The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1863-01-31
OUR TRIP TO LRAvENWoRTH.


OUR TRIP TO LEAvKNWORTH.
Having undergone a years close confne.
ment, and deeming the Ben Franklin Ball and
Banquet which was given at Leavenworth
under the auspices of the Leavenworth Typo
graphical Union, on Monday evening, the 10Th
inst, an excellent opportunity of meeting our
brethren editorial, we were not long in fixing
Up our limited stock of "dry goods" and max
,ng other necessary preparations for SO stu
pendous an undertaking as a visit to the
metropolis Stupendous We say, because We
have been in this isolated region, where no
thing but buffalo and "Injuns' greet the
vision, until we had partaken of the very
greenness of the herbs of the field. We will not
recount the trials and tribulations of the trip,
for We would spoil the story of Job, and cast q
shadow of gloom over the bright side, which
only we propose telling. We have already
plead greenness, and lest this should give rise
to jokes or bad stories at our expense, we will
remark, that our trials and tribulations were
caused by intensely cold weather and the bad
state of the roads This is honest-we behaved
remarkably well during our absence.
The impressions received on the trip are
fattering in the extreme. In reviewing the
troubles through which our young State has
passed, the advancement of that portion Of it
east Of the rottawatomie Reserve will swell
the heart of every true Kansan with pride.
Civil war, famine, and a continual disturbed
political system, aided on by the present gigan-
tic struggle, in which our State has taken a
foremost part, has not served to fetter the
iron-willed energy of our people, when encour-
aged by such richness as our Maker has
deposited in the soil Of Kansas Power and
wealth for our young State in the future are
'iinced on every hand; and the keen foresight
and genuine Yankee go-ahead-ativeness Of the
pioneers Of Freedom, are actively engaged in
maturing these blessings. 1t is a source of
pride and qualification, when viewing the
broad expanse of cultivated land and the fne
substantial, and in many instances, palatial,
farm-houses of the eastern portion of the State,
that the murderous attempts to fasten the
blighting curse of human bondage on these
fair prairies were met by men whose souls
were full of determination to plant the stand
ard of Free Labor. The blessings they have
secured us are inestimable-and to the blood
Of Free State martyrs are we indebted for that
social system which alone can work out the
hidden treasures of Mother Earth. AS time
rolls by, and this work advances, their memo
ries will brighten, and such names as PHILLIPS
BARBER and others, will be revered and hon
ored by kansans above all others.
As We near the City of Leavenworth these
impressions are brought more wildly to the
mind; and as the slow pace Of the coach per-
mits one to view at leisure from the distance
the rising spires and stately brick edifces of
the City, it is difficult to realize that we are in
. settlement of but seven or eight winters
existence. Two years had elapsed since we
last seen Leavenworth, and our establishment
was great at the marked advancement of the
place. Its limits are gradually extending, and
the heart of the City is being adorned with
buildings that rival those of a Chestnut Street.
Nothing is dormant-irresistible activity char
scterizes every branch of business. 1t is for
tunate in possessing business men, whose
iberality and energy are spreading over the
whole West and Southwest facilities which
must ultimately end in giving Leavenworth
command Of the trade Of this vast section of
country. Its streets are throngcd, and the
gayety and fastness" Of its people generally,
evinced good times, and an abundance Of the
"root OF evil Everything essential to first
class city here exists: from fine churches and
eloquent preachers down to mission houses and
soup societies-and first class theatre down
70 moral shows varieties etc.-wealth and
magnifcence on the one hand, poverty and
rags on the other-high moral culture and
refinement vice and immortality.
OF course, we paid our respects to our breth.
rem Of the quill. We found WILDER, Of the
Conservative, busy, alternately clipping and
writing, perfectly at ease, and looking pretty
veil. HAMILTON and PREscorr, Of the Bulletin,
made US fell at home, entertaining us in true
Printer style. BARTLETT and TAYLOR, of the
7saes next received eur attention" BART
LETT is 'bully good" fellow, Notwithstanding
We have had occasion to pitch in to him.
About TAILOR, We don't know-he made q
remark that leads us to question whether he is
"sound on the goose" We remarked that
Junction. beat Leayenworth for good-lookinr
women, toswhich he replied, "No matter about
the women, so you say We have GOOD looL;nr