Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-09-25
TRIP TO LEAvEnwoRTH.

A representative of the EAGLE made 0
trip to the old military town of Leavenworth
last week and took some notes by the way.
Nothing worthy of note transpired before
reaching Newton. There large number
ofmen from California, Arizona, New Mex
leo and Colorado, who had come in on the
train from the west, were mingled with
those from the south. There were also a
large number from eastern states who had
been out west looking at the country. The
crowd in the smoking car had representa-
tive from slmost every state in the Union
and the conversation was general. The re-
spective merits Of the several states and
territories were fully discussed. When it
came to agriculture the delegation from the
Arkansas valley had the best Of it, but when
we switched of onto fruits, melons and
pumpkins a California man downed us.
The Kansas crowd, who numbered four
from different portions of southwest Kansas,
told some pretty good melon stories, the
biggest weighing eighty-fve pounds, but
the Californian, who appeared a truthful
man, came in with a monster of one hun
dred sevcnty-fve pounds. lie then let
out on grapes, peaches, pears and other
fruits and knocked our biggest stories out
without giving US chance to draw blood.
When asked if California had any draw
backs, he admitted dead loads Of them,
enumersting drouth, frequent crop failures,
Dennis Kearneyism, Chinese troubles and
occasional earthquakes. He said he saw no
rain since the fore part of May. When it
came TO summing up the advantages and
disadvantages, the ksnsars had their inning
snd scored ahead.
At the Union depot in Kansas City we
met several Wichita folks who had been TO
the fair.
Nothing trsnspired..between:: Kansas City
and Leavenworth. Leaveaworth is nice,
thrifty city, perched upon rolling eleva-
ton, the site being both picturesque and
healthy. Bar rooms are as open there as in
Kansas City and one can go right in openly
and ask for what be wants. There are many
hne residences and public buildings in the |
city and the principal streets, which are IL
Illuminated by electric lights show up well at
night. l visited the Times Office where l |
was cordially received. The Times
is one of the best papers in the state
and has very complete and oommodious
Offices, including a complete job Office.
Pressure Of business did not admit of visit
10 the fort nor the penitentisry.
Arriving in Kansas City about 6:30 Satur-
day morning, and having about three hours
at my disposal before train time, took in
the city, which was full of people. / met
several Wichita people, they said the fair
was big thing. Considerable hss been
said about buns and hard looking chsrsc-
tiers in Wichita, but compared with Kansas
City they amount TO no more than two flies
among a herd Of Texas cattle.
called at the Times Office and handed nv
card.
"What in sheol is the matter with you ,
folks down therey" said the man behind the
desk, ''you are pitching into Kansas City
every chance you get" :
80, we are going 10 down you," said /, {
end build up city ourselves" q
| visited the Journal office but none of the
orce were around.
II being night going up, l had
10 chance 10 see the country. but re- :
urning, the day being bright and berutiful,
nd all nature appearing to be in her best, O
had splendid opportunity TO see and d
Judge. The corn crop generally looked y y
yell, except through the coal belt, but it 9,
'as not near so large as that IN this valley &c
nd west and southwest of here. There is IN
large area Of wheat to be sown yet. NJ
There are number Of very handsome
tiles on the Santa Fe, and several elegant
epo, buildings that made me feel sick when as
thought Of our own depots. In speaking T
what saw in Leavenworth, forgot to ar
y that ] saw the burning of the big -four -
& mills, which is said to be the largest in n
e state 1t was completely demolished, dr
Notwithstanding the fire companies were on "a
e spot before the fire had made any per- az
ptsble Roadway. The fire company from ",
e fort also came in and although the local Of;
ess speak highly of the efforts of the fire y;
igade, / believe our own brigade would ~
we done better