokened a most auspicious event.

The programme was carried out as published in the News of last week. From 12 to 2 o'clock a basket pic-nic was held in the grove on the river bank. It was a pleasing feature of the day, and was most assuredly enjoyed by everybody who participated. The scene presented was calculated to carry one back in imagination to the Fourth of July occasions of similar character at the east. Families gathered around their respective "tables" spread on the grass, and made the feast enjoyable not only to themselves but to the invited guests, of which there were many, both from Denver and other points.

The repast ended, the literary and musical portions of the programme were begun. A platform had been erected and tastily decorated with the national colors. The Greeley cornet band put in a full appearance and discharged their duties to the evident satisfaction of all. The stand was occupied by the committee of arrangements, the officers of the day, the orator, poet, and invited guests. At 2 o'clock p. m., the exercises were commenced with music, after which prayer was offered to the supreme being by the Rev. S. Brown.

Mr. N. C. Meeker, president of the colony, addressed the assemblage in a short and well chosen speech, welcoming the people to the park and expressing his gratification at the happy faces that surrounded him. He then introduced the Inman brothers, who sang "Merry Yankee Boys are We." Upon the conclusion of the song, Mr. Meeker presented General R. A. Cameron, orator of the day.

General Cameron's speech was very interesting, and we regret we are able to give only a synopsis of it. He began by remarking that thirty years ago Holon Godfrey had encamped on the spot where they now were assembled with from 2,500 to 3,000 Indians. It is one of the most delightful spots of all the mountain regions. Twelve years ago the gold excitement brought 10,000 to the country from all parts of the globe; but none who came were wise enough to discover the wealth of the soil. He then revived the old stories of the Nile and its beneficial influences upon the country through which it flows, and compared the Platte river to -the historical river. It had been the fortune of the Greeley colony to have been led there by one holding a prominent position in the newspaper world, and the general here took occasion to pay a tribute of respect to Mr. Meeker. The speaker indulged to some extent in statistics concerning the colony, its possessions and its prospects. There are now fifty miles of irrigating ditches, which supply 45,000 acres with water. There are mills and water powers. There are from 5,000 to 10,000 acres of grain under cultivation, which will furnish a vast amount of the necessaries of life. The people are paying more attention to husbandry than at first, and with commendable results. But there are many things to be done. A school building is to be erected, to cost from $25,000 to $35,000, and it is expected it will be one of the finest institutions of the kind in the west. The colony must work, and the city of Greeley must outrival Salt Lake. There is something higher and holier in this organization than material wealth.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 385

Let others do as they will, but as for the colony let it serve the Lord by forever abolishing and banishing alcohol. Greeley should be the Athens of America as well as the cream o^£ the union. As old Athens led and governed the world, in her day, so we should govern the land to-day and feel inspired to say it will be done. The colony should have peace and be united for the common good. In the future, when the colonists gathered on these festive occasions, he hoped all would feel that it had been good for them to have thus gathered, and when they wander forth in the world all would feel proud to arise and introduce themselves by saying "I am a Greeleyite." The general's oration was received with applause.

William E* Pabor, esq., followed the orator with the following poem, entitled "Past and Present:" [The poem is not reprinted here because of its length and also because of its all too nebulous character.]

After music by the cornet band, Mr. Hall, of Denver, addressed the audience, complimenting the people upon the persevering industry they had displayed - silent perhaps, but powerful, as shown in the town they have built, the lands they are cultivating and the canals they have in operation. The example they have set had put hundreds of similar organizations in motion. Mr. Hall closed by reciting a poem he had read at a former Fourth of July celebration.

The Inman brothers followed Mr. Hall by singing a travestie on "Freedom on the old Plantation," written by Mr. Pabor for the celebration. From the clapping of hands that followed the song it was evident that both the travestie and the music were a success.

Mr. Howard followed with a poem full of happy local hits. The Inman brothers followed with the song "A Thousand Years" with words arranged for the occasion.

At the time of the departure of the train for Denver the exercises had not concluded. The participants were enjoying themselves with volunteer speeches and songs, all of which were of the happiest and most felicitous order. The Denver delegation were obliged to tear themselves away, however, from the scene of festivity, which they did with great reluctance, only

A Day Among The Colonists.1

Everybody is Quixotic enough to be always "seeking for better bread than wheaten," and the farmer who has tilled fat acres in Illinois is agued into the belief that health and plenty should go hand in hand, and that there must be a climate where the skies are so sunny that a man is never sick, and the soil so fruitful that all you have to do is to tickle it with a hoe and it will laugh with a harvest. The site on which Greeley stands was chosen as a sort of an Arcadia - the main things in view good health and good crops. Many who arrived there a year ago thought that Messrs. Meeker and Cameron had missed the mark, and were so huffy at the choice that had been made, that after doing all they could to snuff out the young colony, stampeded back east to say to their friends that the whole thing was agriculturally and geographically damned.

Yesterday Greeley celebrated the results of the first year. Its friends there had every reason to rejoice. If any of the croakers were there, the citizens might invite them with just pride to consider what had been accomplished. Look at the well built town with its 1,500 people, stores, bank, newspaper conducted by one of the best journalists in the west, schools, library, churches, a live agricultural society, lyceum, culture, order, a sweet temperament of gallantry and good principles ; the town handsome with trees, gardens and gladly thinking of harvest time, with 6,000 acres in crops within sight of the public square. Let the grumblers who gave out a year ago, see all this, and they must conclude that they judged wrong, or some special Providence must have come to the aid of Greeley.

If the good people up there indulged in a little high-flighted buncombe yesterday over the record of their first year's work, we think they may be pardoned, for they have indeed made progress. There is no great secret in the matter either. They have simply "pulled all together". There has not been a Micawber among them. They have resolutely made things turn up. None but courageous workers would have settled where they did. At the start dolts and cowards were weeded out. Here is a city well laid, well built, with all literary and religious advantages, all industries thriving, raising products enough to be more than self-sustaining, building a $6,000 church, and about to build a $30,000 school house, needing no courts, no calaboose, one of the most thoroughly alive and stirring, and yet the quietest community in the west.

We visited Greeley late last fall, and were not prepared to see much change from then till now; but we must confess our surprise when we alighted there a few days ago, and hardly believing our senses, requested of a friend if he would be so kind as to tell us where we were. New large buildings on every side ; regular streets ; a new and comfortable depot (a freight car was their station last fall). What are we to think of a place that a year ago "was not", and to-day a railroad station that presents the following showing:

They have got many things down to bottom prices at Greeley, fully twenty-five per cent, lower than in Denver. This will be a great "card" in drawing customers, and will help in many ways. We were surprised on eating at the hotel as good a dinner as we ever had in Colorado to find the charge but fifty cents. Upon our return from Greeley we had the pleasure of a ten minutes' stop at Evans, now starting up so fast under the auspices of the St. Louis Western Colony. Some twenty-five new-comers had arrived that morning, and thirty the day before. We found the President, Superintendent and Secretary on the ground, and all busy getting things to rights. Mr. House, the agent at the depot, was kind enough to give us a statement of railroad business for the month ending May 7th, as follows: Number pounds colony goods received, 652,740, or about 33 car-loads; number pounds freight forwarded (nearly all hay

This may be considered a pretty clean showing for a place just getting on its feet, and we doubt if any of the colonies can show such large importations ; and it must be considered too that this is the first month of the colony. New buildings are going up on every side, and important enterprises are under way.

Mr. Willard, of Boston, has commenced operations for making brick. The mill-race and first irrigating ditch, from the mouth of the Thompson, is being pushed forward rapidly. The contract is that it be finished by the 1st of next month, but, from present indications, it will be finished before that time. The colony work has been delayed for want of lumber, but within the last few days there has been a good supply on hand, and there will be plenty hereafter. The bridge over the Platte, from present appearances, will be finished in about four days. The colony has donated grounds for the Court House and other county buildings, and the County Commissioners have accepted it, and have contracted with Mr. Brown to erect a fire-proof building for the county officers. Work has already commenced on this building, and it will probably be finished in a month. The bridge over the Platte will be a great convenience to the Southwestern Colony, twenty-three miles down the river, who will make all their shipments from Evans. The best of feeling exists between these two colonies, and they are co-operating. A large ditch from the Platte will soon be taken out by these colonies, to irrigate all the lands lying between them. A majority of the Board of Trustees, consisting of Kev. A. C. Todd, President; Hon. J. M. Pinkerton, Vice-President and Superintendent, and C. F. Hartman, Secretary, and J. L. Brush, are on the ground, and will proceed at once to make all needful rules and regulations, which could not be done until a quorum of the Board was present. The tide of emigration from Illinois, Boston and many other places in the east, has just commenced setting in, and there will be large numbers on the ground this season. A majority of the arrivals are farmers, with their agricultural implements and stock, and they all find employment at remunerative wages on the ditch, until they can get ready to operate for themselves. Quite a number of residence and business houses will soon be completed. The buildings in the town are about all occupied - some of them by two and three families. Col. Fisher, of the D. P. R., kindly placed the large building belonging to the company - some forty by seventy-five feet - at the disposal of the colony for their use this season, for the reception of colonists with their freight. The printing material for the new paper to be called the Evans Journal, is now on the way; and it is expected that the first number will be issued on or before the first of June. A very complete outfit for both paper and job work, has been purchased by Mr. Hartman & Co. It will be a seven-column sheet, somewhat larger than the Greeley Tribune, with Messrs. Hartman & Todd as editors.

From the above facts the outside public will be able to gather what the inside public already know, that colonizing is going forward most successfully in Colorado.

Sale Of Lands.1

The Union colony, of Colorado, will sell at auction, commencing on the third day of July next, at the office of the colony, in Greeley, Weld county, Colorado territory, all the lots and lands under their canals, which are not located by certificates of membership prior to July 1st, 1871, or reserved for public buildings. By order of the board of trustees. N. C. Meeker, President

Territorial News.2

JA LETTER-WRITER in the St. Louis Democrat, who would seem to have blundered through Colorado blindfolded, writes about Greeley as a town "containing from fifty to sixty houses, all one story, unpainted, some not yet shingled, and, like Evans, having not a tree in sight." Late census returns make a showing for Greeley of over one thousand population. Of course there are several hundred houses in the town ; many of them are two-story, and nearly all painted. Unless the Democrat's correspondent is near-sighted, short-sighted, or suffering in some way from defective vision, he might have discovered a beautiful grove within a few hundred yards of the village. More than half the correspondence published at the east concerning this country emanates from peripatetic dead-beats who shoot through the territory like a dose of salts.

Our Gbeeley Letter.2

Greeley, November 23, 1871. - Snow to the depth of seven inches fell here yesterday, which, together with what had previously fallen, makes a very respectable winter mantle for mother earth.

There are no startling news to write of this section just at the present time. Greeley is Greeley still, only a little worse so - sobered down into the stern and solemn realities of living in earnest, and for a purpose, and that purpose looking to and meaning something substantial in the future. Like a faithful beast of burden after its coltish antics and frivolous freaks are over, they are settling into the traces for heavy work. An

Waily Rocky Mountain News, November 26, 1871, p. 1. This and the following item, though from a later period than the other material here published, have been added because of the light that they throw upon the characteristics of the colony.

Excerpts From Colorado Newspapers 391

earnest, unflinching, uconquerable energy and determination seems to characterize the majority here ; and so long as that disposition is entertaned by the masses their success is as certain as the presence of the sun in heaven. No condition of circumstances will thwart them from their laudable purposes. They are learning and are beginning to heed the folly that is so common with the American people, of flocking together. Tneir habits of gregariousness have become proverbial. Our people are too much in the practice of bunching up. They start in as if to build a flourishing town or city was the chief desideratum to a country's success - to a people's prosperity. They forget or overlook the fact that an inland town or city must receive its life and support from the surrounding country, from the rural districts. And if where the rural districts ought to be there is nothing but a waste of blank desolaiion, the city that attempts an existence there will be feeble and must untimately fall and die in the midst of such surroundings. Cities contaminate, and drive poor people into legitimate speculations and various vices that grow out of the monopolies and over crowded competitions that are found in all cties. But in the country the poor man may be lord of his little domain, and however humble his home, it is nevertheless his own, and he is as free to assert his manly independence as his lordly neighbor who presides with regal dignity at the banquet hall and counts his broad acres by the thousand.

Judging from the appearance there is certainly no lack of water here ; it flows promiscuously on the surface and under the surface. The wells are generally well filled and a good many cellars would answer for swimming baths if the water was a little warmer. As it is, should the weather prove cold enough, they will do very well for skating-rinks. If some reasonable sanitary measures were adopted here, it might have a beneficial influence, and perhaps mitigate the ravage of scarlatina, cholera, or any other disease that might arise through the influence of too much water in the cellar, or too many stagnant pools on the surface.

Notwithstanding the little ups and downs which are the fate of all places and every one of every place, I believe the destiny of this colony is upward and onward. With such faith, energy and perseverance as governs this people, with a firm foundation already established and sustained by a better code of morals than probably exists among any equal number as promiscuously thrown together anywhere on the face of the earth, failure may be the rule, but we look upon this colony enterprise as constituting one of the grand exceptions.

Father Meeker is plodding on with "Rosa Bobbins," and the end is beyond the reach of mortal vision or the stretch of human imagination. "Rosa" seems, martyr-like, to be pushing on through the wilderness, and her Christian fortitude will probably sustain her to the bitter end.

The leading business houses here are doing a reasonable trade, A. Z. Solomen carries a large stock, and is driving a flourishing business, as he well deserves. He has recently married a beautiful and accomplished lady, and the happy twain are well on the highway to favor and fortune. E. T. Nichols is doing a heavy grocery and provision trade, but the secret of his success is traceable to his brother Will, whose facinating smile and captivating manner sells a host of goods. Dr. Buchtel, successor to Dr. Tuttle, in the drug business, is doing a fair pill trade, besides practising the healing art quite extensively. The Colorado house is full to the extent of its capacity, and it is eminently deserving of its patronage. The Greeley house has lost none of its merit, and is largely patronized.

The lumber yards, livery stables, butcher shops, and many other business places here are doing well, and seem to be laying substantial foundations for permanent business. The school is well attended, and is a very creditable institution. The Lyceum, and the Farmers' club, are each attracting considerable attention and are kindling an interest among the people here that must certainly add to their stock of knowledge and prove a lasting benefit.

In company with Sheriff Brush, your correspondent ventured abroad yesterday among the farmers of the lower Cache-la- Poudre. It was a good day for old ducks. The snow played around us in blinding whirls, and came down as if mad. Our road was no road at all ; it was simply a vast expanse of snowcovered plain, cut and seared by great acequias, with innumer- able laterals, and divided by wire fences, inside of which, after removing scores of bars and making more angles than are known to the science of trigenometry, we succeeded in reaching a dark spot on the prairie, which we found, after careful examination to be a human habitation. To us it proved a welcome oasis in the desert waste of snow that was above and around us. After prayer and feasting we returned happier than when we went. Some chicken-hearted easterners, and some dyspeptic invalids are moaning piteously because of this blessed snow. They talk and act as if it ought never to snow or rain in Colorado. They would have the country dry up, and burn up, as has been the fate of some portions of Michigan, Wisconsin and other places east of us, during the past summer. They are unable to see any virtue in snow, especially in Colorado. If it were any where else it would be just what the country needs: and in view of the fact that in Colorado it has been altogether too dry for the last eighteen months, it looks as if it was needed here. When the spring season comes, and the streams carry an unusual volume of water, and luxurious vegetation sports on the high and hitherto barren places, and our great mining industry is vitalized, and every other industrial interest energized in consequence, then perhaps many of the blind skeptical croakers we now have, may be made to see and understand the value of a heavy fall of snow on the high mountains, and a liberal distribution of it over the valleys; our warmest winters are those that furnish the heaviest falls of snow, and, if stock are in good flesh at the beginning, they do even better than during a colder winter with less snow. H.

Postmaster.1

Editor Tribune: - The election for Postmaster, last Saturday, was the most exciting ever held in the place. When Gen. Cameron left the Colony for New York, many of the best citizens thought that he should no longer be Postmaster, as he was getting a large salary, and working for another colony. His father-in-law and partner, Mr. Flower, then circulated a petition to have the office transferred to his name, and many of the people signed the document. Others proposed to ballot for another candidate, and Mr. Albert E. Gipson was urged by some of the leading men to call a meeting, which was done. Several speeches were made, and the discussion was unusually warm. N. C. Meeker, the President, said that there were plenty of competent men who were making but little money, and they ought to have the office rather than a non-resident who was receiving $3,000 a year. He would vote for the General if he were here. As for Mr. Flower, he was a gentleman whom everybody liked, yet while he was in company with Mr. Cameron, he could not see the propriety of a change, for in either case the salary was equally divided between the two partners, which, with the General's income, gave each a yearly sum of $3,000. However, the speaker was in favor of the people choosing their Postmaster by ballot, not by petition. Saturday was the day selected for balloting, notwithstanding Mr. Flower objected to the plan.

Mr. Gipson' s friends proposed that the ladies should vote. This caused no little commotion in the charmed circles over which they preside. The polls were opened at one o'clock. Mr. Gipson's lieutenant, Col. C. A. White, and Mr. Drake, procured a large two-horse sleigh and started for voters. There were flags, bells, mottoes, posters and good-looking young men, and in a short time the hall was packed with women and girls, all crowding up to vote for Gipson. Then Mr. Flower sent for bells and a fast team, and gave orders for the driver to "corral" all the women who would vote, and bring them to the "front". The news spread like new cider, and in the course of two hours the scene reminded one of a political camp-meeting. Courting a girl on the Lower Arkansas was nothing to the way in which Gipson and Flower seduced the loveliness and flower of Greeley from the undarned stockings of their domestic hearthstones. We must not forget to mention another phase of the contest: Early in the morning, Miss Emily Morris sent some young girls around with tickets bearing her name, and notwithstanding the short notice, she received several votes, and then withdrew from the field. At five o'clock the perspiration fairly stood on the brows of the respective candidates. The excitement increased, and by sundown the sleighs were flying through the streets. The women were getting excited, and their enthusiasm glowed like pine knots. One of the leading merchants soon rushed up the street in a two-horse cutter, and soon returned sitting in the laps of three ladies, while the horses shot through the streets to the polls. At the polls, Mr. Gipson escorted the fair ones up stairs to vote, while the wholesale gentleman drove off for more. At dark fresh horses were procured and the excitement increased. At eight the polls were closed. Time was precious. Gipson knew of a dozen ladies up town, who must be brought at once. Marx rushed off for three girls on the east side, and so they came, young girls, servants, old ladies with silver hairs, brides, and women with young babes, until it seemed as though all the arguments that Brother Todd had ever made, were to be utterly swept away.

Ten minutes to eight! Here comes Mr. Flower with his arms full of weak-minded womanhood who vote like men. Three minutes later the cutter swings around the corner at white heat, and the next minute Gipson sweeps the aisle with beautiful women, fragrant with perfume and embroidered with blushes and smiles. The moments hung in suspense. Col. White, the man of wonderful stories and bloody battles, looked anxiously for the last rose of Autumn. She came, glowing like ivory and vermilion, and just as the last moment hopped from the box, she deposited her thunderbolt. Gipson received the last vote; and then the clerks commenced counting. Gipson was defeated like a man, and Mr. Flower went home rejoicing. Gipson is a young lawyer, who recently came from Wisconsin. Considering that he is not an original colonist, it is highly creditable that he received only 80 ballots less than his opponent. Miss Morris had 19 votes.

The lesson of this election is, that women can and will vote at a moment's notice. General Cameron has eloquently denounced the women who want to vote, yet his entire family marched up to the jaws of the ballot box only two days ago.

Last summer a young man fairly scorned the arguments of Mill and Beecher ; on Saturday he took his wife to the polls and told her to do her duty. In addition to the views of Chapin and Curtis, I believe that if the Republican party only needed two votes to carry New York, Mr. Greeley would take his wife and daughter to the polls on a litter, rather than print a Democratic majority in the columns of the great Tribune.

Bound Volumes

Record of Lands sold at Auction, July 10, 1871. Record of Stock Certificates. Check Book, First National Bank, Greeley, 1888. Surveyor's Description of Property, 1890. List of Members, Union Colony No. 1.

Miscellaneous Papers

A bundle containing deeds, 1870-1881; certificate of renewal of the charter of the Union Colony, 1890 ; a few letters of 1872 ; and miscellaneous papers.

Library

Published in Denver by William N. Byers and John L. Dailey. Dailey sold out to Byers in November, 1870. The paper was established in 1859 by Byers who was its editor during the period of the colony movement. It contains much information on the colonies. Its correspondent W. R. T. was W. R. Thomas. A complete file of the paper is preserved by the State Historical and Natural History Society in Denver.

Published in Denver by R. W. Woodbury and John Walker. It was established in 1867. The name of the paper was changed to The Denver Tribune on January 20, 1871. There is a large amount of information relating to the colonies in it. Its traveling correspondent H., was Chauncey L. Hall. A complete file of the Tribune is preserved by the State Historical and Natural History Society in Denver and an incomplete file in the library of the University of Colorado.

Published weekly in Greeley by Nathan C. Meeker, the president of the Union Colony. Its first issue was that of November 16, 1870. A file is preserved in the Greeley Public Library.

Published in Central City by David C. Collier and Frank Hall. It was established in 1862 as the Miners' Register, the later jiame dating from 1868. It contains very little information concerning the colonies. A file is preserved by the State Historical and Natural History Society in Denver.

Published weekly in Boulder by various men during the period of the colony movement. It was established in 1868 as the Boulder County Pioneer, and changed its name to the above in 1869. It contains but little first-hand information on the colonies. A file is preserved in the library of the University of Colorado.

Index

No attempt has been made to index all the matters referred to in this volume. Even where subjects are indexed reference has not been made, with some few exceptions, to the financial records. The added biographical data, in the case of certain important persons, have also been selected. The index of persons connected with the Union Colony or Colorado is, it is believed, complete for all sections of this work except the Lists of Members. These, for obvious reasons, have not been printed a second time here. Names and initials in brackets have been supplied by the editor ; those in parentheses are variants upon the correct usage.

The Union Colony

Elections, Colony, general items, 18- 19, 22, 109; officers and executive committee, New York, Dec., 1869, XX, 11; executive committee, Greeley, June, 1870, XXVIII, 41, 42, 267; local treasurer, August,