The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-05-27
Editorial correspondence

| lBEAR ASSOCIATES. GSLItI the weather IL
clear ana beautiful, and am passing uT
through region now beyond where ! have
eyor been before. We have just left Cordova
landing, point about twenty-eigbt miles
above Rock Island. Ii is early in the morn
ing, and we are yet only few miles out
upon the clear water above the upper
rapids
Leaving Muscatine some time in the after
noon, we arrived at Davenport at shutdown
yesterday, and having only about an hour to
spare, made quick tracks over that town.
But before saying any thing about Daven-
/ port, let me make one allusion more to Mus
catine, for the last thing | saw there do
not wish to omit. The finest church edifice
that have yet seen in Iowa, by all odds, is
the Episcopal Church at Muscatine. II is n
low building, in the shape of Latin cross,
in the Lance Gothic style. The long point
of the cross fronts the street, and forms the
rear end Of the church. inside. The en-
frances are in the front sides of the
wings, or arms. There is no spire,
but over the street end is good
proportional tower, reaching up but little
way, with a belfry formed by simple thin
from front to rear. The building is built of
rough stone, in pure style, and pleased me
much If Gas / presume) it is as properly
built inside as out, it must be decidedly the
most admirable church in Iowa, though there
may be others costing great deal more
money.
Davenport is 4 so much finer town than |
anticipated that found myself surprised at
it's beauty and felt very reluctant to leave il
on SO short notice. The bluff sites for resi-
dences can hardly be surpassed any where,
and they are unequalled by any town that
have yet seen on the Mississippi, and they
are improved TO a great extent. There are
more fine mansions and beautiful grounds
upon the Davenport bluffs than ] have vet
observed any where West, not excepting that
most delightful town in lllinois-Quincy.
There is more evidence of prevailing good
taste, and of a desire to live well, pleasantly
and happily, in Davenport, than will be often
observed.
went up to the College to see little chap
that my affections cling around with some
degree of strength, and If was pleased with
the appearance of the town generally, was
still more pleased with that institution, as
the finest thing in it. The design of the
College is somewhat quaint in its general
appearance, YET very attractive. 1t is built
Of stone, with windows of low arch, a
heavy, beautiful cornice, and an oriental
done. And the situation is delightful in
the extreme. On high point, with a range
Of vision extending for many miles, in the
midst Of park Of ten acres in extent. where
the native trees are still standing, thick and
wild, threaded with romantic walks, the
students Of Aristotle never enjoved more
enhancing privilege in the groves Of the
ancient Academic. Who would not wish to
be forever student in such delightful
grounds The object there is to fit men for
the responsibilities and active duties of life.
And they doubtless do it. Young men have
an ambition sufficient to draw them out from
the most charming seclusion. But, having
myself tasted somewhat of all that, and
learned its proper value and Importance.
fear that upon me it would have the opposite
effect Of winning me forever from the turbu
lent, struggling world, wherein my lot is
cast, and where nevertheless find endowment
IN bu1etlng Its waves and fronting its for
tunes. Heartily do | wish prosperity to this
achieve without hope or thought Of mine.
And though travelling out Of the record to
speak Of individual affairs, | will exercise
this privilege which | enjoy, for this once at
least, to speak cordially of Rev. Mr.. Lane,
who is connected with the institution, and
his estlmable lady. do not know whether
they do isuch service commonly, but the per-
feet contentment and happiness Of my own
little urchin is sufficient assurance that who
ever could get bis child under their care at
this institution, could not wish him better
situated, and need not have the slightest
anxiety about his welfare. The extreme
personal qualification which experienced to
find a dear child 50 kindly cared for and
happily situated, Will excuse this public allu-
sion, which would gladly turn to their ac-
count If could.
They talk of extending street up through
the college grounds. 1t is too bad For
heavens sake, let something be sacred to
learning and beauty. Apublic Difference to
them would be the highest compliment that
could be paid to an ambitious city in this
material age. Don't let the shadow Of trade.
the rattle and the recklessness Of the world
invade those sacred precncts In the name