Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1879-03-06
The Future Of Wood Comfy.

blessed with natural advantages, or
that has been so largely endowed, as
Wood county During the past ten
years, while many counties have not
only remained in non-progressive
position, but have actually gone. back
ward, Wood county has steadily held
her own. and has even made great pro-
gress in many directions. For FIVE
years past we have labored under dis
advantages that would have discouraged
a people not possessed of an invincible
faith but now thanks to the great
hope of our people we are emerging
from the darkness that settled down
upon US, and light betokenins renew
ed prosperity and material advance
ment is shining upon US. To be sure
We have made mistakes. We have
beer foolish in many things. An in
ordinate selfShness has possessed our
people in large degree, especially
those who hadit in their power to build
up a city Of no mean proportions, but
they have been taught profitable les
sons in the disappointments that have
come to them and to-day there is more
of unity, and concert of action that
promises fulfllment Of the hopes OF
former years.
The blight that rested upon US in
years past, occasioned by the faithless
discharge of duties by officials, is be-
ing rapidly removed The burden Of
debt increased through an oyeranxious-
ness to possess the best things, but
which have wrought out good for US,
is being gradually lifted, and another
decade, with continued conservative
action will find US no longer in bonds,
but financially frc5.
In the face of all obstacles, We have
made great advancement. Our popu-
lation has increased nearly two hun
dred per centum. Agriculture is en-
crossing the attention Of our people
more and more, while the spirit of
manufacture has gradually led them to
seek investments Of capital in indus
tries which ars sure to bring personal
wealth, and permanent public prosper
ity The attention of nonresident
capitalists has been drawn towards OUT
magnificent forests of hard and soft
timber, which are rapidly finding a
market at good figures right at our
own doors.
Our superior water powers are be-
ginning to be acknowledged abroad,
and ere another season capital will find
investment in industries along our
river, giving employment to labor at
remunerative figures. Parties at, and
along the Fox River are thinking of
investing here where timber can be
procured without mourning the cost of
transportation Of the crude material BY
rail. only to be re-shipped after manu-
factore to the points from whence it had
been procured. Our rail facilities are
such that manufacturers are lothe to
deny their advantages, and it is their
purpose to improve IA cilities so excel
lent in the construction of shops, fac
tories and mills in our midst.
Our KaoIin is being recognized
abroad. and works for the manufacture
of pottery must necessarily spring up
ere long. For fine brick, this clay
has long been recognized superior to
that of New Jersey, and it is sought
for by the rolling mills Of Milwaukee
and Chicago.
The prospect that valuable deposits
of mineral wealth exists in the western
part of the county is most enceurag-
ing. Our cranberry and other interests
not enumerated, all hold out induce
ments, and are encouraging capital
hlther-ward.
Our merchants are in q more pros
porous condition than ever before, a
fact that shows esnclusively that agri-
culture is receiving larger attention
than heretofore. Good farms are to
be found now where a few years ago
were only barren acres.
Along the line of the Central, "
the valley and the sc. B. & NJ. "
railroad are found thrifty and enter
prising towns, being rapidly peopled
with an intelligent and productive pop
uiation. where agriculture aud manu-
faeture are uniting in bringing prosper
ity. and even great wealth 10 indiyid-
uais, and the county as well. These
are but 4 1.-THE Of the benefits aeeruing
to US. The dark days are being dis
PEELED 4 few more years and We
shall have stepped cut fsom our bond
age Of poverty in to a condition Of
prosperity, long dreamed ever. but
a,,s- 49, so,y,,.Sb III -