The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1875-01-28
FRox ToHGARoxIE.

ToNGANoxIE, KAN, Jan. %, 1875.
EDITOR TINEs:-Seeing that there is and
has been rauch said one way and an
other in relation to the destitution in Kan
sas, l deem it not improper or impertinent
to make precise statement in relation to
the present, and past condition especially,
Of this part of the state and portion of
Leavenworth county, for nearly twelve
years, all of which time have been a pref
ty close observer OF the way in which peo-
pie generally endeavored to make a start
here, some one way and some another They
usually overreached themselves in making
these calculations in these various under
takings; some bought land, some built
houses; Others, far more ambitious but less
honest, made strenuous efforts to build
castles in the political air, or atmosphere,
all of which was principally done on
credit basis, and that with but little credit,
too. Ali seemed to flourish for a season.
but when adverse circumstances began to
como on, but few were prepared for the
change; they had promised themselves too
much the interest upon the debts they had
contracted, added to other OUTLAWS and ex-
penxs, and much of speculative charac-
Ter, was more than many could stand, evne
before the failure Of the crops, last season,
without any surplus, or other means on
hand with which 10 help themselves
through this trying season. Many there are
who are entirely dependent upon day labor
for their daily Dread and clothing, and
there are but few that can hire anyone.
This may seem bad picture, indeed, but
nevertheless true. 1t has been ten or twelve
years since this portion of the country first
began TO settle up, and there has been no
failure more than what have been common
TO most Of the older states, till
last season; but then, even last
season, in the great grain State Of
Illinois there was large scope of country,
east of St. Louis and south Of Chicago
which was about as destitute of corn a. we
were, but they were in a better condition
for such failures, consequently there is but
little or no clamOr made about it. With
just and economical management it might
have been 30 here, but il is far otherwise,
many need help, they will have to have
help some way or other or suffer. intend
no disparagement upon the country, or re-
pleteness to do injustice to any one, hoping
all may learn TO better prepare for the flu
ture, by operating npOn a more durable ba-
sis. There can be no question but that
many idle designing devices of the older
States came in here for the sole purpose Of
Specializing, who had little or nothing when
they go; here, and made miserable failure,
when they were here, hence many fled the
country, as is usually the case in the early
settlement of all new places. Such are not
at all times in proper mood to fairly rep
resent things abroad. No wonder if such,
no matter where they are or may be, dero-
gate n little from the simplicity which re-
ally exists in the truth itself. Now as
endeavor to be concise in my statements,
shall close by saving that had We suita-
BILE number of honest, energetic farmers
with sufficient amount of means at their
command to carry on their BUSINESS as they
should do it, it certainly would not be long
before We could compete with most any part
of the United States in the average agri-
cultural productions of the country. We
already have market and railroad facilities
unsurpassed by any in the west, and steadily
advancing with fair prospect Of new
railroad line to the Gulf of Mexico, which
when completed, will greatly facilitate orr
commerce with foreign countries, and also
improve the value Of our property and pro-
duce ut home. S. II.