Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-03-12

vorne.
81 remember your speaking of your
ranch, but L supposed an agent had bought
it and held it for you said Lollard-
A servant handed Melvorne telegram.
He read it. then said:
81 have message calling me back to
England Immediately. But you can all re-
main and finish your tour" he said, look
ing wistfully at Lady Irving.
There was evident dismay in the camp.
Our quiet was broken. We held a consul
tation. It was discovered that Lady Irv-
ing and Stella had rather return to En-
gland with US, but Mr. and Mrs. Lollard
decided to remain and finish their original
plan and return home about Christmas
time.
With many regrets for the unexpected
call, and solemn promises for exchange of
letters, we left Mr.. and Mrs. Lollard and
the glorious scenes yet unexplored, and
started for Denver. From there we were
soon on our homeward journey.
We passed through Kansas, that rich
and beautiful garden Of America, in the
day time Nature has done her part in
making Kansas all that heart can desire.
The Western portion is used chiefly for
grazing. There, cattle by the thousands
roam over the wild prairies that are COW
cred with luXuriant and nutritious grasses.
The great fields of growing corn and
stacks Of gathered wheat bespoke the
beautiful harvests, while all along the line
of railroad were prosperous cities which
told of thrift and enterprise.
Fort Rileyn' called the porter as we
stopped at little station by the side of
large river.
"Where?" asked ali the ladies.
"There on the hill,' said Melvorne.
'This is the geographical center Of the
United States. The river to our right is
the Kansas, formed about a half a mile
from here by the union Of the Republican
and Smoky-hill rivers.
"Are there any soldiers in the post
now?" l asked of a gentleman sitting in
front of us?''
Only few companies now. But I be-
ieve General Sheridan is considering the
plan OF making it cavalry school in the
near FUTURE he answered.
'"lhis is the State that has for its motto,
"A school house on every hilltop and no
saloons in the valley" said Stella.
eyes, Miss, this was the first State in
the West to make prohibition live ISSUE"
said the old gentleman in answer to her
questions.
HAS it accomplished any good?" I
asked.
eyes, SIR" he said. 81 believe it has
done great deal of good. 1t has made
saloons unpopular. And any young man
that has an ounce Of self-respect will not
visit them and thus violate the law of his
State"
'Do you believe it will ever become a
perfect success?" [ asked.
eyes, SIR" he answered, "when public
sentiment has been educated Up to it, and
we have the Women's vote to help enforce
it,
'WiH that time ever come, Go you
think" 7 asked.
81 believe it will. There is cons. 1erable
agitation and public sentiment in that
direction now"
In one way and an0ther we were deeply
interested in our journey through Kansas.
The eastern portion Of the StaGe is a rich
farming country, with fine homes, beauti-
full groves, good hedges and bearing orch
ards. Large barns, fields and pastures in
dicate variety of agricultural pursuits.
The various breeds of live stock are co ual
to any in the world
In Kansas City we had a little time to
spend. And, having our curiosity excited
by the description of the cable line of
street cars we mounted the steps to the
platform ready for ride. The car travels
up an inclined plane of about forty-fve de-
graes with perfect ease.
80, look DOWN. said Lady Irving, Il
makes me diZzYi'
''Nhat ii the cable should breakr' sac
Stella.
I'VE would land near the depot or down
among the trellises," answered Melvorne.
NO" said man on the car, ''those
brakes between the wheels have clamps
like great shoes which fas ten on the rails,
and can even lift the car clear from the
track in case of accident"
''That is protection then, aside from
the cable?" asked Melvorne.
eyes, sir" said the man, ''the cable
parted once, and the brake saved the car"
''Thank you," said Melvorne. zone
feels greater safety in travelling when they
understand the workings'
Turning to come down, Lady Irving said
81 feel as though I was sinking. How
strange that we go no faster coming down
than we did going up"
''It is like the belt to machine moving
equally fast at every point. The car is fas-
tened to the cable, not running on it," eX-
planned Melvorne.
We were glad to stand on terra jf71nd
once more. Then we went back into the
great waiting room of the depot to get
ready for our train.
''Such hum of activity Such hurry
ing to and frol Such anxiety for the
trains! Such crowding for lunch, and
such disregard for everything but self, 1
never saw in all my travels.'' said Mel
vorne.
1T makes me think of a hive Of bees"
said looking at the moving mass of hui
man beings. ''Where can they all be 60
ing?"
'"Fhere, our train has moved down."
said Melvorne, ana we gaUnered up our
bundles, crossed the intervening tracks,
produced our tickets, and took our seats
in an elegant palace car. The quiet was
luxury after the noise and confusion
the busy waiting room.
In short time we were speeding aV
towards the rising sun. On, on, we W
with feelings of content and joy. Our
tie party was complete, the cars were COM
Portable, and the dining arrangements
satisfactory
''Chicagor' rang out upon the air before
we hardly realized it could be. As we left
the train | said to Stella:
''How different things look to me now,
little girl, that 1 have found you on my
arm"
"Melvorne," I said, as we entered a
carriage, would you like to see Potter
Palmer's residence now?"
No. he said, laughing, "but we will
rest at his hotel few hours, however