Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-10-23
FROM MISSOURI.
About Kansas City and the
Martinsburg Boys That
are There, Etc.
KANSAS CITY, Oct. Il, 1880

KANSAS CITY, Oct. l., 1880.
Eds. Independent:
l am in a particularly gracious
mood this evening and were | gifted
with the fertile pen of a Munchausen
would weave for you a fairy tale tell
ing of those gossamer, silver webs of
spring-of golden-hued birds of that
pure but chartless land in which
fond lovers dwell, but this is a land
Of facts and not of fancies, so I will
lay aside my SUNDAY go-to meet
ms" place the Baron in the bottom
of my trunk and blaze away in the
wear and tear language of the West.
But first let me picture to my many
friends of dear old Virginia the Gate
City of the West, Kansas City.
Many years ago, a number of hardy
pioneers, with their families, left be-
hind them the marks and ways of
civilization and penetrated into what
was then an almost unknown land.
They finally paused upon the banks
of the "Big Muddy" gathered a
number of small hills, planted them,
built their houses on top, and called
it Kansas City. Since that time,
however, the hills have "grown up
with the country" and Kansas City
of to-day is one mighty chain OF
mountains, and the poor, unfortu-
nate jewellers therein are compelled
to trudge up and down, down and
up until darkness puts and end to
their toll and gives them an oppor-
tunity of resting tired nature by an
indulgence in that greatest Of all
luxuries-sleep. But let us ascend
one of the many hills. Up we go
Clinging to roots and small trees,
climbing over rocks, stumbling, trip
ping, tottering, but still up and on,
until we stand, perspiring at every
pore, and almost GREATNESS, upon
the crown of the hill, where we sink
down upon the luxurious grass, too
exhausted to stand erect. But the
grandeur of the broad and beaute-
GUS expanse OF landscape well repays
us for our exertions. From our pres.
ent point of sight Kansas City seems
a thing of beauty almost incompara-
able. The many hills around are
dotted with farms and the cottages
at their base shine in the simmer
ing sunbeams and everything wears
the garb of peace, happiness and
contentment. The mighty Missouri
winds between, in and out, and
around the hills, appearing like a
thing of life, as it take its course
eastward to join the monarch river of
the West, the Mississippi, which it
| does just above st. Louis. Gazing up
on this grand picture we experience
a refreshing feeling of gladness and
joy. Alas that it is so short-lived.
We must descend from our elevated
perch and play our part in the hum
| drum and hustle of life below. Cast
ing behind one long and lingering
look of regret we prepare for our
downward journey. Away we 90
Look out f! Ii it were difficult to
ascend how much more difficult and
and dangerous is our descent. 1t is
accomplished in safety, however, and
we commence looking around for
our Martinsburg friends, and / as
| sure you there are a number of them
here, and / am hoping to be able to
state that they are meeting with
health, wealth and prosperity.
Beginning with up and down bus
mess of the day, we turn our weary
steps in the direction of Main street,
turn up to the corner of Eighth and
| drop in on our old friend Hiram
Mcclure. Hiram seemed to be bub-
bling over with smiles and happiness,
and upon inquiring the cause there
| of, he informs us that business is
rushing, my boy!" He is engaged
in tue cigar and tobacco business,
is doing well and has every expecta-
tion Of reaping rich harvest. Our
good wishes are with him.
Crossing the street we enter the
store of Bullene, MooreS& Emery,
the largest wholesale and retail dry
goods house in the city, and inquire
for Mr.. Dan. Flagg. We are directed
to the gentlemanly cashier and there
we find our well-remembered friend.
The position of trust held by this
gentleman is indicative of the re-
spect and esteem in which he is held,
and we hope that his pathway
| through life NAV ever be as nroSner-