The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-07-19
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
Walks and Conversation.
litor Of the Indianapo1ls Journel:


dences with fine surroundings, but without
any natural attractions. Hence, the neces-
sity of improving and making the most out
of what we have, and that we ought all unite
in doing. 1t is the capital of the State, and
it is said and believed that we will have the
finest capitol, as we have the most beautiful
and expensive courthouse to be seen any
where. The city is we'll shaded, batting some
Ierrible nuisances which must and can be
ceadily remedied by the removal of some of
the early planting, under the seductive name
of silver-leaved poplar But the greatest
want of the city is ample parks for the
health and accommodation of the multitude,
and the better management of those we have.
But more on this subject hereafter.
At the present time indianapolis has more
churches, more newspapers, more railroads,
and does larger commercial business than
any other inland city in the United States;
and although she can boast of no mighty
ocean, beautiful lakes, or inundating rivers
to look out upon, especially in seasons of
food yet some of her jealous rivals give her
credit for having more politicians and more
saloons to the square inch than any of them,
But as we are not discussing such irrelevant
subjects we will pass the slanderous charge
as if true, remarking that we now have a
new police system scarcely yet in smooth
running order, out of which and the coming
election we expect to see less of both and
more decency.
Speaking of the cholera it is in order to
say that if anything will bring it or the yell
low fever, or hasten their arrival among US,
or add to their virulence as we'll as to the
ordinary malarial diseases of the country, it
is the sickening odor that arises from decay
ing vegetation, and other filth that accumu-
lates during hot weather of summer, which
is especially and Extensively noticeable
after the FIRST autumn frosts. The board
of health has done good work in the right
direction by ordering all weeds and objec-
tionable vegetation cut down at once in all
outlots, vacant places, etc. There was never
a more appropriate or timely order. Let it
be carried out to the letter Let no guilty
person escape" l would add to the order so
US to have it apply to sloveEly persons occu-
plying lots filed with weeds and other objec-
tionable nuisances. A notice should be
served Immediately upon the contractors or
State-house commissioners, who are growing
an immense crop of burdock, rag-weed and
other noxious trash on the States property,
and nothing else as far as can be seen with
the naked eye, chiefly and conspicuously in
front of the Zoo, as was shown by the blow
ing down of the fence during the recent
storm, an institution that they have here
totore annoyed and disturbed so much with
their squeakng machinery, which the last
Legislature thoughtfully silenced by stop
ping the work on the Statehouse. The COM
missioners, not having busy time now,
might as we'll be engaged in pulling
up weeds as not, and make things look as tidy
as possible, while the Treasurer of State is
counting over his AZ and per cent interest
on their half million of State-hOuse funds
that the Legislature so kindly arranged for
him. Perhaps 1t wouldn't be asking too
much to have the Treasurer do it himself as
he is an old farmer and is said to be an ex-
pert in clearing out fence-rows Immediately
after harvest, which this year he finds is so
specially abundant on his little farm at the
corner of Tennessee and Washington streets
AT this stage of city-improvement and
health-preserving talk, | am reminded of a
conversation with Uncle Obadiah (you all
know who l meanl whom I met some days
ago near the corner of Washington and Mis-
Sissippi streets. Said he: "What farce and
expense the present method of cleaning out
cutters is, particularly those that tolera-
bly dry and pleasant to work at and not
specially necessary to do, as compared with
those half loot deep with slush and filth
like the one before US. Friend F., does thee not
think, when we see from four to six colored
and one OF two white men, armed with those
long-handled hoes all huddled together in a
Bpace of about one foot to each man, that
they appear 10 be trying to help each other
avoid doing what one or two good hands
would be glad to do on a contract at one
fifth the cost now incurred%' l tumbled to
the suggestion of Uncle Obed; at once and
have wondered ever since what the reason
was that all such jobs are not given out on
contract at vast deal less cost to the city
and to the relief of those who are disguised
with the present trihing and expensive
method.
This order for cutting weeds grass, ETC.,
Just referred to having reference to the health
and appearance of the city calls to mind
also a, conversation a few mornings since
with Deacon Tidy, an old-time horticuturst
and florist, whom / found, in one of our ram
bles in a very laxative mood. We were
leisurely walking along one of our fine
streets, admiring many beautiful residences
and their charming surroundings and pos
sibly crticising some very mildly, always
taking pleasure in approving rather than in
fault-hnding. some of which shall at some
future time take special pleasure in referring
to. But" said the Deacon, ''you recognize the
fact that 1T Is not all gold that glitters do you
notP " Certainly" | said but what is the
application, Deacon?' (having reference to our
chain of conversation) | replied. well, said
he, when | went counting / used to like to
slip in the back yard and through the
kitchen, partly to see how things looked
there, which mother always told me was a
good thing to do, and partly to discover an
easy exit in case of emergency. And to tell
the truth l found it useful in more ways
than one, for when the old man ran me out
on particular evening and / upset the swill
barrel and SIGH. and slipped down where the
old muly COW was grazing, you know l made
up my mind l would never go back after my
hat-nor my darling ether-and you can bet
your life never did"
But Deacon thatW a mere escaDade ~
some would call it. that could have no appli-
cation to our subject in hand-I don't catch
on as the saying isl must be dull this
morning" "Well them, said the Deacon, "let
me explain. In our morning or evening
walks that are so pleasant and agreeable to
us in our admiration in nature and in land
scape art We shall meet with instances, per-