Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-06-24
correspondence.
For the Grand River Times.


GENEVA, ILLINOIS,
June 18th, 1857.
DEAR TIMES:
1t may be matter of interest to the readers of
the Times to learn the prospects of the crops and
the present condition of the times in Illinois.
An abundance of rain has caused the fields to
TEEN with thick growths of cereal products The
woods are fragrant with the blossoms of the wild
thorn, wild plum and flowers
Wheat, oats. &C., are short for this season of the
year; but they cover the ground. Corn is about
five or six inches high-nearly large enough to
cultivate the first time The fruit trees are loaded
with blossoms. Peach trees have become thing
that ,cas. The people expect an abundant harvest.
AS the saying is, times are tight in Illinois,
Money is loaned at 25 per cent. Very little doing
in sales of real estate.
The tide of emigration from northern Illinois
seems to be turning. 1t is not now to Iowa and
Minnesota-but to Missouri and Kanzas. Some
who have been to both places, state that Missouri
is their preference
One man who belongs in the Fox river country,
| and who Of late has been to Missouri and located
a section of prairie and eighty acres of woodland,
| stated in my presence that there were many from
| the northern states, taking up land in Missouri;
| that although there is considerable government
land in Missouri, now, yet rapid were the sales,
that the most of it would be entered in less than
year. that some Of the Missouri planters had sold
out and gone to Texas. This being the case, we
| have great reason to believe that Missouri will
yet become, an truth part of that great tree of
Liberty that overspreads our country.
The signs of the times indicate that both Mis-
souri, and Kanzas will be free.
AS one writer has remarked, "The rose and
bramble may flourish in social proximity but
liberty and slavery delight in separation"
1t will doubtless be so in these two states, for
yankee enterprise makes American serfdom I'M
necessary.
| The fourishing manufactures, the skillful me-
chanics, the labor.saving machines, such as reap
ers, mowers, cultvators, &C., which are so admira-
bly, adapted to use in Missouri and Kanzas, will
be as great damper to slavery, as the cotton-gin
of Whitney was an inducement to its spread
The prospects of better times are evident. The
high prices which the Illinois farmers have re-
ceived for their produce the past year, was a
strong inducement for them to sow bountifully.-
This they have DONE They therefore expect to
reap in abundance, and it will require many labor
ers to gather this probably abundant harvest
while the suppler adds to has interests, and the
whole machinery of business will be again in reg
ular motion.
There is great interest taken in education in
this state. Illinois is taking vigorous measures to
build up the great system of common schools
Her villages are veing with each other in activity
and liberality towards the establishment of first
class schools Bloomington has offered $4,000
for the establishment of state normal school at
that place. The state has appropriated fund of
$40 600 for the support Of said school.
On June 18th, there was school celebration in
Du Page Co. Schools from Du Page and Kane
counties came out by loads, and had good festi-
val at Turner's Grove. Smiling faces, banners,
} wreaths and music were some of the component
I parts of this school picnic.
The schools were addressed by gentlemen from
various parts of the state and their remarks gave
us the heartcheering satisfaction that coven-foot-
ed ignorance would not long be allowed to stalk
abroad in Illinois.
Other school celebrations were soon to come
off at Aurora, Batavia Geneva, and other places
Surely, Illinois is awake in this most important
. movement!
Her schools, churches, railroads and improve
ments are indicative of great prosperity; she also
means to stand in the front ranks in every good
and praiseworthy cause.
"Honor to whom honor is due" Illinois de.
serves praise.
Yours with respect Us.
i 49,, TT~-