The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-04-22
AN AUTOMOBILE PASSES BY.
A Glance Back Showing the Progress
1t Marks.
George Stout, in Marion Qnd) News.

George Stout, in Marion Qnd) News.
IAN automobile passed through here yes
terday,' says country reporter for the
News There is q marvel story in that sem
tence. For the oldtimer there is, within the
simple statement of fact, and in the fact
itself, thousand reflections; thousand
less field for thought. IAN automobile
passed through What backward glimpse
arises at the suggestion. Again the early
morning of the West dawns with the sing
ing of birds in the vaulted green above
winding path. Again the pioneer sees the
slow swaying of heavy, horned heads be-
meath straining yoke. The great wheels
jolt and creak on corduroy. and the wall OF
labOred axles is mingled with the plant of
driver whose mind runs far ahead; whose
thoughts hurry with his hopes TO a far
market place.
Chained TO such a vehicle as sought the
shadow of the pyramids when pyramids
were new, keen and anxious energy chafeS
and fumes at forced delay. Here is force
fettered by fate; progress paced by an OK,
strenuous life restrained by circumstances.
Where vines and widespread trees made
noon half dusk; where wood birds teetered
unafraid; where strange, startled animals
crossed and recrOSSed the road pauSing TO
look back in fearful curiosity; where
friends were rarely met; where homes were
miles apart and where the rifle was mans
ready friend, always at hand an automo-
bile to-day glides. easily and swiftly, at
forty miles an hour, bearing its owner TO
business duties many miles away.
Where bride paths twisted among trees:
where the rough log road lodged around
forest monarchs are open. even, smooth
pixies, and fields are on either hand, rolling
back to gentle hills or inclining to fruitful
wales. The cabin, with its outward swing
ing door and its small clearing, has been
many times renewed. The home of progress
is here The dwelling place Of thrift; the
home OF the studious: the temple of the
righteous, mark the land that once knew
only wildness and untamed things The
savage Businesses are become sunny for
tresSeS of peace.
From oxscart TO automobile; from bridle-
path to macadam and asphalt are great
strides, but the world has moved still fur
ther in other lines.
The man who hauled his produce to Gin
cinnati years ago, to-day may telephone
for cars to be set of for him at a nearby
siding, or he may see his crop delivered to
a buyer in an hour. He may talk to city
door. He may send messages under limit
less sweeps OF sea or along unending bands
of steel swaying wire Or he may know
the wondrous truth told by the air, since
man launched thoughts upon IL for trans
lation along the strand of a chance sun
beam TO friends far away.
The wonders OF the century have come
with the making of roads, the schooling of
him who followed the pioneer. Great things
have come of war and mans stress and
human cries for light and beauty and bet
terment. Wonders have grown under the
stimulus OF need
IAN automobile passed through here
words. May he who knows the comfort Of
this day give credit to him who cleared the
way. May he who drives the automatic car
do honor 10 the hardy. fearless one. who.
while he dragged ON weary miles at the
ox's snail-paceI yet oxed his gazs upon the