Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-01-27
WISCONSIN,,
The Gem of the Northwest-B -Beauti=
fui Tribute 20 Our State.
BY A LINCOLN COUNTY BOY.
z. A. Storm Discourses Before an Indiana
Audience on 'WiscoEsin and Its People,

Audience on wisconsin and Its People.
| The following article published in the
Lincoln County Advocate we deem
worthy of Republication on account of
its worth. which we hope will stimulate
those who do not appreciate the full
value of their state:
/ WISCONSIN AND ITS PEOPLE.
We are proud that we can call Wiscon-
slnOur home, our state-our native state.
Most of us were born within its bound
aries. Our strong bodies and ruddy
faces indicate that We have inhaled its
pure atmosphere, that we have drank
the cool refreshing water from natures
own fountain. and have partaken of the
bountiful harvests of its fertile fields.
| he burning rays Of the sun have not
reached us, and we show the vigor and
energy characteristic of the northern
climate. Our cheerfulness of dispoSi-
ton and our good work in school give
| evidence that We have been reared
among the most congenial environments,
and where man and nature work in har-
mony. Weare grateful that its fertile soil
has Yielded freely to the labors of the
husbandmen, so that they are able not
only to supply the physical wants of
their families, but also to send their sons
and daughters 10 school to prepare them
for life's great work. We rejoice in the
fact that the states commerce is reviving,
the various industries reopened to will
ing hands Of labor, and that the dawning
prosperity has reached even the re-
| motest parts of the state.
Since becominga state in 1913 Wise on
sin has made remarkable progress. Yea,
it is but century since the first log
cabin was built by white men upon the
banks of the Mississippi. Prior to that
time almost the entire state was covered
with primeval forest, it's valleys were
unbroken, and its numerous streams
unnavigated by white men; but at the
close Of the eighteenth century the sun
of new and brighter era appeared.
which is now included in the state of
| Wisconsin was destined to become a
great commonwealth. Henceforth the
| woodman's s axe resounded in the forests;
the Yankee harnessed the river to drive
| the mighty wheel of industry; the hus-
bandman titled the soil to feed his family
and villages sprang up all over the state,
marking the spots of human activity; so
| that today one travelling across the state
can see large magnificent cities, beauti-
full farms and country homes. a public
school house every two miles, with the
American flag waving over it to the gen
| tie breezes, showing that Wisconsin is a
part-yes, all important p,,rt-Of grand
and glorious nation-the United States.
What is better for the young and grow
ing mind than wholesome reading?
| What is more delightful than studying
the gems of literature? What can better
| illuminate the paths Of the children that
| lies before them than the wisdom Of the
past? Then, if this is all true, what no.
| bier act could the state of Wisconsin
have done for posterity than establish
| ing free district school libraries? With
in the last few years library has been
established i'll every school district, and
is open to children and parents alike.
" hat unlimited advantages the boys
and girls Of today possess. Oh, that they
might fully appreciate the many efforts
put forth, the vast sum of money ex-
pended each year, the care resting upon
the great body of theachers, all for their
sake, their future welfare. And what
is more. There IS no select class in the
school room; the poor mans son, with
bis shabby clothes, sits beside the rich
ems; they are taught by the same teach
er and study out of the same kind o1
| books.
Among the large cities of Wisconsin
may be mentioned Milwaukee, the me-
tropolis of the state, situated on the
shore of Lake Michigan, and noted fol
its fine buildings, enterprising and intel,
ligent citizens, lager beer, and beautiful
ma1dens; Madison, the capitol, in the
central part the state, surrounded by
beautiful lakes and fine scenery; Racine
on Lake michigan, important because
of the variety of its manufactures; La
Crosse, situated on the banks Of the
father of waters, tie Mississippi.
The natural resources of our state are
unlimited. The northern section is Gov
cred with gigantic pine and hemlock
whose mighty trunks stand like statues
of marble, and whose branches away to
the gentle breezes, producing MUIR
muring sound that reminds one of the
story of the Acadians. These trees are
converted into lumber with which the
rich man builds his palace, the poor
man his cottage; it gives itself freely to
all, rich and poor, high and low. With.
in the bosom Of the earth there gen.
erous nature has deposited a treasure
for mankind, vast that our minds can.
not estimate it and one generation can.
not exhaust. Its iron ore finds its way
to the foundries Of the world; its build
ing stone is used in the construction o.
h,-iI of h-