The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-06-09
Fbr As Unies and Eastsrn Journal.
ePRINpsfELD, Mich, juno l, 1854.

thinning communica,ion from John r. French
ESQ. In that Communication no has but
little 70 say Of Michigan. Thinking IL nigh.
be Of interest to some Of your numerous
readers, I have taken the liberty to write my
views Of matters here.
There Is probably no State In the Union
Of equal Importance, with the resources, the
prospect, Of which the people Of New Eng
land ore as slightly conversant as Michigan.
Having been resident Of the West more
than a year; seven months Of which time
have been spont in this State, have had
frequent opportunities to inform myself upon
matters spoken Of. {"
This Stale few years ago was the gcner-
al rendezvous for emigranis from the East
and It bid fair to be tho" Queen State " Of
the West, but the memorable "wild cat
times" put an end to the prospect for the
time being. From that incubus resting no
heavily upon 1t. Michigan has slowly but
steadily recovered, until business is once
more settled upon substantial! basis. No
other Stale excclls, and few equal. this in
extern, of resources. Here is to DO found
land as fertile as any in the west, q great
deal of which can be had at governments price.
The country abouuds in Iron. Coal. Copper,
Plaster and Lumber. Salt Is made here,
although not in large quantities, as the bust.
ness 10 yot in its infancy. The supply Of
pure water is ineIhaustable. Dry wells arc
no, popular. Here you car raise anything
that can be raised at the west, although
wheat is usually tho best crop wo have
Produce Is always IN demand, and ut paying
piices. and with the increased facilities iol
transportation prices grow better.
Labor is wanted and is well rcmunerated.
Railroad laborers are paid 81 ,l2H per pay;
other laborers in the same proportion. al.
though the labor is not as good here rs at
the east and it is truth that The further
west you go the poorer tho quality Of labor
With Lake Michigan on one side and Lake
Erie on The other, this State has advantages
for exporting its surplus products unsur'
passed by any. Besides the lake communi
cation, here is the Michigan Central Rail
road 27S miles long, running from Detroit
across the southern part Of the State into
Illinois, terminating at Chicago. Another
road runs from Detroit 70 Pontiac, 80 miles,
and Is now being constructed 10 Grand Haven
on Lake Michigan, which road, when com
pletcd, will be abou, 200 miles in length
The line of this road takes course nearly
duo west. and passes through the finest farm
ing land to DO found in this STATE. know
one man who has located on the line Of this
road, within the last three months, some
five thousand acres Of land ut government
price. The towns on the line Of these road,
in beauty will compare favorably with any
in New England. There are other roads pro-
iected and some of which will DO shortly
built. One OF these is TO run FROM Pontiac
to Saginaw, and another ~ Lake Superior.
With these roads finished, Michigan will DO
placed in a position which, although long
deserved, she has never occupied.
This State is settled mostly by New York
people, or, as they are termed hero, I" Yam
KEGS but genuine Yankee, rs we under
stand the term in New England, is very sell
dom seen here. At dinner given in De.
troit soue time since by the Sons Of New
England" Maine was The only State that
was not represented. Ihave found the peo-
pie, (natives excepted, they are few y to be
whole souled set Of people, ready to OK.
tend the right hand Of fellowship to all new
eomers, and DESTROYS Of doing oil in their
power for the comfort Of The stranger.
am indebted 10 than for many kindnesses,
which il ] may never repay, should not be
forgotten. H..... is
The climate is very healthy, air mild and
bracing. Winter is not as severe here rs at
the East; although good sleighing is usual
ly had, but for short time. Last winter
was an unusually severe one, and It has Of.
fectcd seriously the wheat crop. Spring is
much earlier than in Maine. Fruit of the
various kinds grow finely. being seldom II
ever injured by the frost.
All things considered, | think Michigan
with its vast resources, rich lands, healthy
climate, pure water minerals. lumber. and
its big hearted people, (barring the natives
presents as great attractions, at least, to
those coming West, us any other State. The
lover Of nature can here find It 10 oil its
beauty, undisiurbed by the hand OF man.
To the disciples Of Isaac Walton and Frank
FORESTER, tho innunerable lakes filed with
fish, and the woods, Astounding with game,
afford abundant mears Of enjoyment.
One thing noticed Immediately by Yam.
kee is the largo number Of young men hold
ing Offices Of responsibility. Here they
Judge man not according to his years. but
his abilities. The City Solicitor of Detroit
is young man Of about "a years Of age
The Assistant Postmaster Of the Same city
is but IS years old. and no has . s'lary Of
$1,000 wear. Young America Is 10 the 's.
cendant. ...rt.a. l. .lY
Moncv Il worth moro here than at the