Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1899-03-18
PROGRESSIVE EASTERN
SHORE.

ON the Eastern Shore by the
erection of water works and
electric-light plants and the
substitution of brick for wood
in building is not the only evil
dence of progress in that de-
lightful portion of Maryland.
The farms are steadily improv-
ing and becoming more pro
ductive. In some of the coun-
ties the roads are made better.
the fencing along the public
highways is neat and well kept
and the farmhouses comfort
able. attractive and in gooG
repair. All these things are
evidence of an intelligent and
industrious people. Kent Queen
Anne's. Talbot and parts of
Dorchester and Caroline coun-
ties contain as fine and as we'll
farmed lands as are to be found
in almost any part of the Union.
These farms produce abundant
crops of wheat, corn, peaches
and other fruit. The scenery
along the Chester, Corsica,
Miles. Tired Avon and Wye
rivers is of rare beauty. Along
the banks of these streams
there are lovely homes. inhab-
tied by hospitable, courteous and
cultivated people, forming a
delightful society. Many of the
farms are still held by the same
families which have owned
them from the time of the early
settlements. The attractions of
the country here have proved
strong enough to restrain the
old families from running off to
the city. as has been the case SO
generally throughout the land.
One of the pcculiarities of Tai
bot county is its network of
rivers and creeks. To the strang-
er travelling on the public roads
the masts of vessels will appear
in the most unexpected portion
of the landscape when he be-
lieves himself far away faom
the water. Nearly every farm
house is situated on or near a
navigable stream. The water
supplies the most delicious food
and affords a cheap highway by
which the products of the farm
reach the market. Cecil is not
IA typical Eastern Shore county,
although it is classed with that
section geographically. if not
politically. 1t is famous for its
production of hay and other
crops and has considerable
mineral wealth. The three lower
counties of the "Shore" have IA
lighter soil than the others. and
the production of small fruit
is profitable. The oyster and
fishing industry in the Eastern
Shore counties adds enormously
To their wealth and supports a
large proportion of the people.
Probably nowhere in the
world, not even in England. is
there "A purer strain of Anglo
SaXons than on the Maryland
Peninsula. Removed from the
lines of through travel, the tide
of European immigration has
passed by and settled else
where. and consequently there
is but little mixture of blood.
The original settlers came al
most exclusively from England.
excepting. of course. those who
came from Africa. and their
descendants are of the same
English blood. They are noble
race of men. combining many
admirable qualities. Before the
days of railroads tine Eastern
Shoremcn came To Baltimore bv
water. When railroads were
built the intcrposition of the
bay worked To the disadvant-
age of Baltimore, and many of
the railroads were manipulated
50 as TO have Philadelphia for
the objective point This is
an unnatural diversion, as all
the sympathies of the people
are common and they have
common interests. 1t should be
the policy of the business men
of Baltimore To promote trade,
as we'll rs social. relations with
this portion of our common
State, and wherever an oppor-
tunity occurs TO direct the rail
road to his city.-Baito SIN.
Elizabeth. y. J.. Oct. 10, 1896.