Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-05-23
NUMBER 18.
Western Correspondence.
MANHATTAN, Kansas, May 8, 1871

anon, intending 10 give some compafl-
sons between the Eastern and Western
settlers on our lands. showing the superb
or advantages of the latter over the iorm-
er. Having had experience in both
countries, presume my statements will
have due weight in the minds of most
persons wishing to make q permanent
settlement in new country. was born
and reared on the Green mountains OF
Vermont, and know the vast amount of
labor that new settler had TO perform
there TO get a few acres Of the wilderness
wood subdued. to enable him to raise
bread for his family; the same labor has
to be performed in all wooded countries.
By the time man has his hundred and
sixty acres, suitable to till and have
good harvest, he himself is pretty we'll
used up, and about ready TO be harvested
himself. know farm sixteen miles
from Cleveland Ohio, which was com.
menced some AZ years since the owner
bought the land at $500 per acre, and it
cost him S25. 90 per acre to clear it-raised
wheat at 33 cents per bushel. and corn at
25 cents to pay for it. and now some land
has plenty Of large stumps upon it to use
up tools in its cultivation; and this is
fair sample of thousands of farms in New
England that men have worn themselves
out in trying to live, and when ready TO
live, they 60 to their long homes, and
their children live upon the products of
their lifelong labors. There man has
to keep his family and stock in q decent
manner. How is it here in this western
prairie country A man can take
Government tract of l60 acres OF land as
a homestead, free gratis. 10y improving it
five years. or pay the price of Sl.25 per
acre. His first labor required is to break
up bis green sod land, aud at an expense
OF S4.0O per acre. and plant his corn and
raise from 20 to 30 bushels per acre he
first year, instead OF S25 90 that the Ohio
man had to pay, and he has no stumps
left TO cucumber his land or break his
tools. In five years, with moderate in
dustry and prudence, he may have his
farm woll fenced, buildings built. and
cultivated fields in nice condition. He
can SOW the seeds and in ten years have
as much wood, forest and fruit trees, as
he will need to supply all his wants
When a stormy day comes. he has his
leisure TO stay indoors and enjoy as he
pleases; he is not obliged TO work rain
or shine. So much for the western man
Of this country according to my expert
ence.
Well, what Of this country? | will
give you some OF the sayings OF an emi-
grant from Maine % years ago, on his
way to California, w. w. Hobbs, of Nor.
way, which were published in the Norway
Advertiser at that time -
April q, lS49. THE Indian country
through which we arc travelling. is the
most beautiful paradise ever presented 10
man. The soil is rich. and land level
An occasional sprinkling of trees around
the waters, "lends enchantmeni 10 the
view" One can hardly believe that the
country has not passed under the hand of
cultivation. So vast tract will require
centuries to be thickly inhabited.
April 2S. Last evening will long be
remembered 10y all the New England men
in our company. A prairie thunder
storm passed over us, and more grand
Us well rs terrific scene was never wit
messed. The heavens seemed in a con.
tinua blaze, flash following flash, in such
quick succession and with such dazzling
brightness, that the panied eye shrank
from beholding. And then the tire.
mendous crash of ten thousand thunders,
mingling their volies in one; this was
scene that cannot be painted. 1t was
thunder storm on the prairies, that must
be seen TO be fully appreciated.
May lst. We were all up bright and
early and a portion of US started out
Maying-and such bouquet was never
gathered in New England fields. There
are hundreds of acres together that are
perfect flower gardens.
May 5th. Moved our camp to-day lS
miles. to the Kansas river encamped on
the south bank, preparatory to crossing
in the morning. Here l enjoyed The
luxury of looking i'll the face about TWEEN.
ty females from the States, who, with
their husbands and children, were emf
grating to California. Some had chill.
drcn not over one year old. They all ap.
peared cheerful and courageous.
May 9th. The camp was aroused by
the sound of the bugle at an early hour,
and preparations made for crossing the
river, which is difficult and dangerous, it
being 200 yards wide with bed of quick
sand that will wash away under a mans
feet, and sink him two feet in few mo.
menis. The Indians have constructed a
rude fcrry-boat, on which we carried our
wagons. But now came the greatest
difficulty, to drive our animals over
218 oxen. besides mules and horses. We
drove in the stream one hundred oxen at
time. about twenty wading after them
to urge them forward, but as soon as they
were beyond their depth and the current
turned. they would strike for us in body.
and. standing in the quicksands up to our
shoulders. it was with the greatest diff.