The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-07-11
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
The Past and the Present City-Old Time
Celebrations-Dull Times-The
Gas Companies, &c.

Gas Companies, &c.
BALTIMORE, July 18th, 1885.
Messrs. Editors The Fourth of July anniver-
sary passed very quietly in Baltimore and vicinity
last Saturday. 1t was, perhaps, the most appro-
priately and properly kept day of the kind l have
seen in this city since my residence here, which
runs back to period when Baltimore was not
much beyond that of good sized town, contain
ing some eighty thousand inhabitants and her
limits much crcumscribed to what they now are.
The location where 1 now reside, a new and very
pretty part of the city, considerably north of
Washington's Monument, was then in the country
and handsome farms, producing wheat, rye, oats,
corn, hay, besides potatoes, cabbage, beans and a
great variety of marketing produce. Not very
remote in times calendar one more duels were
fought not many squares from where Washington's
Monument now stands, by distinguished gentle
men, and some of them killed. For long time
there was kind of path made by persons who
walked out to see where these chevaiers met in
deadly combat. The land then could have been
bought for fifty to two hundred dollars per acre
in all this region, extending out far as Waver-
ly. Now it is mostly covered with fine streets
and handsome brick houses, commanding hun
dreds and thousands of dollars acre, according
to improvements and location, and Baltimore con-
tanning Notwithstanding the Belt-of be-
tween five and six hundred thousand, the city
itself nearly five hundred thousand souls.
We used in those days to have quite impressive
Fourth of July celebrations inside the metropolis
drawing many persons from the country to
them. We had the volunteer companies with
their red, white and blue plumes and handsome
uniforms, elegantly caparison steeds, sturdy mill
tia with drums, flies, bugles-not even emitting
the bagpipes-incuding many other musical in
struments. Everybody really turned out to see
sights and be seen. They were happy times, each
one enjoying themselves, calculating on a few ac-
cdents and some fires, &c. We however, had
real patriotic day and good holiday. We were all
really good, honest lovers of Republican liberty,
more honest, possibly, in sentiment than at the
present day, but, all things considered, pretty
good after ALL Most of our people at present
have cultivated more rural taste and seek the
country on such occasions Let us hope, however,
that the natal day of independence may continue
to grow in brightness and strength and beauty
and purity so long as our solid globe holds her
place among the revolving spheres. Of all gov
ernments on earth there is none superior to this
where its foundation is freedom and we are priv
legged to rejoice under the Star Spangled Banner
As general thing-all over the country-we have
been remarkably free from accidents and Fourth
of July mishaps this year compared with Others
and are thankful therefor. The weather has been
and is quite warm, but about such should be
expected this season of the year.
1 regret to say that business of every kind is
unusually dull just and will doubtless so con-
tinue until the hot months of summer are over,
though fear may not be then much improved
We, nevertheless have fair prospects of good crops
and yields of corn and other cereals. People in
this latitude are now busly engaged in harvest
ing. There are prospects of good corn crop,
also oats, with abundance of fruit of every
kind. This is great blessing, especially to the
poorer classes. 1t does not appear likely that the
foreign demand for our solid products-war ma
terials especially-will be great we had ex-
pected, owing to the prospects of European wars
mi Int n he
rejoice in what we have.
l am very sorry to say that our Congressional
Representative, DIR. VIM. H. Cole, though return
ed home from Atlantic City, where he had gone
in search of improved health, is still quite unwell
and feeble. The truth is he overworks himself in
political matters. He is still laboring under the
effects of partial paralysis many years ago.
notice that the Consolidated Gas Company is
now laying new set of larger gas pipes, running
out Greenmount avenue to North avenue, intend
ing eventually to extend them out far Wa
verify. With this month DULY and onward until
they buy out other companies, they will send in
their bills at reduced rates, | fear, however, as
heretofore it will prove humbug. The new
Chesapeake Company, I am glad TO see, is going
forward rapidly with its works. Those engaged
in giving the electric light to citizens are also
going ahead very encouragingly. This, in time
is bound to take the place of all other illuminators
The fact is electricity is the motive power-when
|
chance, human life. When you can sit in Tow
sontown and by its agency converse with FRIEND
instantaneousy, in any part of the globe, you
need not be surprised at anything.
Some few appointments and changes have been
made among letter carriers in city, bat be-
lieve only where they were needed. If the pres
emit administration should undertake to make
very great turn-ou or change among these men,
all Of whom are known to be honest, faithful
officers, there will come forth such complaint
never heard of BEFORE They nearly all old
soldiers, who fought for the Union and our coun-
try. To modest them, therefore, except for actual
sufficient cause would be political sacrilege, never
| forgotten or forgiven. So also will it be in too
palpably disregardng the civil service law, which
fosters an admirable principle, no matter which
| party may be in power.
The time is not far distant when our good folk
| of the country will be having and greatly enjoy
ing their "harvest homes" At all times these
most pleasurable gatherings and greatly enjoyed.
| Baltimore county is celebrated for giving and
| partaking of them. The very best citizens at
| tend these rural unions of both country and
city. They are really delightful. 1t has been
my pleasure in earlier days to be at many of them
in different parts of the United States, They are
| anticipated with great pleasure. Every one feels
| as if they were really at homo. Hence they are
true "harvest homes" All who can should attend.
1t brings up and back pleasant memories of the
| past.
When these are over and the autumn days come
round, then we may expect to see the people going
into politics and business. Now, nearly every
| body who is suited and can pass few weeks in
the country, at the mountains, springs, or at the
| capes or seaside will do so. This is almost duty
on account of health, renovation of wearied ma
ture, which actually requires reinvigoration.-
Money spent in this way is well invested. So also
at country houses or rural retreats, no matter
where, if only for change. We can come home
stronger, fuller of life and better prepared to
| ter upon our hpIae avocations or duties.
| NEsToR.