The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1896-09-10
The City of Madison, Wisconsin.


WASHINGTON, D. c., Aug. 81, 1896
Situated on an isthmus between the beau
form a Part OF tie ''Four Lake. region of
Wisconsin, the natural beauty of Madisou
the capital of the State, is beyond descrip-
ton. The spot has been visited by many
tourists in search Of natural loneliness,
Including such well known men as Horace
GleeltH. Bayald Taylor and Sir Edward
Arnold. and the testimony of each is that
'tol natural beauty OF situation Madison
is tal sIll eliol TO any other western city. :"
The region is an ideal one for summer and
autumn tourists, aud the remembrance of
tie lure lracing atmosphere, the noble
hills aIG lakes of lalest beauty, must re-
main with one foI a long time. Those
persons residing in the eastern States of
tit Union who contemplate visit to the
northwest should most certainly include
in tleil itinerary this most delightful
country. Il has been said Zone might
cilcumLaN gate the globe il search of nat
ual beauty and then mot find a lovelier
sisien rAau grcets the eye at Madison"
Madison is within easy reach OF the peo-
lie of rA.e East. but a little more than two
days being required fol- tie Journey from
Washington, D. G., and which can be
taken in easy stages. To Cincinnati, the
"Queen City II popular Chesapeake
and Ohio should be selected, as this road
eNteLds through the most delightful por-
ton of tile mountainous country OF the
States OF Virginia and West Virginia, at
t0Iding Jhe traveller visions of the match
less scenery through the New River can
yGns and along the banks of the Kanawha
and Ohio streams, famous the world over
for their picturesque scenery. The ever
changing panorama in crossing the Ale
ghany Mountains, where nature has sur
passed herself, is one of the most pleas
ing features of the trip.
From Cincinnati to Chicago there is not
much to attract one. and this trip can be
taken at night over the line of the famous
Big Four which provides every comfort
fol the convenience of the traveller The
line is virtually part OF an extension of
tie Chesapeake and Ohio system.
several lines connect Chicago and Mad
ison, but for elegant appointments and
superior service no other can compare
with the Chicago and Northwestern. The
journey over this line should by all means
be made IN the day time, and the route
via Milwaukee selected, instead of via
GAINESVILLE Not more than five OF six
hours is required for this trip and the ride
along the shores of Lake Michigan taking
IN such cities as Evanston, Waukegan.
Racine, and Waukeshaw is most pleasant
and enjoyable.
Madison is pleasantly situated in south
eln Wisconsin On a series OF beautiful mills
lying between Lakes Mendoza (the Beau
titup and Monona Iake of the Great
SpiIit.t The folmer is about twenty miles
III circumference, its shores being more
rugged than those of the other lakes.
Monona Is SIX and one-half miles long and
TWO broad. About seven eighths of
mile below Monona is Lake Waubesa. or
Swan Lake. Lake Kegonsa, OF Fish Lake,
is about three and one half miles further
down-all connected by the Yahara or Cat
fish river. A voyage through the chain
of lakes is an event of life time and the
scenery is of the most picturesque and
beautiful character
Madison is not a ''business city," as
that tenn is generally interpreted, and yet
several manufacturing plants have been
established here. The population of the
city is about Is, GOO, and being the capital
of the State and seat of the State Univer-
slty, its people are refined and educated.
Their chief desire seems to be not to cain
any pleco cious growth for their CITY. but
to Secure home for their children where
they can have the advantages of a superior
education and associations of the purest
character The citizens are cordial and
hostitalle in their greeting to strangers,
OF to those who may desire to settle
among them. There is a gentle dignity
about Madison that will at once impress
one. It's residences are transformations
but exceedingly petty, many of them
being surprisingly beautiful. Many ele-
giant residences are located on the ridges
overlooking the lakes; well kept lawns
with their bright flower beds enhance
the beauty of the city.
The capitol building is modelled after
the capitol at Washington. 1t is situated
on Capitol Hill, lofty site, where the
dome can be seen for miles in every direc-
ton. 1t is magnificent in design and
commodious, and is undoubtedly one of
the finest public buildings in the United
States.
The Monona Lake Assembly, which is
located here, is one of the features of Mad
ison in the summer time. 1t is of the
Chautauqua order. The grounds of the
Assembly comprise thirty acres situated
in beautiful grove on the southern boun-
Diary of the lake from which it derives its
name. 1t is but trihe more than mile