Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1853-07-27
miscellaneous.
southwestern Wisconsin.
From the Madison State Journal.

From the Madison State Journal.
The south western counties not only
differ from the balance of the state in
geological structure, scenery, and physi-
cal outlines, but in construction of most
of their mining villages, and occupa-
ton and "course of thought" of their
inhabitants. Mining villages are the
product of rich "leads' and fat diggings
Utility and convenience are the ruling
idea !; beauty and order of arrangement
are rarely consulted. They follow the
''lead" on ridge or ravine, and "petre''
with the mineral. AS consequence,
they cannot be said to have many out
side attractions on first view, to per-
son predisposed to straight lines and
paralellograms. OFF of the business
streets, houses are frequently arranged
without arrangement, pres enting kitch-
en- or corners quite as often as an obvi-
Gus "front." Some of these dwellings,
however, are neat and home-like. No
one would ever mistake a mining for a
farming village.
AS class the miners are more in
telligent and better educated body than
any equal number Of agriculturists Ia
ken as whole. This may seem an ex-
travegaut statement to many-yet of its
truth am well convinced. Accustomed
to habits of close observation, they are
good judges of men and things. They
rarely devote over eight hours daily to la
Dor, the balance of the time is occupied in
reading, conversation, and amusement -
The most Indifferent cabin usually has
its newspapers and magazines often
its well selected library. They are gen.
orally class who think much and free
ly. There is a noble and manly indie
pendence in both thought and action
1t is the poorest possible field for dema-
gogues, or quacks of every Species
Educated conceit gets its angles speedily
worn off in such a community, by con-
tact with superior intellects. Exteri-
ors pass for nothing-aifectation and
pertness only excite the cool smile Of
contempt. Heartiness and heart, ener-
gy and intellect are the only passports
to favor. Meanl ess and littleness ar e
held i'll special adherence, and crimes
are extremely rare. AS body the mi
ners are temperate-as much SO es any
other class. Their villages abound in
drinking shops and saloons-so do viii
lagos elswhere. Their vices are no
greater than those Of the masses in 9TH
er sections, and public sentiment is e.
qualify as effective In its repression
Good order and a respect for law is ev-
cry where noticeable.
The public men of this section are
noted for their sterling qualities, their
energy and intelligence. Offices do not
rotate by township lines, nor can any
machinery of party foiSt a muddy intel
iect or worthless character into place.
The people require bottom-hard bot
tom--in their officers. Education is by
10 means neglected. School houses and
teachers abound The best building for
the purpose in the state is at Platteville
Religion, also has its yotaries, and every
village its churches.
The mining interest is improving
Prospecting is once more coming in
vogue, and that is the first step towards
new discoveries. To all human appear
Rnce inexhaustible mineral prizes re-
main TO reward the persevering deliver.
Large and promising tracts remain un-
proyed--in fact, it is believed that all
the diggings combined might be COM
passed within the limits of township.
Lead and copper have been chiefly
Sought-can it be that the millions of
tons of zinc will never attract the atten-
ton of capitalists
Before concluding, some of the names
OF places ought to be mentioned, to show
that miners have Clancy" "Whig" and
Democrat" "Beetown'' and Bur-
Iesqueburgh )" "Black Leg and "Black
Jack" Pigeon and "Grab," "Poker-
Vile and "Pin Hook are among the
humber readiest remembered. A COM
plete collection would be curiosity
worth preservation. T.