Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1902-09-25
New Paynesville, Mimi, Sept. 81, 1902.

am successful / may write again.
w. G. Turner.
New Paynesyille, Mimi, Sept. 81, 1902.
Life at the Nations Capital.
Editor Reporter and Farmer:
AS I see in a late issue of your non
religious and non -sectarian family news
paper of Day county that your reporter
has left your sanctum, having a little
leisure, it occurred to me that some news
from the National Capital city would
be of interest 20 your many readers.
l have been here now nearly two
months and have had, more than any
thing else, time to take in the city in
general. 1t certainly is a beautiful
place. The many public parks, con
tanning II or more statues erected in
honor of some great mali either soldier,
historian or inyenter-with the gushing
fountain of water, and all colors of
flowers blooming in the fountains and
parks; the green laws interviewer with
numerous designs of flower beds, look
like an oriental rug.
The city has a population of $50, 600,
of which 10000 are negroes. There are
about $4,000 government employees, who
all receive what / call a very good sal
airy; but only about one-half save a dol
lar, it's all spent in living and dress.
And do you know, this disease is catch
ing? Cne can't live here long before
he begins to realize it. Being i'll daily
contact n can soon see how Washing
~tonians live and dress, and if you desire
to be one of them go and do likewise, or
take to the woods or prairies. l think
this is perfectly proper for this place, as
it is visited by dignitaries of every rank
from all nations of the world, and |
have little fear Of criticism of the city
or its people.
Every day of the year / wish it were
possible for every man and woman over
the age of fifteen years to pay a visit to
the national capital if only for a week;
| know the knowledge gained and the
impression made would make them bet
ter and more patriotic citizens Of u
government. The most modern build
ings are being erected now, and wooden
structures can III longer be built in the
city limits, and none higher than the
street is wide. Business blocks and
Office buildings now erected are steel
frame, white stone or brick, tile floors,
as near fire-proof as can be made. Resi-
dences and flats are red, white or cream
pressed brick. All streets are asphalt
with large shade trees ON each side. No
electric light or telephone poles mar the
streets-all wires under ground-as well
the street car lines. The Beaudipist
car system has been adopted here, with
some improvements. This is the home
of automobiles aud bicycles.
Great preparations are being made
for this years encampment of G. A. r.
They expect to give the ''old vets" the
best send-of they ever had, as it will no
doubt be the last chance for many to
see the national capital and some of the
battlefields they fought over, it being
only a few hours ride to many of them,
as Bull Run, Harper's Ferry, Winches-
ter, Hagerstown, Antietum and Gettys-
burg. Several hundred thousand G.. A.
r. men are registered already, to say
nothing Of the large number outside of
that body who will take advantage of
this, and l would advise all those to try
and secure quarters before reaching
here as it will be a rush and crush at
best. Let every one come prepared to
pay broad guage prices for all they get
as Washington has not the reputation
of being a cheap town.
Iexiect to be home during October
and to vote for the rev court house
bonds as this amount would not begin
to pay the loss in case of fire, and in
fact money could not replace some
records that would be lost usually in
such cases.
The weather here could not be better
if had the managing of it myself.
Never felt better in my life than I do
at present.
Hoping to see you all soon again, /
am Yours most respectfully,
l.. G. Ochsenreiter.