Middletown transcript., 1886-02-19

themselves to be governed by Ring
which public opinion pronounces un-
doubtedly corrupt. They are a pa
tient people, evidently, and an ener-
getic and progressive one as well.
Buildings are being put up on every
side, streets are being graded and
paved, and sewers and curbings are
being put down. So the city grows
and spreads herself in territory, and
she already covers vast space.
This is the principal railroad centre
of the State. The settlements along
each of her ten lines present a differ
ent and distinct phase. One route
gives you to perfection the negro ele-
ment Of the population. Another ira
verses the rich sugor lands, with all
their interesting operations of sugar
and syrup making. A third and
fourth wend through a cattle country
sparsely settled, where the cowboy
reigus supreme. Still another leads
straight to the great cotton planta-
tions Of the Brazos, the centre of
wealth and refinement before the war.
Two more open up the timber lands,
with their population more like Cana
dians or Maine men than Southerners.
Along another, the Central, are found
thriving villages and towns differing
little from those in the other Western
States The International passes
through sandy pine woods country.
settled in most part by Georgians, Ala
bamians, and Tennesseeans, agricul-
turists all, leading lives about as hard
as do other new settlers on new lands.
On this road, about forty miles
from Houston, a colony of enterpris-
ing Bostonians have located, laid off
a town, sold the lots, and named it
Centre. They expect to make this
the most thriving place in the county,
which is one of the oldest in the State
and is thickly settled. As Centre
really deserves its name, geographicly
its inhabitants are trying to have the
country seat removed there from its
present site, and they have most ex-
cellent show for success. So much for
New England push.
| The Sunset road invites us, but be-
fore leaving Houston it will be well to
say word as to its appearance. Its
people love to call it city, and such
it should be, with its many railroads,
much wealth, and $4,000 inhabitants !,
but its appearance is very much that
of an overgrown country village. It
covers much ground, but is struggling
ly built. Shantys and fine dwellings
stand side by side. The best paved
streets lack crossings, and the need Of
cleaning brigade is deplorably ap-
parent. It has no parks, no public
squares, no pleasure grounds, no drives
a want that might be supplied by
some Of its wealthy citizens if they
we're only sufficiently public spirited
The principal business part of the
town is disfgured by swinging signs
and awnings, which. however comfort
able they may be in this summer land
certainly detract terribly from the
beauty of the fine buildings that
front Main street.
| Vivid contrasts are perpetually re
curing, and the Mexican life, which
| gives variety to the community in
which it is found, presents some pret
| ty examples. For instance, in a low
rooted, dark shanty lives family o,
candy makers. A young man-slim
1.-THE and dark-browed-sits on the
raised threshold, cracking and picking
pecans. Behind him another stands
at stove stirring a great kettle Q.
boiling, seething syrup, the while
smooth faced lad draws an inspiritins
dance tune from the strings of his ban
|jo, and good-looking, brown-skinnet
woman rocks lazily to and fro in hel
wide, low chair, and sings softly il
unison. Out on the sidewalk thre'
girls dance gracefully and joyously t.
the spirited measure, while circle O.
negro children, with whom mingle two
or three ragged whites, stand around
admiring the gay movements of the
dancers. Two faring gasolene lamps
| light up the scene, which is within the
very shadow of the handsomest hote
in the State, and adjoining the mos
fashionable promenade in the city
Sun.
Men marry for fortune and some
times to please their fancy; but much
oftener than is suspected they con
slider what the world will say of it