New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1858-05-26
FROM WISCONSIN.
Of The ". Y. Tribune

Co,re.pondense Of The ". Y. Tribune
CHICAGO, May 90, 1859.
1t has been my good fortune to spend few days
in the famous State Of Wisconsin; and let me say,
in regard to the railroad travel from New-York
City to Portage City on the Wisconsin River, that
the reduced rates of speed have added greatly to
the comfort and security of travellers. In not more
tb an one instance, so far as / judge, was the
speed over twenty. five miles sn hour, and often it
was slower than that. The roads from Chicago to
Milwaukee, and thence to Portage City, are in fine
condition. and carefully managed. They are dong
a good business although much less than IN the
former year. The noted La Crosse Road is hardly
responsible for any Of the odum which the very
name suggests in connection with the corruption
bonds by which the majority of former Wisconsin
Legislature was literally bought up like beeves in
the market slaves. / found the State boiling
over with excitement at the astounding develop
ments made concerning the corruption of former
legislators. Those men are spotted, like defunct
railroad tickets, and do not believe they can ever
pass again, but perhaps in this age Of brass Gin the
face) they can.
The people are complaining Of enormous taxes,
and one shrewd man remarked to me that it was
becoming very prevalent opinion that new party
must be formed in Wisconsin, to override both the
Democratic and Republican parties, 50 far as local
TO call the Taxpayers Party The idea may yet
take hold and revoutonize parties in that great
State.
Speaking of politics reminds me that was in
n township in the Badger State, where out OF some
$50 voters, only 10 were for "Jeems Buchanan"
Republicanism is an institution in this young State,
and the powers at Washington will not look for
much sympathy from this source.
As for the State, so far as l saw it, was disap
pointed somewhat. AS to health, it 10 the most de-
srabe State west Of the Aleghanies, but vast guam
titles Of very thin land are to be found very
sandy, and bearing stinted and meager crop
of oaks. / suppose this has been in conse-
quence of the repeated burnings which have
swept over the bills and plains. Taking the
route from Chicago to Portage City, the cOun-
try has thrifty look, but with small excep-
tons, the land is only secOnd-rate. In the vicinity
of Rolling Prairie, Fox Lake and, Randolph, there
are some fine lands. Taking the cars at Horizon
and going to Berlin in Marquette County, you also
cross some magnificent country. No doubt Wis
consin has vast tracks of excellent land but as to
soil che cannot begin to compare with Illinois, Iowa
or Missouri. But in climate and health she has
very great advantages which in my estimation are
superior to any arising out of mere excellence Of
soil.
Twas struck with the appearance of the natural
meadows of Wisconsin, in many cases bordering on
the streams or ISSUES" connecting main streams.
These lands are too low for the plOw, but they bear
heavy grOwths of grass which have the one excel
ence if no other that horses living on it have
the heaves. 1t requires very little effort for the
farmers to secure their Winters hay from the natu-
raj meadows, and they must do not little to make
this a grazing State. But when, peradventure, the
carriage roads lead over these low grounds look
out for trouble in the rainy season, since they do
not always have bottom The wheat in the
Western States is looking beautifully l never saw
finer prospects, and unless there be some untOward
event the crop is likely to be very large indeed.
The frequent rains have retarded the complaining,
so that even now many farmers have not put in
seed They say the season has been unusually vet
and cold in Wisconsin.
The little towns between this city and Milwaukee
are thriving and / am told that business is grad
uay revivng. Racine is a very pretty place, and
Milwaukee is destined to become one of the finest
cities in tie West. l rode around the town and
was delighted with the taste and elegance displayed
in many of the residences in the city. When the
streets become paved and the city finished it
will be medel. Its lake prospect is magnificent,
and it's heaihness in all respects equal to any other
locality at the West. In Portage City, on the mar
row neck between the Wisconsin and the Fox
Rivers found very manifest proof of how things
move at the West. The Fox runs into Lake Michi-
gan. and the Wisconsin into the Mississippi and it
is singular fact concerning the two rivers seeking
sucb widely different destinations, although at this
pont flowing along within rifle shot Of each other,
that the Wisconsin is several feet higher than the
Fox. Hence the Portage Canal has been dug of
sufficient size 10 float steamboats, of considerable
size from one river TO the other. BY this means
sloop might come down the Wisconsin, and reach
irg the Fox pass into the lakes and thence to the
Atlantic. The City of Portage, as it is rather
prandly called, is not more than fifteen years old,
and has had many difficulties TO contend with, but it
has grown into very considerable Importance. 1t
has Graded streets, several beautiful blocks built
with pale brick similar to that made at Milwaukee,
and several very pretty churches. 1t is lively
place in spite Of the recent business revulson, and
is bound to grow very much more, having an exten-
siye country on which to depend and very superior
facilities for exporting and importing, both by water
and rail.
One thing lie quite noticeable and think CON-
mendsble, that the people Of the Badger State are
not Ashamed Of their young State, and they hope TO
purify the Government enough TO prevent any such
corruptions as are now exciting their shame and
Indignation.
By the way, must not forget to say that
visited Fort WiDnebago which occupies beautiful
elevation on the banks Of the Fox, immediately op
site 10 Portage City. Most of the barracks. the
hospital, the stables, one block house, and some
other buildings remain, but look well only at a