The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1882-06-09
LOCAL CORREsPONDENCE.
OUR PH1I.A DELPHIA CORRESPONDENT
TAKES A COUNTRY AIRING.

JoHNsTowS. June T. 1882
DEAR NCPIKE-I have Just returned from a
ed to my old-time friend, Joseph Shoemaker the
proprietor OF the Mansion House. Wonderful are
the changes In and around Johhstown. and indeed
everywhere throughout Cambria county that
have been. Besides the great growth OF this
place. find q corresponding advancement in ev-
cry portion OF the county The manner In which
mountain reeions have been opened mp and util-
lied is really marvellous The hushandman who
frst had the temerity 20 attempt to elear the sur
face Of the mountain; the FIRST surveyor with his
compass axe and chain, and the first engineers. II
living. VIII remember the ehafn carrying and rod
fixing through the mountain thiskets. which were
so dense that II was almost impossible to pass
through them. They were almost tmpenetra-
Bile as Mexican chaparaI. The very huntsman's
life was in danger IN attempting 70 penetrate the
ineXtricable labyrinths Of the laurel thickets.-
The laurel Of the mountain twisted together IN
every conceivable shape Of knobs and tortuities
and so interviewer, made II difncult for N animal
to pass through them. The first engineer CORPS
that Ioeat the Old Portage Railroad across the
mountain discovered the skeletons Of several men
who had been lost and starved to death in the
laurel thickets shall not nov attempt de-
scrption Of the progress Of civilization but will
merely say that where few years ago there were
dense woods now see fields Of wheat. corn. etc.
the backward season has retarded Spring work no
apprehension regarding the crops need be felt
The crop will be two OF three weeks late, but
there Is plenty Of time vet in fact Il is question
with many farmers in this region whether the mid
die last Of June is not the most favorable period
for the planting OF corn. Much planting will be
done this year. as the crop Of last year fail
ure. and the high prices have impressed farmers
in this region with the wisdom Of making provi-
sion for last years short crop. and are planting
this year with viRor never before exhibited. In
consequence of the drought last season all vegfta-
ton suffered and the crop was so materially
duced that there a speculative advance in val
ues which is increasing sttmulents in agricultural
activity in Cambria. In this northern latitude
greatly increased acreage will be planted. It Is
too early to speculate what the crop will be.
but an improvement on the quality and quantity
of last seasons crop Is confidently looked for
With the promise Of fruitful season there IS
also promise Of good Democratic crop. I can
see the dawnin0 Of brighter day politically for
Pennsylvanfa The whole machine Of the govern
ment of the State has become rotten. The hest
Republicans in the State-the most competent
and most deserving-have been ignored. and the
money OF the State has been used 20 punish the
best men and reward the worst. For more than
/ twenty years the best Republicans in the state
have been steadily ignored The honest Republi-
cans Of Pennsylvania have almost dispaired Of re-
lief. and In proportion as they have weakened the
dishonest and audactous desperadoes of the party
have become more arrogant and cruel. But at
last brave spirits are beginning 10 appear. The
time has come and the heroes Of the future are
pushing TO the front. They see there Is a remedy
and the time 70 apply II has arrived. Now have
the Democrats Of Pennsylvania an opportunity
and II Is to be hoped they will well EN- brace it
Let Cambria do her duty in this direction by
sending proper men to the State Convention.