Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1883-03-01
FROM IONIA.
IoSlA, Mich, Feb. s, 1888

"A 1AELAND, ESQ, Dear Slr:-My
journey from Lewiston to this place
was made without accident. The ocean
voyage very disagreeablc on account Of
the terrible storms we encountered.
But the new steamship Columbia car.
ried ss safely into port at "Frisco."
Thence via. S. p. r. r. TO Demming,
New Mexico. On leaving Lathrop.
California, following the San Joaquin
river for Hany miles; and truly this is
. magnificent country, especially near
Fresco and Kingsburg. Here you will
observe vast prairies, that can be re.
claimed by reclamation and consequent,
ly become one of the choicest section
of farming lands beneath the 'un; in q
land where snow is unknown and rain
fall slight. This vicinity to which l
have referred is destined to vie with
sunny France in magnitude Of her fam
Gus vineyards. Not only this section
will produce wheat, oats and barley but
lemons, figs, dates and oranges. From
Kin.sburg south to Los Angeles is
nothing but sage brush plains unfit for
anything. On reaching the latter nam
ed city the weary trave'er Gnds nestled
amongst the hills the neatest city upon
the globe and 4 city that has great
future before it, Just near enough to
the ocean to be Affected by the ocean
breeze, where the orange orchards are
lsdeued with fruitage, where sweet per.
fume from tho flower gardens enrapt-
ures the visitor until he is inclined to
remain here forever.
From Los Angeles south the iron
horse still speeds on over tho great
Colorado desert, undoubtedly the great
est waste Of land in one body there is
in the United States, one really be-
comes tired of the same sameness. At
one point the traveller is 3ls feet below
the sea level. Passing through the
loop in tho night At or near El Casco
and not observing the grand scenes to be
seen here, which are equal to any on
the Central or Union Pacific R.R. On
VIC speed to Fort Yuma upon the Col
orado, near tho Temas Indian reserva-
ton. and in speaking Of these Indians
allow E,e to say there is one very not
iceable feature about their rament that
will attract attention, viz, their cloth
ing consists Of . two bit handkerchief
tied around their lower anstomy or
perchancc you may see one with ten
cent revenue stamp fastened over his
left eye aud more frequently you will
see them in natures only covering and
their hide looks like side Of steam
tanned soleleather and fully a. tough,
for they are = tough set to behold !
assure you; and ! advise ladies who
travel by this roatc TO pass Yuma in
the night if possible, if not your mod
es,y will he some what shaken. Uncle
Sam should provide them with Que bar
Of soap for washing purposes and at
least one towel for suit Of clothes or
. gunny sack, condemned by the Gov
ernment, will answer all intents for q
full dress suit when OH parade before
the passengers at the station.
! From Fort Yuma We travel east en-
tirely through Arizona, nothing bu,
dresry cactus plains greets the eye m
til We reach Case Crande river, tribu
tary of the Colorado, this is very fer
title valley orange groves here are seen
Loitered at Tucson for few hours
this is quite trading poiut, for there
are many rich men in close proximity
Benson is another lively town and il
bound to be place of no mean import
ance. From Deming, southern par
,of New Mexico, We travel 10 . north
east direction through the Territory
following the Rio Grande river as fa
as Albuquerque. Here is large ex
tent of superb grazing land where count
less thousands Of cattle may roam O
present unoccupied. Socorro, Lane,
and Los Vsgas sre all hourishin. towns
Trayersins southeastern Colorado
where is excellent grazing land, and b.
irrigation will yield good crops. Pas,
ing through Kansas from west to cas-
aud here l noticed great changes hav
been made within the past ten yea,s-
railroads crossing tho country in var
Gus directions, cities have sprung int
D existance as if by magic, white CO.
tages abound everywhere which denote
thrift aud prosperity to the farme
Kansas City is now reached and b
| yarious routs ono can On Fast Ac tb