Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-06-11
D0EOttC Heard From.


DUMoNT HOUSE, WooNsoCKEr, D. T.,
June 9Th, 1884.
EDITOR REPUBLICAN:-Here I am at
last in Dakota, the wonderland of the
world, and in the embryo city of Woon-
socket, the wonder of Dakota, the flower
city of Dakota, the flower city to blossom
and the flour city to bake IN the near
future. Woonsocket not only presents
charming appearance as to its situation
but also in its. business appearance which
is surprising to see, compared to its youth.
The approach by rail resembles to me
the outskirts of Minneapolis, that gem
city, striking the behoder ut once with
its city look and judging by its present
growth, it is hopeful to think, if not safe
to predict, that it may yet become sec
ond gem city of the west. May it's shad-
ow never grow less. You may think I
came more fayorably prepared than an
other might because the partner of my
joys and sorrows sojourns here and calls
it home, here in the city of the wilder>
ness, aud had a hand in giving it start.
But these considerations do not prejudice
me in Its favor for use my own eyes form
my own opinions and make an honest
record OF my impressions and sentiments.
How could it be .otherwise! for upon
my arrival here upon our nice depot
platform found no husband, no horse,
no friends. Horse had strayed away,
husband strayed after the horse, friends
after the husband; so alone | saw Wcou-
socket, alone | Judged Woonsocket and
Woonsocket alone conquered, three
cheers, &c. But since my advent have
found two acquaintance that gave me a
cordial welcome, I. d. Kanouse and L.
Rock, also some lady friends Gas I can
call them so) although stranger they
took me in, they so kindly feel my disap
pointment at not meeting Sir William
and thus they make compensation. The
Dumont House where [ am stopping,
merits a word of praise, not only the
landlord and landlady but the hotel as
well; 1t can vie with any large city hotel
in every respect and in all its appoint
ments so that my experience here so
far has been extremely pleasant. l left
La Crosse the I'd of June at II p. m.
When went to the depot to take the
sleeping coach | felt bereft of home and
friends; [ fain would have returned to
the home of my fathers" [ wanted to
see my mother, felt just then she need.
ed me, felt we needed each other My
thoughts crowded up too thickly for ut
terance. What did want of the West?
l stood irresolute; should or should I
not? This taking leap out into the
great unknown. Oh! the dread, and
doubt. and loneliness one feels at startiog
away from home and friends at night is
not to be coveted. The refrain that ever
murmured Ia my ear was alone, alone in
the great unknown. But resolution
conquers timidity ana "backoutedness,"
so entered, slept, | rested. [ arose
with the morning sun, refreshed and
encouraged with the view from the win
dow ofNNature in her green and beauti
full robe bathed in the sunshine while
roaming over the fields and pastures
green were the ''catlle from thousand
bills" 1t was a soul inspiring sight,
and II l must say 80 gave me an appe-
tite which was appeased with the first
fruits of the season, as it were, at Fair
mount Station at a. m, a very pretty
rural place, the air so delightfully."- pure
and fresh. Then on and on, my eyes
glancing from side to side of the car,
taking in the lay of the land and the looks
of the people. And what do I see?
Land no! land! land! everywhere land,
which rolled anG undulated and passed
me by, Like the waves of the sea, green,
lonely and restful for the eyes to
look upon. A sea of land with now and
then little "specks" of houses dotted here
and there, far and near, looking like
''ships and boats that 90 sailing.'' No
trees, only those set out and of few years
growth. An ocean of land that might
support the millions of poo, that MOI @
might so hungry, and still on and on an
interminable distance, rushing through
space to find a landing place. You feel
as it you were in search of the setting
sun or the South Pole and yet a little
farther, OF, and 10! / am there, still alone
waiting to greet w. F. $. and the horse
too bope. | extend greeting and in
vitation to all my friends to come and see
me, which If they do, will each and all
agree with me by saying call is well'.
| have not seen my little house around
the corner on my claim. Until I do,
adleu. Fl. L. s.