The Lake County star. [volume] (Chase, Mich.) 1873-current, 1884-12-18

IN TIE east make the people restless
and desirous of change. They read
those circulars and 10y making great
efforts get here only to be disappointed,
They find just the reverse of their ex-
pecratlons. Perhaps they bring u little
money and buy Il lot hoping to get
rich by the rise In value Of town prop
erty. The result Is the same. They
exist here for time getting poorer and
poorer and finally get. away as best
they can. Others however take their
places, and SO the grind goes on.
Those interested make money how
ever, as they are reaping II harvest
from the constant sale of lots In the
cities, and farms ~ in the country.
believe that u person with means
could make investments here that
would eventually pay them great
and do that for can loan money on
25 per cent.
i would not advise any poor man to
leave Michigan and come here expect
ing to better his condition, not one In
fifty would do 1t.
Neither would advise the merchant
or professional man to make such
change. Everything of kind is over
done. There are more merchants and
professional men here now than can
make living. Just think of fortyfive
lawyers for IA town of six thousand pop
ulation, and ia county not exceeding
ten thousand. We. have them here
and doctors and merchants in the
same proportion.
But l desire especially in this letter
to address my old friends and neigh
bors Of Lake county who produce their
living from the soil, and to them say
''stick to Michigan" / would much
rather this day undertake to make
living for myself and family upon the
stump" or "plains" land In Lake
county than upon any land here ex-
cept the hop lands i'm the valleys.
Then think Of the thousands of acres of
good hardwood lands, and rich bottom
land along the streams Of your county.
Those bottom lands and the swamps of
your county are no more difficult to
improve than the valleys and swamps
here, and so far rs cam see are equal
~ as rich and productive.
To those seeking employment ]
would say: There are more laborers
here now than can find employment.
The contractors building the Cascade
Branch of the n. =. II. II. advertized
for men and the result was quite "a rush
Of labOring men; more came than was
required and the demand for their la
bor is very limited; this is especially
the case now as all numbering interes Is
are very dull.
The agricultural interests of the east
ern portion of the territory will he
somewhat improved by the completion
of the "Cascade Branch" to this place
which Is now being constructed. The
farmers will then he nearer to market
and will undoubtedly receive more for
their crops; yet il that company pur-
sue their present policy the conditions
will not be much improved. The com
paI,y now charges from six to ten cents
mile for travelling on their line, and
freight rates (local) in proportion.
This country has some favorable fea-
lures. 1t has II very even temperature.
To-day the thermometer stands at
about 90 above zero. The weather is
clear and pleasant. The grass is as
green as IN September. The atmos-
phcre is very moist however, and We
need as warm clothing us we did in
Michigan.
The scenery is magnificent. IF /
had time and you the space / would
attempt n description Of the scenery
surrounding this city. / will simply
say that no imagination can excel the
beauties of nature in the vicinity Of
Puget Sound and To the tourist l say,
If you have not visited Puget Sound,
do so the first opportunity.
Now "Star man" have encrOached
upon your space all you desire this time
80 will end 10y subscribing myself as
ever the friend of Lake county.
Tom SMURTHwAITE.