The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1879-07-26

train on the Atchlson, Topeka and Santa Fe X
X. waiting for us, and we are transferred from
the good care of the c., X. |. Il Y. X. r. to tina
Of the former, and in few moments are again
on our way over the fine prairics Of Kansas. w
reach Topeka at about 3 O'Clock in the afternoon
Just before reaching Topeka we see the remain
of the exodus, in the fair grounds, consisting o
about p negrocs-mcn, women and children
| On inquiry we learn that about 5000 negroc
have reached Topeka, and they were distributed
| through the state soon after their arrival there
the committee in charge of them having NOR
applications than they could I'LL. After stopping
for dinner and joining the train from Kansas Cit,
to cur own, We again start on our trip Of 56'
miles across the great American desert, which
was formerly the dread of the cmigrant, bu
which now blossoms like thc rose. Passing
through the thriving towns of Burlingame, Usage
City, Emporia and Newton, we enter the valley
of the Arkansas and strike the old Santa Fc trail
over which Col. Doniphan marched with his
army of 800 men, during the Mexican war, con
quering the city of Santa Fe and the territory OF
New Mexico; and the railroad follows the trail
until we pass La Junta. From the time we leave
the Missouri river until night cyertakes us at
Newton pleasant homes, thriving villages and
even cities greet our eyes, and fill us with aston
ishment when we think that only a few years ago
this entire country was the home Of the Indian
and vast herds of bison. West Of Great Bend
2SG miles from Atchison--the country is sparsely
settled, AS compared to the country east Of that
point. II the migration hitherward continues Il
few years it has during the past five years, and
there is reason to suppose it will not be in an
increased ratio, the whole western portion will
be as thckly settled the eastern portion is
now,
Wednesday morning we awake little west of
Dodge City, and the scene is very much changed,
There is nothing now to break the view over the
broad praires, covered with buffalo grass Thou
sands of cattle are grazing on the plains, and al
though an Illinoisan would think cattle could
not live here, they seem to thrive very well
Prairie dog villages are thick, and the little fell
lows are seen sitting on their hind legs watching
us as we pass, or plHnging in their holes. Ante.
lope are occasionally seen, although they are
getting rather scarce. There is a cool fresh
breeze blowing from the south, and travelling is
very pleasant. About 10 o'clock we cross the
Arkansas river at Grenada and a little later pass
Fort Lyon, which seems to he pleasantly situated
on the north bank of the Arkansas river, short
distance from Los Animas. Here we come in
sight Of the Spanish Peaks, although we do not
get good sight Of them, on account Of being
envelopcd IN clouds. We reach La Junta about
2 in the afternoon. From here the Atchson,
Topeka and Santa Fe r. Il. Co. are building
oh 4, t,,n To I
New Mexico, point us miles south of the Colo
RADIO state line, and 81 miles from Otero. This
will be the natural distributing point for traffic
going to Central and Southern New Mexico,
Arizona and Old Mexico. Their line is now run
ming through the finest agricultural and grazing
lands in Kansas and Colorado, and with the open
ing of this line will penetrate to some of the
richest mines yet discovered
From La Junta to Pueblo we pass through a
country that looks as if nothing could exist, but
we see large herds of cattle scattered along the
road, which proves that there is something for
them to live on. The buffalo grass that grows
here is very nutritious, and cattle do well. The
season, however, has been very dry, and cattle
have suffered great deal, and many have been
lost Since leaving Las Animas hot wind has
been blowing from the SOUTH which feels as if it
came from furnace. We reach Pueblo about
o'clock, and find the train on the Rio Grande r.
r waiting for us.
At Topeka we were joined by Hon. Lewis Ellis.
worth, of Naperville, and sister, who were on
their way to Denver to visit his son, l.. C. Ellis.
worth, who is superintendent OF street railways
IN Denver, and who met them at Pueblo. They
are very pleasant travelling companions, and
helped materially TO shorten our long ride across
he plains.
From Pueblo to Colorado Springs il As miles,
md in a short time we are on our way, on the
narrow gauge railroad, for that city, where we
lrriye in about two hours The weather, which
vas terribly hot in Pueblo-the hottest place on
he continent gradually got cooler, and when
We reached Colorado Springs it was very com.
ortable. From here we took stage to Manitou,
bout six miles, and in about half an hour were
afcly landed at the Manitou House, making the
rip from Ottawa in little over two days, and
eachng this pleasant mountain resort, situated
n a little glen at the foot of the Rocky Noun
eing 3 miles from the Garden Of the Gods, ;
Mics from ultH tSutcu CANON ana inc
)evips Punch Bowl, 10 miles from Monument
park, 10 miles from Cheyenne Canon, and l0I
niles from the summit of Pixies Peak. Soda and
ron springs are also here. There are three ho-
els here--the Manitou House, Bccbe House and
,lif House but the capacity of these houses is |
lot half enough to accommodate the large mum |
er Of people who are docking here this summer.
there are people here from all parts Of the Uni
ed States from Maine to Texas, who are spend
NJ their time among the mountains.
We met Gus Zimmerman, who is known 10y
most Ottawa people, rusticating here. He is as
at as ever, and can tell more big stories about
than any man here. 5. p. Rounds
nd family, Mrs Talbot and Mrs. Myers, of Chi.
age, are also here.
The climate is delightful, and although the
reaches the nineties every forenoon,
he heat is not felt there being always good
freeze, and as soon as the sun sinks behind the
it is very cool and comfortable.
NI...s l..