The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1866-03-16

through Toledo at three, a. NJ, and by day
light we were laundering across the State of
Michigan. The general appearance of the
country is charming, very level, well cultiva-
ted, and in good stage of Advancement
Most all the towns and villages on the route,
bear evidence of the taste and fashion of the
inhabitants
A portion of Indiana is gone over and then
we enter Illinois, running along the edge of
Lake Michigan for many miles, until Chicago
comes in view, with what feelings of delight
and pleasure, at least, welcome for the pre-
sent, the end of my journey. Entering Clark
Street, we run up about two miles, towards
the centre of the city, where we stop, and dis
perse. After passing out among the runners
and hack drivers, which by the by are more
civilized than the Norfolk fraternity-al
aboard for the Sherman House.
Chicago is the great Western metropolis.
A person who visited this place in 1859, and
to visit it to-day, would hardly believe his
eyes or credit the truth, that such great
changes and improvements could transpire in
few years. City railroad cars, numerous
splendid hotels, magnificent public buildings,
court house, post office, and board of trade,
and numerous other buildings The greater
part of the dwelling houses are built of wood,
with blocks of pine wood, filled in with gravel
and tar. 1t makes fine street. and wears
remarkably WELL The sidewalks, as a gene
raj thing are composed of wood. None of
the streets are paved with stone. Houses are
being erected in almost every quarter you
chance to go. Navigation is not open yet,
but the vessels are being rapidly fitted up,
prior to the spring trade. 1t is wonderful to
see the immense railroad facilities that this
town has. Go where you will, and your, eye
encounters cars and engines by the hundred
Chicago is fast place, and fast people COM
pose the greater portion of the inhabitants.
Concerts and Free and Easys are all
the 60, and are well patronized, too. Colonel
Wood runs one-horse museum la Barnum,
two theatres, both of which have very poor
companies. .-.-+fl. lie
The people are very affectionate, as gene
raj thing. They embrace and kiss each other
at meeting, while we of the East and South
shake hands
The all-absorbing topic of conversation in
the mouths of the people is Fenianism; when,
where, and how are the Fenians going to make
their first warlike debut on the stage of revo-
lutions? The Canadians are hard at work forth
flying opposite Detroit, Mich There are also
many Fenian officers in this city, organizing
and getting things ready for the great event,
which, it is the general belief, will commence
on or about st. Patrick's day. Fenian officers
in town boast that they go East no more until
they go via Canada the new Irish Republic
Chicago affords the Fenians many opportuni-
ties that do not exist in New York. First there
are not so many Government officials, foreign
and domestic, here. Secondly, the most WI =
nerable point of Canada is bordering on the
Lakes and State of Michigan A Fenian army
can make good and easy progress via the West,
much better than through the Eastern States.
From facts openly discussed, Ilearn there is at
least 5000 men organized and uniformed, with
all the necessary war implements Infantry,
cavalry, and two companies of sharp-shooters
with telescope rifles.
The Chicago city Water Works are in as
your lovers of modern improvements and
science in Norfolk would say, ''most excellent"
style, the go ahead Chicagoins, are not salts
fed, they want still better, and nothing but
the best The present Water Works are ade-
quate to all the requirements. a veg
The proposed new Water Works, is a SPLEEN
did, a grand scheme. In order to get good
pure water, the city has erected and sunk
large circular Tank very much like gas
tank, miles out in the Lake. This tank is
sunk and the water pumped out The men
now get to work and the tunnelng COM
mence, large tunnel will be thus erected I'M
der the Lake, for the purpose of procuring
fresh water. There is gang of men work.
ing from both ends, and will meet in the cen
ire about next September.
The exterior portion of Chicago is not very
prepossessing in appearance, owing to the
great hurry in which it was erected. The
more central part of the city, is quite elegant,
and Michigan Avenue will compete with any
of our Eastern and most fashionable avenues.
The population of Chicago is now close on
to 100000, and growing fast.
After cross the Mississippi River, I will
write to the Day Book again
JUNIPER