The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-03-26

bands and gave him what severa
papers called an "ovation." The
loved him because after living in New
York for seven years he came back tC
them wearing a soft hat.
During his recent trip through tn,
spreadout state Col. Knox was i'm.
pressed with the fact that Texas i
coming somewhat to tue front.
~ lived fifteen years in Texas,
said he, "and during that time trav.
eled over its 800 miles of length anC
its 600 miles of breadth on everything
from a $40 mustang to palace car
Since that time l have been living in
New York, but not from choice. The
publishing business with which l am
connected is of such a character that
only in New York could it properly
he conducted. In the years that
have been away l have Travelled much
and met many men and made a vast
number of acquaintance. My con
nection with Texas has caused thou
sands to inquire Of me regarding the
state, and what opportunities, induce
ments and advantages it offers to
farmers, investors and manufacturers.
You would be surprise d 10 learn how
little some of these people know about
Texas, but it is not their fault. 1t is
the fault of our people.
"Texas was governed until few
years ago by men who belong d to the
ox-cart era of civilization. Most ex
cellent citizens they were in their way,
and brave pioueers and soldiers. They
fought ana bled but failed to die
when they should have died at San
Jacinto and Goliad. They were re-
sponsible for constitution that pro.
bibi'ed the legislature flom appropri-
ating any money to be used for the
purpose of disseminating information
regarding Texas or to induce immi-
grafton. No other state ever made
such law. Recently, however, other
and more progressive men have taken
charge the affairs OF the state, and
although that clause in the constitu-
ton has not been changed, trust it
soon will be-.
"Texas has made wonderful pro-
gress in the last decade and increased
much in wealth and population, but
how much more would this increase
have been if the State had used
men and means to make known abroad
its gloriesl"
"Has there been decidedly marked
i nprovemel within the last few
years?" was asked.
"Well, l should say So" said the
colonel, tipping b ok his broad hat,
and waxing eloquent. II came back
to Texas alter seven years absence
and what did see? l cav cities and
towns that had doubled and other 6
that had quadrupled their population
since saw them before. saw paved
treets where twelve-inch mud used
t. be. found in most places thai
electricity had driven the mule and
the hObtailed Car into other walk
OF life. l saw huge business
clocks where wooden shanties used to
offend the eye. / saw iron bridges
where once were creeping ferry boats.
saw banks and stores that would be
credit to any city in the world. /
saw hundreds of manufacturing anu
business enterprises that had sprung
up since lived in Texas. The only
think that has not improved is ou
grand climate. l do not think thai
the Creator himself could improve Oh
that.
al have heard Texas spoken OF
sneeringly as the last place on earth.
believe it really is the last place on
earth-that the Gre Architect la
bored on, and after trying His pr an
tice. hand in creating the other end,
of the earth, / think he gave the
whole of the sixth day to fashloninp
His masterpiece, the great State Of
rexas."
The colonel lighted fresh cigar and
continued: "Besides what have seer,
l have heard much OF the growth Of
Texas in wealth and in m Lerial
things. | have been toll of its y !OJ,-
100000 exports of cotton, wool, hides,
lumber, cattle and other products. |
have seen some Of the many railroads
recently built, ard have heard of what
they have done to open up the cOun-
try and add to the wealth. OF the state.
Before [ went back to Texas on hi
visit had read and heard much OF the
vast progress and the great improve
ments, but | found ,fter wishing the
chief cities of the state and seeing
these things with my own eyes, that
the half had not been told."-rexas
Siftings.
Sunshine in the House.
"I'm weary with work." the good wife