The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-04-30
On the Way to and About Cincinnati.

On the Way to and About Cincinnati
To tho Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
Farm work between here and Cincinnati is
exceedingly backward. Meadows and pasture
lands just begin to show little green. No
blossoms are to be seen on any of the trees. The
wheat presents most discouragng appearance.
Many fields perfectly bare: others show
green spots here and there. That which was
sown among the corn is generally more promis-
ing than that which drilled. From present
appearances there can scarcely be half crop
under the most favorable circumstances. Many
fields are being plowed up for spring planting.
Merchants and business men of the Queen City
do not regard the business outlook with much
favor. They appear to be demoralized over
their municipal government or want of govern
ment. Not only their saloons and theaters, but
most of their bakeries, groceries, tobacco and
butcher shops and e-cream parlors are open
Sunday as well as week days. A drive through the
streets shows that they all do thriving business
Sunday. The condition of the streets is bad be-
yond description credence. On going from
the depot to the house Of friend | was driven
eight squares out of the way to reach street
that was safe s,, for carriage to ; pass
bounds to say that there are not two consecutive
squares in all the central portion of the city that
a carriage can be driven over faster than a
walk with safety to the vehicle or comfort to the
passenger / had a free turnout at my disposal
while there, but found it more comfortable to
use the street cars, which in all cases were not
the best. Some idea may be gained of the real
condition of the principal streets when the fact
is stated that they are no better than Meridian
street was the year before the
old block pavement was taken up
Enough money is annually expended-I am
afraid to state how many mllions--to keep their
streets in irstclass condition; but the chief OBJ
ject the part of the bosses and laborers ap
fo ha fO draw ma nd In no N0p n
as to insure them perpetual job There does
not appear to be any escape from the present
misrnle short of absolute revolution.
Spring Grove Cemetery is just putting on it's
acres of land in the nclosure. A portion of the
grounds is elegantly kept, and well suited from
the fluctuations and gravel subsol for the
purpose to which it has been dedicated. But
other portions are less favored the Surface be-
ing exceedingly broken and having a heavy clay
subsoil. Here but little attention is paid to the
drives and less to the lawns. There appears to
he great inequality in attention bestowed on
the favored and unfav0red portions of the
grounds. One cannot but be struck with the large
amount of space given up to roadways and grav-
eled walks There are many private vaults, for
the construction of which the broken surface
appears well suited, but / expected to find
greater number Of elegant and
expensive monuments. like the English
and New monuments, of Grown Hill.
1883 significant figures chiseled deep into the
crown of the arch over the roadway as you enter
the grounds. They mark the high water liue of
that year. All access to the cemetery was cut
off for weeks by the water at that time. The
chapel is beautiful cross-shaped, gothic stone
structure, which cost about $25 900. 1t is neatly
carpeted, seated with chairs. and comfortably
warmed, and is lighted by a 200 win
dow representing the ascension of our Savior.
The illuminated images in the window sur
passingly beautiful, and worthy of patient study
The scene more than compensates for the trip
On either side of the auditorium, and opposite
each other, massive bronzed doors closing
the entrance to vaults. On these New Tesla
ment scenes are represented-raislng of Jariuss
daughter, Mary at the well, and the resurrection
of Christ. On leaving this quiet, restful place,
one is suddenly aroused from sacred medta-
tons which fain might be prolonged, by the
mad rushing Of the wheels of commerce, and the
coarse, harsh words of busy men. @.