The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-02-27
Our Chicago Correspondence.

CHICAGO, ILL.,, Feb. II, 1854
Rapid Gro,cih and Increasing Prosperity of Chi.
cago-Hs Population, business, Railroads,
Value of Real Estats-Is Chicago Healthy City?
&C., &c.
III have now been here some months, and have de.
voted considerable portion Of my time to the study
of the advantages, disadvantages, position, both
local. social, aud mercantile, of this much Wanted
city, say much Wanted advisedly, for meet man
who halls from the City of the Praries in any part of
the Union and the rapid growth present prosperity,
and future greatness Of Chicago is his never firing
theme of conversation; he throws it in, usque ad
uauseam," before breakfast, again before dinner,
even whilst digesting the same over quiet segar,
until you almost wish his blessed city submerged
in its own lake. But come here, Mr.. Editor and
the truth Of what you have listened to so unwilngy
forces itself upon you; rapid change comes over
the spirit of your dream and you look back upon
your loquacious enthusiast as an intelligent. far
sighted individual. You recollect what Chicago was
twelve years ago. and you see it now. The lustre of
Aladdin's wonderful lamp almost pales before the
wonders that you find have been enacted here.
Situated at the head OF lake Michigan, Broad street.
radiating far into the Prairie, s lined with really
magnificent blocks Of brick and polished
stone buildings which have sprung up as
il by magic; wide and navigable river
runs nearly through its centre, the banks
Of which are studded with convenient docks and i'm.
mense warehouses. The increase of business that
has taken place within the last year has been
unprecedented almost in the history of the world.
Notwithstanding the hindrance that occurred by the
scarcity Of mechanics and aborers, 1000 dwelling
houses were in that time erected in the city,
Der totally inadequate to the demand. The lumber
used amounted to Co 900 900 Of eet and IS 900 900
Of brick were made and imported here. The amount
of taxable property, as shown by the assessment
rolls for the last year. amounted to SIC OOO and
it is conceded would have reached over 500 900 900
had the assessment been made at no more than NO.
thirds Of the market value of the article assessed q
i. is, it now shows an increase over the previous
Year of So 100000. Twelve years ago Chicago had
usder 900 inhabitants; the census returns for 1858
an 90 $50 Six years ago Chicago had not one foot
OF railway finished; at the present moment there are
thirteen trunk railwR completed and under con.
struction, leading otM OF the city, 1908 miles of
which are completed, and more than double that
number viii be ready within one year. These trunk
railways are as follows Michigan Central, Northern
indiana and Michigan Southern, Chicago and Gale.
ma Chicago and Galena Air Line, st. Charles Ale
Line to Gsena, Chicago and Rock Island Chicago
aud Aurora, Chicago and Mississippi to Alton iii.
pois Central Chicago TO Cairo,) Lake Shore, Ito
Mlwaukie,) Chicago and Fort Wayne, Cincinnati,
Peru and Chicago, Illinois aud Wisconsin to Fond
du Lac. Together with the advantage OF the i'm
mense amount Of cheap motive power thus afforded
by this Capitalization of railways the natural position
OF Chicago makes 1t almost unequalled for CONNER
cia purposes Situated in the first place at the head
Of lake navigation which extends to the Atlantic, it
IL too far removed from the seaboard to be affected
materially by tariffs; and again, built upon the edge
of an immense and fertile prairie the magnificent
country west Of 1t is daily filling up with crowds of
immigrants who settle and cultivate its rich lands
sending their produce TO this place for shipment and
transportation, and making all their purchases In this
market / have heard that Chicago was an an.
healthy place, but upon strict investigation find
such Is far from being the case at least IL we are to
Judge by comparisons; the deaths average In fifty
whilst understand the average for New York is one
in twenty eight; Boston, one in thirtysix, and St.
Louis one IN thirty-one. A new principle Of sewer.
age Is also in contemplation by the city fathers
which viii conduce much 10 general health. The
markets here are admirably supplied with provisions
OF all sorts indeed every luxury for the table be
procured with as much facility as in Eastern city
Nor Is Chicago without its ocialepoyments Elegant
sources dansantes, both public and private are con
stantiy given, and last week grand fancy dress ball
and supper took place at the fremont House. This
the principal hotel in the city Is magnificent struc
tue built three years ago and elegantly furnished by
Mr.. Couch, OF the most enterprsinp citizens ~
the place and to whom Chicago is indebted for acme
of its handsomest edifices- The house Is now leased
20 and handsomely kept by the Messrs Gage N
Boston. They can make up three hundred beds; ia.
dependent Of boarders. The average daily arrivals for
the last ten months have amounted TO two hundred
and the profits have been between thirty and fnrty
thousand dollars. Pretty well this for new city
The Matteson and the Sherman are also first Class
houses.
The theatre Is handsome structure the property
o. and managed BY Mr.. Rice, man not only OF
fish SANDING IN the theatrical profession, bot Also