The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1876-02-26
Southwark Bound.
No. l..

Many have read of the story OF the two
travellers who, after scaling the Alpine
heights, returned to their valley home, Beng
asked what they had SEEM
zone replied, with yawn and draw
| what have we seen? Nothing NJ an .
Rut trees and meadows, and mountains hiTh,
The briyht sunshine and the deep blue SKY
grbe other spoke with an earnest grace,
! That kindlcd his eyes and lit his face, 49,,
yes trees and meadows, and mountains 9iSn'
The bright sunshine and the clear pIue shy
A sketch of my trip through the sunny
south" will be to many only the story OF the
| first traveller.
With "Clster" buttoned to our chm, ana
hottie of Ottawa mineral water in our pocket
as preventive to chills and fever rheuina'
tism, dyspepsia, and all other diseases when
poor humanity is heir to, made tracks Tor
the railroad depot, and was soon aboard
the train. seated in the warmest corner l
could find Slowly the train gllded from the
depot, and soon the bluffs and church spires
of Ottawa began TO fade in the distance;
as we had entered upon the solitude which
one finds so impresstce in the ride from o''a'
wa 10 Chicago.
Soon began to reflect and ponder over the
long Journey was about to undertake, AT
least three thousand miles were to be gone
over; but consoled myself with the inspir-
ing thought that was leaving a country OF
snow and ice, to meet "loveliest summer
robed in green, and garlandcd with iaires'
blooms :" that would soon behold the mag
nolia, palmetto, lessamine and orange trees
in bloom, and enjoy those sweet southern
breezes which that fowery land is noted for
Butwhile these considerations pass through
nv mind en- parsaat, the shrlll whistle Is
heard, and suddenly the train stops Tor MOT
ris While waiting the group on the piatorm
rapidly file in, and the vendors OF apples ana
peanuts dart aboard and make the tour OF the
cars in q twinkling.
All aboard and away darts the train
through the country, past fields, cottages anu
long stretches of open prairie, until the clas-
sic region of Joliet is reached. Here wcpick
up mixed crowd, consisting of sturdy far.
mers, bashful country girls and careworn
mothers with rosy babies nestled under
faded shawls, all going to "C'ago' Tor sup
plies, &c. There also was that "old fashioned
dame carrying a huge cotton umbrella that
poked everybody in the eyes, and pillar
case" containing, perhaps, her night clothes
On such occasions the conductors exhibit
their gentlemaRly instincts; for while they
are laughed at by the young chaps and
young ladies, they hand up shabbily dressed
ladies as corteously as though they were
duchcsses and march up the aisle with the
baby or the pillow.case las the case may be-
right side up with care, and safely deposits
it where 1t belongs Truly the conductors on
the Rock Island road more than bear out
the reputation tor courtesy and good breeding.
Tho losondo on tito wayoido f1nUrs are an
amusing feature. There is character in these
struggling signs, which the agents of sewing
machines. patent medicines and merchants
have painted upon the broad fences that
stretch for miles along the roads leading to
tulChSV. IltIt We SCC CNtI lSN y"N0, puy
Florence Sewing Machine--it is the best"
"The Wheeler & Wilson is the Dolly Warden;
and Mrs. WinSlow's Soothing Syrup is
blessing to babies :" "The Howe is the Boss ;"
"If your breath smells bad use Sozodont for
the teeth" and so on to the end.
But our ride for The day is nearly ended.
Chlcago's steeples and cupolas begin TO ap'
pear through the thick smoke; her pretty
suburban cottages grow thicker, and present
ly business signs begin to appear long blank
lines of freight cars obstruct our view from
33d street to Clark, then all at once we find
ourselves in the magnificent depot, and before
the train is fairly stopped passengers snatch
up baskets, bundles and Satchels and rush off
in such a hurry that it would appear as
though the entire business of Chicago de
pended upon their Individual presence.
The readers Of the FREE TRADER are so
familiar with Chicago that al attempt at a
description, or anything like it, would be a
waste OF time. SO will pass on to other
Of" or at least are not 80 familiar with.
"Three above indicated the thermometer
as made my way for a Pullman palace and
sleeping car at the Chicago, Alton & St LOUIS
depot.
We talk about the spirit OF progress, but
enc must take ride in Pullman palace car
to thoroughly understand chow the old thing
works" ! would suggest that the executive
mansion, senate, house Of representatives,
cabinet, and all state institutions be transfer
red TO Pullman palace trains, for instance,
propelled by the koely motor; then, accord
ing to the exegencies of the occasion, we
could have the government in any part Of the
country desired Should state become dis
affected, few drops of water, gentle sigh,
accompanied by the opening of the valve-as
mere matter of form-and JOye himself
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