Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1841-06-18


our return from the Convention, prevented Us irom
carrying the design into execution. Our stay IN the
CITY was brief and our time mostly OCCUPIED IN greet
ing old friends and new acquaintance. and IN con-
vention with the Democracy, 80 we had not an OPP
portunity Of making such enquiries and examna-
tons as would enable US to do it ample justice IN
general notice, but it was sufficient to convince US
in orr own mind that handsomer or better location
could not have been found in the Territory. The
cty is handsomely laid out with wide streets cross
ing each other at right angles, without variation
from the points Of the compass. The Capitol Is SIT
uated on an elevation running due north and south,
in handsome square of eleven acres, and entirely
fills up the avenue, which gives the traveller beau
tiful view of as he enters the city. On the east
side of the capitol for about half mile, the ground
smoothly and gradually descends to a small stream
of clear, pure spring water, from which it again rises
gradually toa level with the basement OF the capitol
with such slight breaks as necessary to carry oil
all surplus wa:o, rendering this side OF the stream
one Of the most d4iahfu places for family reslden-
ces in the western }vAnry. Due east from the cap
tol, for three or four miles, is high ridge covered
with timber on the top, and the south side are ex
ceent farms, overlooking valley Of delightful coun-
try. On the west side of the capitol, the ground
dcscends about thirty feet to level bench, one block
in depth, running parallel with the slope which Is
! mounted by the capitol. This bench is perfectly
level, and preserves regular width from where the
Iowa leaves bold bluff to the southern line of the
city survey, distance of half miIe Between this
bench aud the river is strip of land subject to III
undation, encircled by gradual bend in the river
On the north and north east side of the City,
the country is high and rolling, as also on the
south, after crossing the valley through which runs
the stream which drains the city. On the west side
of the Iowa river, bold bluff fronts the city, and
affords handsome view allowing the eye to stretch
for great distance over handsome prairie.
From the capitol the view is sublime. The city
plat embraces round space, resembling an amphi-
theatre, in which there several very beautiful
groves of thrifty timber, which will afford pleasant
resort for .he gay and fashionable residents and Wis
itors of that city.
Adjoining the city plat on the south side, is the
quarter section of land selected by the county
missioncrs for the location of the county seat.
beautiful mound near the city line, and but a short
distance from the capitol and on a line with it, has
been selected for the courthouse, which is to
be erected
The walls of the capitol are up to the top Of the
first story with the exception of one layer of stone
on part of the west sde and the ost for the second
story are partly laid on The superintcnt is actively
and constantly engaged in the discharge of his du
ties, and has prosecuted operations with despatch
beyond the expectations of any of the friends of the
place. At present there are about sixty hands en-
gagged on the building, and about twenty in the quar-
ry. Stone-cutters receive So SO, and aborers 81 rs
per day. in scrip for the redemption Of which all I'M
sold city lots pledged. This scrip is receivable
in payment of all debts due for lots, so it is readily
taken at par in all business transactions, heavy
amount is yet due lots. 1t is supposed if opera
tons continue at present, the building will be put
under cover the coming fall. The timbers for the
roof are partly on the ground, and in such state of
forwardness that is supposed that in two weeks af
ter the walls are up, the building can be put under
cover, so it is thought quite probable that sufficient
number of rooms can be far finished to be used
at the next session Of the Legislature.
As to the plan and workmanship of the building,
only repeat what every inspector Of it has
heretofore remarked. The basement walls arc of
massive stone, sunk sufficiently low to preserve them
from the effects of frost, and amply wide to support
the building, and free it from danger of cracking
The walls are not only strong, but handsome. The
stone used Of the best quality free from defect
and well hewn The east, or front door cap is large
and handsome stone, neatly dressed, with IOWA."
in projecting letters cut upon it. On the inside is
cut in plain letters the following inscription, that,
when this shall pa 81 away, the visitors of our
metropolis may read brief history of the monu-
ment we leave, and know when, and by whom it
was commenced "The corner stone of this ediiice
laid on the 4th July, A. D. 1889, by Robert Luz
cas- Governor Of the Territory, under the surcrin-
dance of Chaunccy Swan, Acting Commissioner"
The building is divided into convenient apartments
with suitable for offices for all the Territorial
State officers, necessarily located at the Seat of
Government with fre-proof vaults for the safety of
public documents.
When the Capitol shall be completed, it will be
| an ornament to our Territory, of which but few
Of the large, rich, and populous States can boast Of
superior, and Of which any state might we'll be
| proud.
The city is improving fast, considering the hard
times, and is fast acquiring additions to its pop
ulation, by emigration The adjacent country is rich
and productive, susceptible Of sustaining a dense
population, we shall not be surprised if the next
L 4 l.ca