The Iowa patriot. [volume] (Burlington [Iowa]) 1839-1839, 1839-08-15
OUR LATE RIDE. PROSPECTS
OFT'HE FARMERS. a few davs

OF THE FARMERS, sc. "A few days |
since we enjoyed the luxury Of a ride in
the country, and as there may be those
in the city who have not realized the
pleasure Of such a jaunt the present sea-
son, and know nothing Of the delightful
emotions that may be experienced by
such exercise, we feel a strong DISPOSE
ton to enlighten them on the subject.
Our route lay along the road leading to
Bloomington, and never have we beheld
the face of any country look more charm
ing. 1t certainly excels, in many partic-
ulars, the most delightful portions Of Illi-
nois, and we do not believe the same dis
lance 40 miles) can be travelled in that
state, where more good tillable land can
be found. If it is equal in this particular,
lit certainly has the advantage over any
such continuous distance in regard to the
quantity Of timber that greets the eye
whichever way it may turn. The prai-
ries are on an average more dry and roll
| ling, than are those in our sister state and
the scenery is far more variegated. But
we did not commence with the intention
of making comparisons, especially such
as may be considered invidious by our
Sucker neighbors.
The road was in excellent travelling
order-the weather cool and pleasant
and fine opportunity was afforded to
stop by the way and chat with oar friends
] the farmers. The general topic Of con-
versation was the approaching land Sales.
The stories of anticipated sacrifices that
I were expected to be made to secure their
present homes, were enough to affect a
colder heart than ours, and move it at
least to censure the unfeeling policy that
has thus tempered with the dearest in
terests of those who have borne the brunt
and endured the hardships of settling a
new country. Whatever may be said to
J shield the Administration from blame in
} this matter will be of little avail. The
Proclamation speaks for itself. 1t shows
that the sales will take place in accordance
with President Van Buren's recommends.
ton; and as he has the control of the
) matter, he will in measure be held re-
sponsible for much of the injury that will
be sustained by great portion Of the far
mers of Iowa.
We learned that large proportion of
) farmers in some Of the townships are
9 very willing to part with one half their
! farms, including improvements, if any
8 one will advance sufficient to enter the
: other half. In many instances the i'm.
6 provements are actually worth twice the
cost of the land. One man-who resides
a few miles above the Iowa--told us that
4 he had resided three years on the farm
a he then cultivated, that about rs acres oil
his land had been in cultivation for nearly
: that length of time, more than the whole
/. being enclosed with substantial ssstaked
and ridered' fence, and that he had offer.
!. ed this farm, together with large guam.
tity of grain, building materials, &c.. in
GLIDING eighty acres that had already
been entered, for $500, and would wal
J. two years for half of it. The soil anl
: timber on this farm are Of first rate order
: and nothing but sheer necessity coult
compel this man to sell for such price
J. He had endured much hardship and suf
fered great privations in making his farm
!. and at the time he settled in that plac.
there was no mill nearer than sixty miles
:. and besides the time occupied in goins
and returning, his meal cost him, at tina
time, one dollar blshel. Amidst othe
Inconvenience he was frequently oblige,
d to cross the Mississippi and travel twent,
$ miles to get his plough sharpened or re
paired. This is by no means a solitar,
e case; nor have we begun to recount tn
G many hardships which were endured b,
< the first settlers of this Territory. w
q merely give the above as specimen, t
$ make more apparent the cruelty of thu
j. policy which will ineyitably-if persiste
in-deprive large number of the mos
deserving-those who have alone mad
q the government land valuable--of til
: fruits of their toll, and drive them fror
= those Improvements and homes, whic
: by little longer indulgence they Nigh
y have secured and handed down to thej
. children as valuable legacy.
y During our ride we were surprised ;
two things; one was the number and ez
: tent of the farms, and the quantity {