The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-01-05
CentreviIIc Correspondence.
CrkTREyILLE. To WA. Die. is.


siderable space in your valuable paper 10
articles from correspondents in different
parts of the country, ! presume You will
have no scruples in giving publication 10
one from the Hawkeye State, provided you
consider ii OF any interest 10 you readers
Being familiar with a large portion of them,
know that they are all more or less inter
ested in the West, and that many of them
entertain very erroneous opinions of what
the country is really like. Those who get
their information from western newspapers
generally form an incorrect idea. II is i'm
possible for these papers 10 state the truth
in regard 10 it as their success depends en-.
tirely upon the praise they besiow upon
the 'cilies' in which they are published !;
aud III consequence oI the uniruthful state
ments so persis'enly proclaimed by these
petty journals, many an honest and indus.
,rious farmer and mechanic have been in
duced 10 leave comfortable home in the
Fast and seek for another in a country they
knew comparatively nothing about. In thou
content have anticipated them in their new
location, and, disappointed with their sue
cess, they have moved from county 10 conn
ty and from State 10 territory, until prostra-
ted manhood and the increasing cares in
domestic affairs have compelled them 10
settle down, and pass their declining years
in poverty and obscuriy. Such has been
the iate of many, while on the other hand
those who took the Glide al its flood, moved
on TO fortune"
1t is surprising 10 see the large number of
people moving West. Until winter set in,
large emigrant trains, consisting of from
five 10 twenty-five wagons, were passing
daily in all directions. Their mode of trav-
cling is principally by OK teams. They
carry with them all the necessaries of life
and invariably camp out "o' nights" To
persons o. ordinary industry who can ac-
custom themselves 10 such a mode of liv-
ing, the western prairies offer great induce
ments; but they must not expect 10 make
fortune in very short space of time; if
they do. they may be disappointed.
That portion of country lying west of the
Mississippi and north the Missouri rivers
is very little improved, except the counties
which border on the two rivers. There are
but few railroad companies. Not more than
fourth Of those marked on railroad maps
are 10 be found and those that do exist,
charge two prices for all kinds of transpor.
taiion. The public roads receive but little
attention, and, during rainy weather, are
impossible for want of bridges across the
streams.
Business and trade Of all kinds have been
unusually dull the present season. The
financial crisis which produced such disas-
lrous results in the eastern States in 1857,
came down with equal force upon the spec.
ulators ofihis Stale Added 10 this calamity,
there was general failure in the crops :;
and the combined efforts of the two have
produced depression in monetary affairs
that is any thing but agreeable to either
debtor or creditor. 49,
Politically, The Democrats are in minor
ity, although the late election showed de-.
cded gain in their favor. these questions
which divided the party in other States
with snch fatal effect, were not agitated !;
consequently there was great unanimity in
their ranks, except on local questions. The
general sentiment Of the party is favorable
to Douglas but whether it proceeds from
the opposition to Lincoln, or a preference
for him over other Democrats, am not pre-
pared TO state. but am inclined 10 the be-
lief that il is the latter.
As this is my first attempt in correspond
ing with The press, | shall add no more at
present for fear the whole thing might be
rejected; but should it receive your favora.
bic consideration, you may hear from me
again. Respectfully yours, H.B.R.