The Indianapolis journal., 1885-05-03

appeared to bo chief staple, and was dealt out
by merchants Of all sorts, even grocers men
tioning the drugs among theifwnres. Whether
they sold it by the pound or peck Is not indi-
Gated; but tradition and reminiscence lead to
the impression that it would have been money
in the pocketsof Hoosier Of forty years ago to
have purchased his elixir Of life by the whole
sale. Saeratas was advertised for sale "by
the pound or keg"
There was Certain cure" for fever and
ague, which must have been sold out before
all the ague was cured, since that disease still
fingers in the by-ways. Neither could the
"red heads and gray have responded to the
call to purchase dye which would do away
with their reproach forever nor the bald have
anointed themselves with the "balm,' war
ranted to make hair grow on the barest crani-
um Some neglected to secure the treasures,
evidently. for are not they or their descend
ants gray or bald to this dayf
Among tho early vegetables catalogued
as in market, tomatoes do not ap-
pear, but compound extract of
tomato is named by druggist as being an
indispensable medicine. The real estate busi-
ness was not as lively as at later periods, but
single 'For Rent" with the names of the
owners of the property described and their
agents appended indicated a certain unanim-
ity of movement and a purpose not to make
advertising charges too high
Along in 1S43-44 the Journal changed its
appearance by quadrupling in size, and show
ing other signs of prosperity and improvement
About this time considerable notice was given
to new invention called the electro magnetic
telegraph, brilliant discovery and ''the
marvel Of the age" which it was stated was
about to be extended over England, and "may
eventually so around the world" The testing of
trial wire laid between New York and Phila-
delphia was looked forward to with interest
With increased space, more attention was
given to literary matters and facts of general
interest. The agricultural department.
which has since been maintained by the
Weekly Journal, to the constantly increasing
profit and delectation of the farmer was
founded at that time, and DOUBTLESS created a
sensation among rural readers. poem from
the Louisville Journal, on the Downfall Of
America and Her Institutions" is curious
foreshadowing of the gloomy views lately in
dulged in by Editor Watterson. That the
citizens Of Indianapolis gave some attention
to aesthetic matters, is shown by the notice to
the 'Lovers Of Fine Arts that this is
their last opportunity for securing da-
guerreotypes of themselves and families,
as the stay of the artist is limited.
About this time chronicle of local events
was begun. In December, 1914, the secretary
of the Indianapolis Benevolent Society an
nounced that balance of but 81. 80 remained
in the treasury, and hazarded the not unrea-
sonable opinion that there would be de-
ficiency during the coming winter unless the
efforts of the members were redoubled.
Take it all in all, the Journal Of that early
time seemed to fill want in the community,
as it has endeavored to do since, and showed
within a brief period of five years its power to
grow, and to keep pace, at least with public
opinion-an adaptability it hopes never to lose.
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