The Russellville Democrat., 1879-07-17
CHICAGO. Ills. July ,. 1879.

| depot by Mir. Ch. Rollins with Il sufi- cient number of Mr. Frank Parmalce's elegant 'Busses to convey lis to the Palmer House where we are now reyel- ing in the splendors of .his celebrated Hotel. Wish we were able to describe the resplendent grandeur of tliis .ess,iitl- ing. Suffice it to say, that it covers a vast area of ground, which cost MT. Palmer the modest little sum of $l ,000,- GOO; the building is seven stories high, | built of iron, stone and marble, and is practically fire-proof, and cost S2, 2,25J,- l GOO; the furniture cost $550, GOO more :; there are 24 miles of hallway, TOO rooms, and accommodations for l500 persons, and is justly styled The Palace l Hotel of the World.
 We are gratutously entertained here, and, of course, every Arkansas Travel CT beneath this palatial roof feel the great weight of gratitude they owe Mir. Palmer for his princely hospitality. We have recognized his generousity in appropriate resolutions, and presented a gold-headed cano, suitably inscribed, as slight token of our appreciation of his kindness. The pleasant ceremony took place in one of the exquisite par | lors. Col. Donan made the presents tion speech, ill which he expressed in a 1 felicitous manner the Editors appreci- tion of Mir. Palmer's unexampled hos pitality. MT. Palmer gracefully ac- cepted the gift, and hoped we would enjoy our visit to ",Phc Garden City of the Vest"
 Our daylight ride from St. Louis to this city, gave us an opportunity of seeing the most beautiful farm region we ever laid our eyes upon. The en- | tire distance of 2S1 miles is, almost, one unbroken succession of farms, all of which is ill a high state of cultivation. Wheat, oats, corn, Irish potatoes and green meadows of rich and luxuriant sheep, canght our eye upon every hand. Never, in one days travel have we seen so delightful prospect. We were at once impressed with the almost entire absence of timber, though we saw some fine cultivated forests of pop l lar and silver maple, and around some of the farm houses is fine groves to shield them from the icy winter blasts. l The 4th was celebrated here ill q manner beftting the occasion, The Chicago celcbrant is an important fac tor in our natal days celebration. Street parades, civic and military, excursions 1 by boat and rail, were the order of the day. The procession of the Socialists, numbering many thousands, perhaps, attracted most attention. They were a motly crowd, and will eventually give Chicago much trouble, it is feared.
 Chicago is beautiful city, and for enterprise and go-aheadativeness is without an equal on the continent. In population and actual wealth, St. Louis may excel her, but Chicago has finer apd costlier buildings, built in more attractive style; her streets are wider, and cleaner. And the blue waters of Lake Michigan rolling of, till joining the sky in the distance indiscribably fascinating. The parks are captivating by their wV1Mrous natural and artificial beauty. The tunnel un- der the Chicago River is another of the city's public enterprises. Carriages pass under, and river 20 feet deep floats above them.
 Many of our psrty have taken boat rides upon the lake, and have felt the peculiar fascination, ,and nameless!long- ing for home, that only the heart can feel that has come from afar and eXpe- rienced for the first time boat ride upon the battling waters of a mighty lake. It was very enjoyable, however, except, perhaps, to the few who become sea-sick, and, of course, couldn't real ize where the fun came in.
 Strange as 1t may seem, Chicogans talk with seeming confidence, of the many advantages they have, which, if improved, would make their city the leading inland cotton market of the United States. They recognize the great efforts of St. Louis In this direc- tion, and even now they are concentra- ting their indomitable energies, and we need not be surprised, if, in the near future, we see Chicago bidding lively for our great Southern staple.
 Another advantage, to which Chiea- goans refer with pride, is that their city is so located, that it is destined to be the choicest, most popular, and most largely visited place of summer resort in the country. Her pure air, charming lake, broad plains, immense city, and hotels which have no rivals in the character or extent of their ae- commodations, are few of the attract ions they offer in support of their claim.
 Only about half of our party have gone to Duluth. The rest of us will re- turn from heree
 The excursion has been altogether pleasant, and we hope profitable. We are inclined to the opinion, also, that