The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1838-01-02
LETTER FROM TIE WEST.
CHICAGO, ILL, AUG. 15;


DEAR SlR:-I left ST. Joseph Immediately after
writing YOU from that place, and arrived at Chicago,
"a miles, six hours sail with fair wind, in Is hours
NV massage across the lake was thus protracted by
contrary wind. This is of the disadvantages in
travelling of depending upon the wind, and one too
which did not expect to encounter here, for 1 saw
il stated in the papers before left New York tina
steam boat would ply regularly through the season
between ST. Joseph and Chicago This was pub
lished perhaps for the same purpose that some OF
Congress men make long speeches at Washing
ton-e6cct abroad. Chicago is regularly laid out
a smooth, level and extensive prairie, on the
west side of lake Michigan and on both sides Of the
Chicago river The principal streets run parallel
with the river and others them at right an
giles, And the soil, being a mixture of clay, sand
and lime, the mud may be ankle deep in the morn
ing and entirely gone before night. Government
has made liberal appropriations for improving the
harbor, which, added to the natural advantages at
forded by the river, make it one of the best the
lakes. This place has grown up with unprcccdcnt-
ed rapidity, and, although somewhat ahead of the
farming interests Of the country around, it is prob.
abb more capable of sustaining fthan any other
mushroom city in the western country. Six years
ago, am told, it contained only fifteen buildings
besides some three or four embraced in Fort Dear
born, and all built of logs. Now there arc about
350-somo of them large and elegant, and built of
brick. 1t has Court House, Il Jail, n bank n land
office, good herbor and light house, fort and bar.
racks, two or three school houses, five forwarding
houses, five churches, eight taverns, two ncwspa-
pers, a steam and Touring mil, some three hun
drcd stores and work shops, and a population Of
$4,000. The religious denominations are-Presby-
terian Methodist, Baptist, Epscopalian and Catho-
lie. The Catholic society is the largest and is
composed principally Of Irish and halfbrced In
dians-communicants 1900. Some of the leading
men and most efficient members of the church ha-
bltIaly use pronne language. On being invited
took seat in their house of worship one Sabbath
afternoon, and when it had become pretty we'll filed
the Priest stepped forw ard to the altar and proclaim
ed-'Fin consequence of the want of singers vesper
will be omitted-consequently we shall proceed
directly TO the sale of the pews." HI retired, threw
off his priestly robe, called for Clerk and Auc-
toncer, and then engaged as heartily in the bust
ness of selling the pews of the meeting house as
though II had been business day. The Presbvte.
ran is next in size TO the Catholic and is quite re-
spectacle in numbers. The Clergy are very intel
hgcnt and some of them unwearicd in their efforts
to promote the best interests of the people. A
iority of the Inhabitants regard the Sabbath very
much as do the people of New England portion
of them a holiday. Two temperance societies
exist here, on the OLD fashion plan, the other
tce-total. But like too many in the East, they have
only name to live. Some OF the good people
however are beginning TO renew the inquiry-what
can be done Rents, provisions and labor have
been very his!'-but as supply increases demand,
they will all come down. Board is from four to
SIX dollars per week. Three months ago -four was
thirteen dollars barrel, and potatoes and oats from
one dollar 10 one dollar and fifty cents bushel-
Now wheat is dollar bushe and other produce
proportionably cheap. The monetary pressure has
reached this place and tho country generally
knocked speculation in the head and put damper
upon all kinds of business. A good portion of the
business men of Chicago from the Eastern
States-intelligent, industrious and enterprsiug
have found good society here in any
other place. The country from ten to fifteen miles
around, is smooth, level and generally wot-good
grass land too for filling. Some of it has
been redeemed by dching, and in process of time
much of it may be made sufficiently dry for plough
land. Chicago was Incorporated city in 1896
The first election, by aid of the Catholics, (who
always vote as instructed by their priests) resulted
in the success of tho Jackson ticket. Chicago, on
account of its position and natural advantages is
now, and will continue to be, one of the largest
places in the west. 1t is pretty heal1hv-is the
great thorough fare for travellers TO the far vest
steam boats and schooners from Buffalo and other
places arrive at and clear this port daily and the
canal which is TO connect the waters of the Illinois
river and lake, will terminate at this point, is in
vigorous prosecution, and will probably be complet
ed within three years
rawnzr