p. 6

4

Any person interested can estimate the value for
1865 upon the basis of 300,000 tons of coal, and
160,000 cords of wood.

The coal fields of Illinois cover an area of 35,000
square miles, and it is said by geologists to be the
largest continuous beds of bituminous coal in the
world.

As a matter of political economy, should we not,
as citizens, having the prosperity of our city and
State at heart, use our utmost exertion to develop
these coal fields, and thereby retain this immense sum
of money in our own city and State, rather than send
it away to enrich other cities and States. We have
States adjoining us, who are constantly asking us,
"Why don't you develop your coal lands? We
would much rather purchase our coals from you than
from Pennsylvania and Ohio. We are already com-
pelled, from the newness of our country, to pay suf-
ficient tribute at their marts."

We can, if we will but move unitedly, overcome
all obstacles in our way. Should we not endeavor
first, to overcome the prejudices that do exist in re-
gard to Illinois Coal, and in some way increase its use,
and thereby give encouragement to our mining in0
terest?

England, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, have
long since discovered the secret.