The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-05-27
The GROWTH OF OUR CTTT.-A visit {

E E:;::E;.S u a !. 4 s.: -
THE GROWTH or OUR CTT.-A visit to
our northern, eastern and western suburbs.
and an examination of the steady, rapid
and uniform expansion everywhere re-
vealed, shows that our fair City Of the Hills
Is to-day girded and ready for more won
derful race than she has ever yet run. A
complete record of what Austin is now do
ing in building way would surprise even
our citizens. On every side her waste
places are being filed up, and her borders
extended. It is doubtful whether, at any
time during the last four vigorous and
growing years, 80 much solid and substan-
tial improvement has been going on in our
city as at present.
Every architect bears q beanling face,
walks with busy step, and has his port
folio full Of work. The contractors and
builders have lively and prosperous look,
and there can be no doubt that the Capital
City has entered upon q second growth, not
less wonderful and even more substantial
than the magic impulse with which she
rose from her stagnancy in 1859 and which
made her famous throughout Texas.
We propose soon to furnish our readers
with a tabulated statement of what build
ings we can find now under contract, in
process Of erection, or to be started at once,
and we venture to predict that while the
least observant Of our citizens have not
failed to scan the remarkable increase of
activity in building, even the most san
guine will be astonished to see the large
array Of figures and facts. Over half mil
lion of dollars worth Of Improvements are
either now in the hands Of the architect or
contractor, or are certain to be started IN
few days. We have good authority for this
statement, while the material improvement
in the general style of the buildings that
are now being put up, is noticeable on
every hand. There is finish, style, gen
tility and sOlidity about our later buildings
that was pslpably deficient in the ereetions
of few years ago.
This showing is a truly gratifying one to
our people, as it reveals, that in spite Of a
somewhat general dullness and despon-
dency in commerce and trade, the capital
city of Texas surges ahead with bold and
free step; that our citizens are making this
q civilized city of homes, and that our cap
italists have firm and abiding confidence
in Austin limestone, cedar and brick. -
THE HARvEsTER.-People hocked down
to Mr.. Pendley's field Tuesday in buggies,
on horseback and afoot, to see the Marsh
harvester, with the patent binder attach
ment, perform its work, which it did to the
delight Of all. Mr.. Gordon. the patentee,
and Mr.. Stuart, the manufacturer, have
come all the way from Illinois to test their
new binder. and convince people of its
merits. Their object was to put the ma
chine in the first oat field that offered an
invitation this season, in order that they
might have as much time the present season
as possible to sell machines after its won
derful qualities had become known. The
people Of Austin should feel somewhat
cOmplimented to know that those gentle
men had sought this far-of section to first
try their binder, as the accomplishment
here will advertise Austin and Texas about
as much as it will the machine. Before
leaving the State Messrs. Gordon &
Stuart will try the machine at Dali
las, and one or two other points,
and then at points further north as the oat
and wheat fields of later seasons seem to in
vite. Everybody, and especially the farm.
ing community, has cause to rejoice over
the achievements Of labor saving machinery,
which, as time rolls slowly along, every
day becomes more and more varied and
universal. A few years ago man would
have been laughed a. here in Texas, had he
asserted that machine could be manufac-
tured which would both cut and bind, but
that achievement has been accomplished,
and our people have seen it done. Per
haps the next harvester invented will not
only reap aud bind, but thrash and haul
the grain off to market, sell it to the high
est bidder aud return the money promptly
to the proper person. We are truly glad
to see the interest manifested in this county
in.agricultural labOrsaving machinery.
THE ARTISAN WELL.-In former years
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