Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-09-08
LETTER FROM THE WEST.
@ CHICAGO, august 81, 1868

~ CHICAGO, Ah2HSt II, 1868.
Dear Spi,tt Thinking that your many
readers would like to hear something of the
doings of the Garden City of the Union.
have concluded to crafty them with few
items-political and otherwise. This is the
great commercial centre of the west, and
everybody comes to Chicago to learn the
news and to obtain price lists, to sell their
produce and lay in their supplies. The har-
vest of the northwestern States is over, and
farmers feel jubilant over the large yield of
wheat and oats. Much of the new wheat has
already found its way into the market, and
No. spring wheat commands 81 1.S0. which
is considered fair average price. There is
but little winter wheat roised in the North
western States. owing to the long, cold vim
tiers and lightness Of the SOIL The ''oat crop
is pronounced unusually good this season, and
IS cents is the average price
Business has been exceedingly dull here
this simmer, but the knowing ones predict
that the fall trade will open in few days
and Chicago will then be as busy as Gotham,
in filling orders for merchandise. Some idea
of the business of this city may be had when
it is known that the house of Field, Palmer
& Co., wholesale dry goods dealers, sold So
22O ,967 worth of goods last year.
Politically, business is "gay and festive"
The two great parties are struggling for the
asceudancy hero, with the advantage on the
side of Seymour and Blair. Both parties
have already held gigantic mass meetings,
and at the first one, held by the Democrats
in July. after the nominations had been made,
the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and it was
conceded by everybody to have been the lar
gest political gathering ever held here. A
few weeks later the Republicans held one,
and it was quite a large gathering, occasioned
by the first parade of the Tanners" On
the succeeding night. Senator Doolittle and
w. w. O'Brien, candidate for Congressman
at large, of this State, addressed the Demo-
Gratis, who turned out to the number of 3d.
600. The Democrats are wide awake and
actively engaged in the campaign, while the
RAIDS are dispirited. and evince no enthusiasm
whatever. Well informed politicians here,
assert that Chicago will vote the Seymour &
Blair ticket by about 5000 majority, and
many are sanguine that by the aid of this
majority they can overcome the Radical ma
jority and give the State over to Democratic
rule. So mote it be.
You have doubtless heard of the Tanners !;
they take the form of military organization,
are oficered like q regiment in the field, and
the whole city forms division, which is
commanded by one GeR. Salamon, OF war
fame. The uniform consists of n sheepskin
apron, an oioloth cape, and small fatigue
cap, somewhat like an artillery cap in trim
miug9 and shape. The whole division in the
city numbers about 4,00O as learn from
their morning reports, published in the Rad
ical papers.
The Democrats have organized Seymour
& Blair Escort in every ward in the city, but
1 am unable to give you anything like cor
rect report of their number. Pendleton-
the Eagle of the West-wlI address the De-
mocracy here some time in September, when
you may expect to hear of another immense
mass meeting of white men" The RAIDS
are harping OF the Ku-Klux outrages cant
you send few live Ku-Kluxes out here, for
the benefit of the Black and Tanners How
will West Virginia vote, is frequently asked
me. l hope the Spirit will answer by say
ing Democratic. Please excuse the trespass
made 2n your time and space, and believe
me to be yours, &c, r. E. BEL.