Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-06-28
Hard Times in the West.

a letter from his sister Mrs. r. Stirling.
of Spokane Falls, Washington, in which
she speaks of the great flood, heavy
frosts and serious condition of the
times. We append portions of that
letter which will be of interest to our
readers as follows:
II don't think times can be as hard
with you as it is here. Hundreds of
families are receiving aid from the town
and some who three years ago were
among the wealthiest people here.
The mines are shut down, the crops
were destroyed by the heavy rains last
fall and now the frost which came a
week ago has injured everything and in
some localities destroyed nearly every
thing. There is no money in the
country and no employment for the
masses. don't know how it will end.
The woodchucks, squirrels and aphis
seem likely to take everything. [ had
twelve hundred cabbage plants and one
thousand cauli flower set out just before
[ was taken sick and when | got up I
don't think I had ten plants, the wood
chucks ate them. They are taking
carrots, beets, parsnips and onions now.
The late frost took nearly all my pears,
cherries, plums and apples and all the
prunes. The frost Of week ago killed
some Of the corn, potatoes, melons and
all the squash, beans and cucumbers.
If l could, would sell, but that is out
of the question. Times seemed a little
better before the CoXey movement but
it is worse than ever now. The high
water took out five bridges in Spokane
costing from twenty-five to two hundred
thousand dollars, yet l don't suppose
we have suffered as much as many
towns but if things do not change soon
[ don't know what people will do.
One dare not leave their place unless
| they get some one to watch it. A
neighbOr went to town with his wife
and on their return there was not a
thing of value left in the house or barn
that could be moved on short notice.
Another went home from work and
| being bachelor began to get his
supper, his cat seemed hungry SO he
gave her some cold meat left from his
dinner, in few minutes she was dead.
! He then set out some cooked grapes
! to some hens four ate Of them and died
likewise. He found everything in the
house was poisoned. 1t was known
that he had money and also that he was
armed for he aWOke one night previous
and found q man near his bed, thinking
the burglar ran. One neighbOr lost
many Of his tools, his horse blankets,
one horse and nearly all their canned
fruit. | haven't lost anything yet but
my nearest neighbor, who they say is
one of Pinkerton'S detectives, saw Il
man in his room, reached under his
! pillow for his revolver but his wife had
that morning put it under her pillow
and before he could get 1t the fellow
had made good his escape with the
mans pants which he left near my
| house.
don't think the people in the east
have any idea Of the suffering in the
west. If people can get enough to eat
here they are considered We'll of. Last
year at this time [ could see the smoke
from five brick yards this year so far
there has been but one kiln burned.
Now you will think this rather blue
letter but it is only statement of facts.
I am not discouraged and have much
to be thankful for. / have wished 50
many times you had all come out here
eight or nine years ago but now l an
thankful you did not.