Rensselaer Republican, Volume 26, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1894 — MASHONALAND. [ARTICLE]

MASHONALAND.

That geographical division of “the Dark Continent known as Mashonaland, has developed great possibilities for the adventurous financier. Less than a dozen years have elapsed since that portion of South Africa was an unbroken wilderness, unknown to white men, a terra incognito that inspired the explorer with consuming desire and the romancer with the wildest fancies. Exploration proved the existence of goldun paying quantities and an influx of miners slowly drifted into the country, but until three years ago no set_tlements“bf “importance had been made. British gold at that time saw the opening and speedily poured in. Now we read of the important cities of Salisbury, Victoria and Umtali, where but two years ago building lots sold at from $125 to $250, asking and receiving for the same lots $l,50(; from people who have located there for permanent residence. The Standard Bank of South Africa has for some time been open for business at. Salisbury, and already the money changers have full possession of “God’s first temples.” Salisbury may be reached by cable and wire from any point in Indiana--at some considerable expense--and any one wishing the latest quotations can. communicate with AmEnde&Mack, Salisbury. Mashonaland- A boom of a comparatively mild description is prevailing in that portion of the good Queen’s empire, and this firm have issued a handsome circular giving full details. It is printed in Salisbury and is typographically the equal of similar work issued from Wall street. Salisbury has not as yet the advantage of railway transportation, but the Beira railway has reached out seventy-five miles in that direction from the Indian ocean—about one-quarter of the way. The day of deliverance is undoubtedly at hand and a trip to the interior of South Africa is one of the attractions held out by the future to those who can wait in patience a comparatively short time before disposing of the wealth they intend to squander in a vain attempt to “see the world.’’