The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-09-04
From Our Travelling Correspondent.

Mr.. EDITOR Having spare hour and
comfortable room, propose to interest
your readers with few items of the coal
fields &C., where towns grow from villages
of two or theee hundred inhabitants to thou
sands in two or three years; one Of which,
Reading, grew 900 houses last year.
This town, Wilkes Barre, 10000 inhabi-
tants, does heavy business in coal as well
as the mercantile line; it is said this valley
and these hills give employment to $4,000
men; 10000 of whom work under ground.
But to my purpose: Hazleton, the termi-
nus of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, and not
in direct line with the general travel, is
comparatively unknown to those out side
of Coaldom. These coal towns are made
up of people from every nation, with here
and there a capitalist with one object only,
making money. In this as in other sec
tions, men fail sometimes to acquire
wealth. In the matter Of variety of Ian
guage no section can boast more-every
tongue, every style, is here represented
Many come here intending to make pile
then quietly retire to some refined and at
tractive vicinity where is found less variety
in tribe and language; but investments are
made day after day in improvements, ma
chinery, &C., time flies rapidly; the adven-
turer rears a family; adds to the comfort Of
his home. In his prosperity he forgets his
loneliness in his mountain home in the sur
roundings of happy family; and the first
thing that forces itself on his previously
formed plan to retire, is that there is really
no necessity-he is surrounded by others of
the same caste. Railroads running in every
direction, afford facilities for shipping and
travel unparalleled. While the coal trade
is brisk money is abundant. Some of their
stores here sell $25, 900 per month retail.
Now to Hazleton we go; situate on a
plain stretching from Buck to Spring
Mountains, nearly midway between Ber-
wick and Mauch Chunk, 140 miles from
New York, a little less from Philadelphia;
the largest town south of Wilkes-Barre, in
Luzerne county; 5000 inhabitants; two
regular passenger and mail trains arrive
and leave daily, making communication
with all points easy. As business point,
there are few places in this region more de-
sirable. Thousands of people employed in
these colleries in taking out and preparing
coal-found here from 500 to 800 feet deep,
without extraordinary effort or expense in
volved to remove the danger from sulphur
explosions, fire daps, &C., SO much dreaded
by both miner and contractor. These thou
sands must live, and they do live while
money is plenty local always is.) All the
supplies in shape of food, clothing, &C.,
must be brought in, as this section pro-
duces only coal, goats and children. These
are the only products that meet my eye,
except an occasional dog, but he is not a
staple Hence, shrewd, active men here
find haven for their hopes. Around this
town is found what is termed single opera
tons. There is one colliery from which
the people come once every month,
with their pockets we'll filled from the
proceeds of their labor. A miner makes
from s. to 81 per day (six hours all of
which his family spends for necessaries,
Injuries and foibles. Around this town OF
Hazletown are Sticton, GAINESVILLE, Beaver
Meadow, Andereid, Ebervale, Jeddo, &c.
all contribute largely to the business and
wealth of that town. There are seven
churches, a town hall, costing $40, 200,
eleven public schools, with 947 scholars
(Elkton keep shady.) Much of the success
and growth of this town is to be accredited
to Mr.. Pardee, coal king, millionaire
general benefactor, &C., who giveth not
grudgingly when called on for benevolent
purposes, proving that he justly merits tho
name of generous hearted man and enter
prising citizen.
Now word to myself. Friday and Sat
urday will long be remembered by me ant
many others in this vicinity. Thermomete
1OS in the shade. Dismounting from IN,
perch in the side of the hill, covered to tn
peak with the gray moss-clothed sentinel
of time, I rushed at the incoming irol
steed, seeking behind him, in his dust
followers, retreat from this intolerabl
heat. Parched as I was, this seemed
haven of rest. Eyes blinded by coal dust
mind perplexed by the efforts to inven
some way to keep cool, found relaxatio
in the verdancy and dewy breath of so
Of the Emerald Isle in the same seat, VIII
smelled as though he were born when wills
key was cheap, or was used instead of col
fee.
Who would dream that in this countr
of coal, goats, Irish, Dutch, WEIGH an
heathens, in the very heart of our country
too, that civilization had never yet shon
her light upon these begrimmed hills tina