The Forrest City times., 1890-11-29


 launches. One of our party fired at the beast, For a moment he seemed dazed, then uttering B most terrific growl he sprang forward, bringing down the man who had fired at him. We realized in an instant that 1t was death to our comrade or tho bear. Every one of our party leveled his weapon at the head of the furious beast Fortunately for the man the bear rolled over in mortal agony. The flesh was torn from the poor mans arm and he was frightened almost to death. That was my first acquaintance with his majesty. the grizzly bear. l never want to meet an other, unless he is in close confinement or under marching orders"
 We visited one den or cage after anoth. er until we had seen all the animals on exhibition. We enjoyed ride on the little lakes passing under artistic bridges, and through long straits bordered by beautiful flowers. At last we found ourselves at the artesian we'll We saw the wondrous fount from which flows the supply of water for the lakes, rivulets and fountains of the park. The artistic skill displayed in mak. ing falls and fountains. lakes and rivers caves and mounds is wonderfull
 This morning." said the duke as we left the Palmer House, i've are going out on business"
 What Is the nature of the business, If may askt
 "Real estate" answered the duke. You arc to go with me and see how business ts conducted in America"
 We soon saw sign indicating the place we sought. On entering, the duke began at once to ask questions and examine maps.
 How do you get possession of SO much land for sales" asked the duke, after being shown an immense quantity in nearly every county in the state, it seemed to me,
 "A great many farmers mortgage their lands, and failing to pay when due we buy the lands said the agent; "or they place their farms in our hands to sell to raise money to meet the mortgages, hop ing to save something in that way"
 What do you do with the lands you hold before you get a buyerP" asked the duke.
 There are always plenty of men who want to rent. We get good terms. We often rent to the former owners, They make good tenants" said the agent.
 Then you are sure there will be no trouble in getting good tenants if should buy the lands we have been talking of"
 None at all There are more tenants than farms, and you can make your own terms" said the agent, eager for sale.
 Then, if agreeable, we will go and take . look at some of your best bargains" said the duke
 Very soon we were at the depot ready to start. We went south from Chicago. The green landscape was dotted with happy homes. Little villages nestled in the val leys, and prosperity seemed to reign SUI preme, Well-flled corn cribs attracted our attention. We passed the Joliet prison and saw some of the unfortunate beings at work in the stone quarry near by.
 We were delighted with the country The great fields of wheat and corn, the beautiful rivers. bordered with good tim. Der, and the delightful climate were per fectly fascinating
 "Wha- contrast have not needed my umbrella once since I came into Ilh nois In London and Ireland it would have been in constant demand Yet the fields of growing grain are in fine condi tion. think il must rain when we are asleep. to keep the earth looking so fresh and green.
 We left the cars al the little station and soon were ri,iing over roads in the most perfect condition. We called at one place where there was quite comfortable house and barn
 This is one of the farms l mentioned" said the agent
 While the duke and the agent were walking about talking business, l inter yipNysxi m .il rh.tb busf ing the corn
 this land came to be in the markets''
 Yes. sir" said he. this was once my home, came here from Ohio when land sixty acres of land, paid part down, and gave mortgage for the balance. put on Improvements AS fast as could worked my farm carefully. and for few yeara everything went well. Then times became hard, crops were not good. and what could sell brought very low price But good crops or poor, good times or bad the interest on the mortgage kept growing all the time. We b~gan to live nore careful ", wifc would make one hundred dollars do the work of three in living and cloth ing. We kept less help and worked early and late. but to no purpose The time came when tho mortgage was due, and the interest had accumulated until it ate IF all there was over the mortgage Then the place was sold. Now, here am ten. ant where hoped to be the owner"
 "Wherc do you place the blame of your unfortunate circumstances"
 ''The scarcity of money is the first c>,use, That makes hard times. I can raise just as much wheat to the acre when it brings one dollar per bushel as when it brings fif ty cents. With the dollar can meet my obligations. With half dollar must raise twice as much grain, or fail The price of wheat indicates. think may safely say, the rise and fall of money Low prices make good times for money loaners and bsnkers who are willing to secure themselves by q mortgage on our real estate, and help us by leaning money at the moderate rates of from one, two, or even tAEee IT cent per wopth. II tho men