The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1873-05-22
IcoMxuN1cArED.l ]

SAN ANTONIO, Texas, May 10, 1878.
Editors Democratic Statesman:
Your correspondent being confirmed
Austinite, recognizes the loyalty due from
a faithful subject, and begs leave to report
accordingly. Ny short stay at San Marcos
was a very agreeable one; in company with
our summer headed friend, Connell, of the
Galveston railroad, we visited the San Mar
cos river, which rises from large spring
in which we bathed It has never been our
privilege to enjoy sights of natural scenery
surpassed by what we saw in the bed of the
San Marcos river. The bed of the river was
covered with what / should term cedar
moss, also everTreens of various and varied
bues and shape, and here and there over
the surface of 4he water were large beds of
magnificent water-cress, presenting fistures
offairy-like grottoes and enchanting valleys,
and rolling mountains, which we were en-
bled to see in all their beauty and vernal
glory through the clear and crystal waters
from twelve to twenty feet beneath the sur
face. As we fioated over this beautiful
stream, diving now and then into the invit-
ing deohts and bringing up beautiful speci-
ens>of moss, indulging in fanciful explora-
atiOns of the picture over which we drifted,
l thought with Cowper:
Lovely, indeed, the mimic works of art,
But natures works far loyelier.n
The recent rains have gladdened the
hearts of the farmers, and l saw all along
the journey from San Marcos to San AntO-
MO marks of rejoicing among the "tillers Of
the soil. {" find that the grasshoppers, al
though doing some damage, are not spread
ing desolation in their track, as many think
and fear. Here and there whole fields have
been cut down by them, but as a general
thing, they haye.not done the great damage
anticipated. San Antonio is truly beau
tiful city. Her San Pedro springs certainly
do credit to the frontier city;" and al
though would not speak willingly in de-
rogatory manner of our city, Austin, yet
must recommend to the ''city fathers the
public spirit and energy displayed by
the San Antonio people in their gas
works and San Pedro Springs. I,of course,
am conscious of Austin's superiority in
many things; yet, as the capital of a great
State, she must labor to make and keep her
self at fitting en-sample of the honor confer
red by the people of so great State.
Austin has many advantages, but she needs
gas and water-works, apark, and a bridge
across the Colorado. Let these things be
accomplished and Austin will take the rank
her citizens have aspired to for her, and
which the State has by so recent a vote
rendered her
Visiting the sanctum of the Herald Office,
we were welcomed by its editorial corps in
truly fiattering manner andEmade to feel
at home at once. The management of this
valuable paper is truly admirable; we noted
the absence of the Junior, Mr. Henry Thomp-
son. on a business tour. The editorial chair
is filled by our genial and warn-hearte6
friend Major Dashiel the business portion
devolving upon that fine gentleman, Col
Logan. Our Washington city relative,
James Andrew Wise, localizes for the
Herald with high enconiums from the edi-
torial staff and the public generally. Every
department of the Herald works with sys-
tematic uniformity, and this paper is the
only one here having enterprise enough to
take daily telegraphic news.
The people of San Antonio evidence
moroseness when the subject of railroad
communications is broached. They say
they have been most liberal in their propo-
sitions to all parties proposing to give them
railroad facilities; but still their prospects
are gloomy The arrangement with Nor
gan is ''off, +" and interest and enthusiasm
now concentrate in the Columbus road.
Mr. Pierce is expected to have conference
with the citizens of San Antonio on the
subject and definite and satisfactory con
clusions are anticipated The citizens are
outspoken and bitterin the denunciations
of their Representatives, and charge them
with seeking to bring Teproach upon their
State and bankrupt ali hopes, prospects
and interests Of the people whom they rep
resent will write You from New Braun
fels, giving account Of the great singing
fest to be held there by German societies
from several parts Of the State.
StprESs