The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1893-12-15
McCook as Seen by a Stranger.

Mr.. EDITORIAL the solicitation of
our personal friend, w. w. McMillen Of
your city, it was a pleasure to leave our
home in Lincoln, Nebraska, December
Ist, and take passage on the B. & M.
train leaving at 1920 p. IN. for the west,
the destination being McCook. The day
was cold but clear-most favorable in
deed for observation along the route of
travel. One no sooner boards one of the
handsome trains of this enterprising rail
way system than he feels himself with
pleasant surroundings and the best OF
railway comforts, such as to make travel
upon the line a pleasure instead of a
burden. The crew that held the train in
control was made up Of cl~ean-handed
gentlemen.
1t was our pleasure to note the beauti-
full prairie country and pleasant looking
towns and cities as we passed along.
Frugal and handsome homes dotted the
landscape on every side, indicating pros
porous and happy life upon the plain
once barren and bare. Of course some
were more fortunate than other-perhaps
more careful of their means-and wiser
in their management. This accounts for
the better appearance of some farm
houses as compared with others. Fair
mont, Hastings, Holdrege and Oxford
were surprises in their way, all of them
better thar we anticipated. But now we
step from the train at McCook and soon
find ourself comfortably entertained in
the home of Mr.. McMillen. Our time
of arrival was too late to view the city.
This remained for us to do after a nights
rest. We had formed a mental picture
of the place. Daylight metainorphosed
our picture. We found that our mental
photograph was ~antiquated and no o
represented the beautiful little city on a
lovely prairie mound than a mole hill
represents the glory of the Allegheny
mountains. It is beautiful for situation.
The improvements are quite up to the
times. In general appearance it is very
ldSlclul. mauy 1 IN .>
beautiful, with tasty surroundings. The
churches are better structures than are
generally to be found in so young a city.
The waterworks and electric light plant
indicate public spirit and thrift equal
to any we have ever seen, and especially
in so new a town.
1t was our privilege to meet with a few
of the best citizens and business men.
The closeness of the times has most GER
tainly not blighted their hopes and ex-
pectations as to the future prosperity of
both their city and surrounding commu-
nifty. The business houses compare most
favorably with those of their class in any
other city we have visited. Business,
however, seemed not to be as brisk and
promising as it should be. The cause is
apparent to everybody these days. 1t
dare not be laid to the lack of business
enterprise and foresight of the business
men. No. it lies deeper and far beyond
their control. This is true of our whole
country to-day.
Upon general principles we regard
McCook as a monument city of western
push and enterprise Of the most COM
mendable sort. Towards this the B. &
M. system of railway has contributed
largely, and, if we mistake not, will
strive to nave the lions share in the fu-
ture prosperity of municipal glory. Our
friend treated US to a windy ride over
the country north of the city, from
to four O'Clock p. m. The ride was re-
freshing to a degree of frigidness not the
most desirable. AS there is no discom-
fort without its corresponding comfort,
so was it in this case. In lieu of the cold
windy ride, we had the pleasure of view
ing the fine farm of our friend, warming
our benunbed limbs at the stove in a
comfortable sod palace, the first we had
the pleasure of entering in u life. Here
we were safe for a time from the persist
ent attack of the wind. We enjoyed the
bartering of our friend with the farmers
wife for two good fat chickens, for our
Sunday dinner, as we supposed, and in
which we were not disappointed. A cir
cuitous route gave US an excellent view
of the country, and brought us back to
the city, much pleased with what we
saw and lone the worse for Jul windy
trip.
Sunday morning opened up bright,
crisp, and withal cheerful. So far as we
could Judge the Sabbath is well respected
by the good people of the city. At least
we saw nothing of a loud and boisterous
nature. At eleven a.. m. and 7:5o P. m.
we preached to intelligent and appreci-
alive audiences in the Congregational
church. The church is a fine one, new,
and taking the place Of the one destroyed
by a cyclone.
At e:1o p. m, bidding adieu tic our old
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