Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1873-03-13
DAMS LETTER.
New YoRK, February 18th, 1877;

Should any of my friends in Montana asl
where have sojourned during the long ant
rigorous winter, now happily drawing to /
close, you can tell them that have been "hi
bernating in Western Pennsylvania, vibrat
ing from place to place, with headquarters a
the thriving little city of Erie. twas not de-
signed in the outset of my journey east te
remain so long in that town, but the hospi
tality and courtesy extended to me by the
good people of that place, induced me tc
tarry to a late day. So, after visit
among them of nearly three months, forming
new acquaintances from day to day, found
it no easy task to pack up my traps and say
goodbye. And here we might remark that
is town of no inconsiderable importance,
its growth during the past five or six years
having been remarkable. During that time,
we understand, the city has nearly doubled
in population, while its manufacturing inter-
ests have augmented in a still greater proper
ton. Real estate, as matter of course, has
also wonderfully appreciated, and the Lowrys,
the Sills, the Downings and other extensive
land owners, who but few years ago were
only in moderate circumstances, are now be-
coming immensely rich. All this prosperity
goes to show what enterprise and the judi
cious investment of capital will accomplish.
If Erie continues to expand as it has during the
past five years, her manufacturing industries
at least will one day rival those of Pittsburg
and other more pretentious cities of the Key
stone State.
On my way east l stopped over a few days
DUNKIRK,
the Western terminus of the New York an d
Erie railway. And place of some note it is,
too, for it can boast of having the celebrated
Brooks Locomotive Works, where are man.
ufactured some of the largest and best '.iron
horses" in the United States. During my stay
there l attended a grand promenade con-
cert and ball at the Opera House, given for
the benefit of the public library association.
About fifteen hundred persons were present,
and all who could participated in the gay and
yiddy dance. 1t was my good luck to have
for partner young lady to the manor born,
md withal, sprightly and vivacious, amia-
Die and interesting creature. 1t is needless
% add that I was Sin clover" at that concert,
and only regretted that some of my young
friends in Helena, so far away from
he ''genial influences of civilization were
lot present to share with me the joys and
social hilarities of the occasion.
After visiting nearly week among my
elatives and friends, some of whom had
lot seen for seventeen years, left Dunkirk
ia the Erie road and landed in
... ..-t. NEW YORK ..
N Saturday night. The Metropolis is just
S gay as ever, and l might add, just as noisy.
Broadway, especially, isthe moisiest thorough
are ever travelled, and the thunders of ar
llery in general engagement would be quite |
pleasant contrast to such perfect pande- /
1onium as this. If any one imagines have
the picture, just let him promen-
de Broadway with lady.or gentleman and |
ndertake to converse along the way. He
7ould need speaking-trumpet as big as
abriel's, or else am laboring under seri-
us mistake. f...;.. .,.,.......... .,r
vr PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. !
A great many Improvements, public and
rivate, have been made since was last here,
vo years ago. The U. s. Post Office, at the
ast end of the City Hall Park, is looming up
ito immense proportions, the fourth story
aving been commenced. Work has been
'spended for a while, the appropriations
aving been exhausted, but as Congress few
'ys ago appropriated two or three millions
II the completion of the building, 1 presume
e work will be pushed forward as rapidly
possible, and without unnecessary delay.
hen it is finished, it will be a magnificent
ructure, and an architectural beauty, unsur-
'ssed even by the Government buildings at.
'ashington.I uua l,ta ~t.u t,- .i5sH4 j.,
The East River Bridge, which is to con-
'ct Brooklyn with New York, may be pro- /
'rly termed one of the greatest undertakings /,
the age, The stupendous piers or abut- /.
ents on, either side Of the river are pro-
essing and will be completed within the ;
xt six months. Of course, the work is !,
in its infancy and some years will elapse ]
fore it is finished, but when once success :
lly carried out it will be one of the grand !,
k enterprises ever accomplished by the peo- :
3 of the metropolis. - ,e.,..,,... ~, ,ia n
The New York Elevated railroad, which
IS completed about two years ago, and sub !
lucntly abandoned for want of encourage J