Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1865-12-28
For the NJ. C. REPUBLICAN.
BouRBoS, Dec. 18th, 1865.


Fp,ENp MArT1vcLY:-It seems that several per.
sons have undertaken to "write up Bourbon, and
its affairs in general. But il seems to that they
have not done much toward righting il up. And
before they do it think it will be neces AIRY
for some one to right them up little. Though
we have neither design nor desire to undertake the
job. Still We have few things to say for our
town, in order to disabuse the minds of those. if
any, who have formed too good, or too bad, an
opinion OF US.
And, in the first place. We do not claim to be
Giving Miracles" nor indeed that any thing mir
acuous ha. been done, either by us, or for u.s.
We only clIim to be industrious community,
irving to make IN honest living. and secure the
comforts of life, and fair degree OF prosperity, BY
honorable means. With this end in view, the
most of US, mind our own business. There may
be few new comeIs, who are not yet "inside the
ring" who do not DO this. And they, OF course,
have time to write their views about us. But We
think they will will soon lay down the pen, and
take up the mallet, or the saw, or some implement
of husbandry, and enter "the ring And when
they learL by experience, what Bourbon IS, they
will be prepared to write revised edition" OF
us "improved, and corrected"
1t IS true. that our town has improved rapidly,
in nearly all things that are real clements Of pros.
perity, which is apparent to every observer, and
needs none to tell il. Stores have been built, and
creditably filed, and respectfully occupied. Me-
chanic shops have been erected, and are in brisk
operation. Houses have literally crushed into
being" Our lumber men pick up their wealth
along our railway Our mill releve s. tie farmers of
their wheat, and supplies them in turn with cash.
And they in turn, while making their families
comfortable, enrich our merchants and tradesmen.
And thus town and country build each other up
and aid in each others comfort and happiness
Still We do not claim that all has been done that
might be done, even that ought to be DONE
Indeed our improv ements have hardly kept place
with our wants. But every thing is going on, and
all going right. And in this connection should
not forget the grading of our streets, nor the
king Of side walks; which under the supervision OF
our active and judcion marshal have been pushed
rapidly forward, (since our incorporation) and in
VERY good order.
It is true, that with regard to our school house
We have been unfortunate. But not so with re-
gard to our schools. Private enterprise has sup
piled the want of house, and a sufficient number
of private schools have beeen in operation to NEE,
the wants Of the place. Our school house, now
in process of construction, will be credit to this
or any other place of the size, and would probably
have been completed if mechanical help could
have been obtained. But that element Of pros.
pcrity is all absorbed by private enterprise. "And
vet there is room" Ii would no doubt have been
commenced earlier, but for difference o. opinion
ms 10 the site. Some wishing to retain the old
site, which was decided to US only on condition OF
being used for school purposes. And some think
ing it too small, wished to give it up, and build
where more room could be obtained. But from
all this embarrassment We were saved $50 rs by
fire." And q and very creditable school
house is rapidly approaching completion, which in
connection with our college, will not only meet
our own wants but those of the surrounding coun
try. And may be heard of"afar off," Especially
cur volIbe writers continue to "swell the strain.
But now a word about the college. It is true il
progresses slowly. But it progresses. 1t is mol
now necessary to mention the reason why il makes
such sloU progress. But they may be summed uT
under the general head Of want Of experience in
snch matters. We do not intend to blame any one
in particular. And certainly not the "Head Ar
chitect," who is industrious and honest me
chanic, and as much of a gentlemen as those who
differ with him. With their differences we have
nothing to do. We regret them and hope they
may soon be healed, and the college be pushed on
10 completi, n, fIr surely it is needed by al
Ministers and Doctors not excepted.
Yours Respectfully,
AN OH SETTLER.