Frostburg mining journal., 1883-07-14
RRESPON D E N C E
The GIories of the Lone Star.


It is, to say the least, very hard for
me, having 30 many friends in the
Georges Greek coal region, to hear of
the distressing wants Of those who
generally are accustomed to as good
fare az any class of people on the
slobe, and the idea of few being
compelled to contribute from their
scanty store for those who are in ac-
tual want, is very distressing one,
especially as I am living in a country
where the mechanic, miner and labor
er can obtain st eady employment at
good wages.
A great many people entertain the
idea that this southwestern section Of
the Union is sort of jumping-off
place, inhabited by the outcaats of So
cisty, outlawsd robbers and murder
srs, who do nothing but prey on the
peaceful folks who have, from time to
time, attempted to settle and cultivate
its broad. rolling prairies and rich
soilsd valleys.
But this is a mistaken notion, for
the people here are at once friendly
and hospitable. 1 heard man say
last night that he would not be afraid
to travel all over the State with his
peddlsr's outfit (sometimes worth a
tsw thousand dollars, and feel per-
fectly safe all the time.
Speaking of the rich-soiled valleys
Of Texas I wish to be allowed space
to attempt, (for be the effort at
description, ever so grand, it is
merely an attempt,) to give you an
idea of the transcendent loveliness Of
the prettiest, the most delightful lit
tie streams that ever water gravitated
into, the lovely San Marcos. Spring
ing from the foot Of an abrupt, pre-
cipitous hillside, where the rocks hang
as though they would topple over, it
orssps along in silvery streak, gilt
tering in the sunny rays (pretty sun
ny sometimes, l sdmit) between
banks formed OF emerald-lined crosses
and long, grscefully-waving grass.
Passing on it strikes rocky bed and
rushing, tumbling along in its course
it reaches place the magnifcence Of
which cannot be surpassed. A great
rolling mass Of water, boiling, surging
. upward, whose volume is so great it
rises, after forcing its way distance
of nearly forty feet, actual measure
ment, several inches above the surface
of the stream, forming as it were a
mound of water that is continually
changing but always beautiful. The
water is clear as clear as crystal. We
threw in a nickel and could plainly
read the inscriptions upon its face at
distance of twenty feet. The thous-
ands Of varieties of plants that grow
in rich profusion all over the bed Of
the stream, some low, clinging moses,
which grow close to the bottom as
though fearing to venture where the
waters roared and surged so fersely.
Then there are long slender-stemmed
plants that swing to and fro lazily,
whichever way the wind takes them.
Msny-lined leaves adorn the beauteoua
depths and all the shades Of color
ever seen are discernable when the
sun sends his golden rays down
through the brilliantly clear water,
making such glorious Kaleidoscope
scene as no artist has ever yet por-
trayed, or in the opinion Of your
humble correspondent, ever will.
On one side of this river stands
San Marcos, small but thriving
country town, that, like nearly every
town in the State, is rapidly improv-
ing, many buildings having been re-
Gently erected and more to follow
soon.
Now, that I have again struck the
improvement side of my letter will
say that the fact of my being aware
that here, in a healthy, prosperous,
hospitable country, where, with prop
er exertion, any man can carve out a
place for himself, and while doing so
get along comfortably. There is room
and to srare for the surplus popula-
ton Of the crowded old States. Then
to think the people Of this enlighten-
cd age and progressive country will
actually starve before they emigrate
is really absurd. know many will
say-we can't get out now, and it may
be the case, but it is scarcely an ex-
cuse, my friends; you should have
left while there was yet time-not