The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1866-03-14
distance. and before me was a vast extend

distance, and before me was q vast extend
ed plain. Yonder was the white capped
summit OF Bald Mountain. where so many
times. for hours in 5oyhood. had watched
tie beauties u tie landscape. southwest,
and twenty miles away, doomed up Old Grey
lock, the highest mountain in Aassachus-
etts Northwest hundred miles away,
was the dim outline Of the Adonlrack range
Of Northern New York A hundred miles
northward stood Mansfield Mountain, the
highest peak in the state. N0rth-eas. we're
the White Mountains. the pride OF the
Granite State Far southwark down the
valley Of tie Hudson. were the Catskllls,
while westward up the valley OF the No
hawk, the vision was uninterrupted Tor the
distance Of more than hundred miles.
Near the mountain and farther oil, among
the valleys, and by the side OF clear run
ming streams, FED from mountain springs,
were nineteen yillages-Of which, 10 sever
al. every house could be distinguished and
| recognized with the naked eve. | heard the
mellow tones OF the church bell miles away,
and from far down the mountain side came
up the woodlands song, strong and clear.
The snow had all disappeared ana the
MOSES were green and fresh a. in June.
The ground squirrels were chattering below
u welcome OF spring. and the woodpeckers
were sounding the trees around in search
OF food. How little does one know OF the
beauties Of nature who has failed 70 wit
ness such q scene. Ard now slowly from
the westward creeps up q sea Of mist. anl
envelops hills and valleys ia lis folds Il
was the Vision Of Mira, and all the bill:
aud fields, villages and mountains. wer,
falling through, and now there is naughi
but vapor below. So with 4 lingering good
night 10 the hills which never change but
sentinels stand, to welcome back their sons
; gladly when. after years they come from
distant States TO look upon native soil
turned away from the landscape 10 Did,
8gain-
While here. one OF the leading citizens
long chorister Of the old church On the hll
and known far and wide as a singer dice
al the aye OF 81. He was married The dal
before he died, after a courtship and en-
gagement Of 81 years. He had an age,
father aud 50 had the girl he loved Boti
ielt that they must stay aud watch thei
parents while they lived. Unfortunately io
their married happiness, the tenacity OF lf,
e. 4 d
each living to more than ninety years, anl
the last had been but a snort time buried
when tile constant lover was called away
Here the old adage was not true, that " th'
course OF true love ne'er ran smooth
With all the advances in wealth and gen
eral prosperity, | am. compelled TO ADM
that the purity of lite in New England vii
lagos has departed Tie doings and say
ines Of fast boys Will equal If not surpas
anything in that line 10 western towns. A
high a grade OF morality and religion ex
ISIS in the West as ia New England. Th'
nation is becoming corrupt and lcenti0ut
with unexamplcd rapiiity, and the lover o
his country and race cannot but look witt
misgiying at the tutare of the nation
The town has been presented with a Ere,
Library and building. valued at 500. 900. br
Seth B. Hunt and T W. Park, both million
aires, and residents Of the town. The Sc
lection OF books Is the best have ever seel
for the number, and 50 pronounced by thu
AppletOns, and is TO be increased by The
same generous donors. The reading room
is supplied with all the magazines and lead
ing political and religious newspapers.
was a noble gilt, and is well patronzed 10y
the citizens Mr. Hunt will erect the com
ing season an immense factory cOstns
$250. 000 tor the manufacture Of fin.
shawls, "A thing not before attempted ia thi.
country. Several houses have just beer
built of great pretension. costing iron
$50, 600 to $50, 600 each
To-day | stood 10y the graves OF deai
mother and sister. who sleep since last
was home Who hath not lost a friend
Refreshed and invigorated | 90 home
ward to the desk and to life 10 the West
dearer TO me far than that of New England
in its greater freedom of thought and ac
ton. None / think, who have tasted o
western life would be content to go bach
to the land OF his birth to live and work
II Is place for enjoyment. not the field for
action. $. D. b.