Quasqueton guardian. (Quasqueton, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1856-1858, 1857-07-11
INDEPENDENCE ITEMS.


Saturdays proceedings, times have been
rather dull. On the Fourth, the patriot
ism and public spirit of our citizens sur
mounted every obstacle in the way of dust
and heat, and the celebration was very
spirited throughout. The Grafton by DR..
Tabor was good, the Declaration Tin the
absence of Mr.. Donnan, who was called
to deliver an Grafton at Camp Greek Set
tlement) was extremely well rendered by
Esquire Hart, and the display generally,
including the music by the band, was
highly creditable to our village. The
fireworks, of which good assortment
had been procured, were "touched off .
under the direction of Asa Blood, OH the
west side of the river, and were witnessed
by large concourse of people. A great
many country people were in town to
spend the. day, and the crowded streets
and general noise and confusion reminded
one very much of the Eastern cities.
Since the Fourth, the heated term
has come down upon us with vengeance,
and the only interesting question now
agitated is, i" How shall we keep cool ~
This, together with the usual reaction af-
ter an exciting time, has caused an un-
usual scarcity in local items, and my let
ter this week must necessarily be dull and
embarrassing.
The near approach of the Republican
County Convention, has re-awakened po-
litical agitation somewhat, and the friends
of the different candidates for office, are
discussing the respective claims, and ur-
ging them upon the attention of the party.
The contest for the nomination of Judge
has assumed different aspect since the
Democratic nomination was made. Sew.
eral new candidates are in the field, and
the probability is that there will be no
lack of material out of which to make a
respectable candidate one who will run
Judge Roszell high and dry" upon the
shores Of political oblivion. For Sheriff,
the Republican mind hercabouts, has set
tied with entire unanimity upon Sam.
Leslie, who it is conceded on all hands,
will very easily lay the Democratic nom
inee son the shelf" for term of years
For Treasurer and Recorder, hear men.
toned r. J. Thornton, w. G. Donnan
and S. P. Webster, the present incum-
bent since the death of Mr.. Hastings
Either of these gentlemen will fill the
Office acceptably, if nominated and cleo
ted.
improvement is still the order of the
day with us. l am informed that another
addition has been made to the village plat
and that the lots are eagerly sought for
by spectators and actual settlers. Mr.
S. Sherwood is about putting in a new
dam at his present mill seat, preparatory
to the erection next season of mammoth
Grist Mill. The principal Hotels of our
! place have recently been enlarged and fit
ted up elegantly to accommodate increased
business. The "White House" and the
Empire" are large and handsome brick
buildings, and the Montour," fine
frame building, to which an extensive
addition has recently been made. These
Hotels are all first class, the proprietors
respectively, Messrs. Sherwood, Nc Clurc
d. Counts and Purdy, are attentive and
obliging hosts, and at either House the
traveller will find quiet and comfortable
home, and at reasonable charges.
The Court House, or rather what is
generally called an apology" for one,
is progressing with snail-like speed. The
architect who coceived the plan, and the
Judge who accepted it, must have little
faith in the future growth of our county,
or they would not have attempted to palm
off such an insignificant building upon
the people. The result of this penny
wise and pound foolish" system will be
that in very few years the building now
contemplated will be out of date, too
small for the purpose for which it is
designed, and a disgrace to the town and
county, and new one will have to be
built. My plan would be to put up a
building to cost not less than $4,000,
borrow the money to pay for it. let the
interest be paid by an annual tax, and the
principal made redeemable in 90 years,
when the county would be abundantly
able to pay it, and scarcely feel it. In
twenty years. it will be easier for the
county to pay $4,000. than it is now tc
pay 81 900.
Business in our police court has been
unusually dull the past week. Two OIL
three persons found in the streets drunk,
have been "jugged" till they got sober,