Part 4 (1/2)
For some years, attention has been attracted to the Great Central Coal Field of Illinois, the north eastern rim of which underlies the cities of Peru and La Salle. From the earliest settlement of the country the outcrops have been resorted to for fuel. More and more extensive explorations and excavations have, from time to time, been made, excited by the foresight, sagacity and scientific deductions of the pioneer of that interest, Dixwell Lathrop, Esq. In 1855, a thorough examination was made by J. G. Norwood, State Geologist, which demonstrated the existence of three veins or strata, underlying an area of about 500 square miles.
These veins vary in thickness, from three and a half to seven feet, the central being the thickest, but the value of the coal increasing with the descent. The existence of another strata, still lower and still better, is presumed, as the alluvial formation, or coal measures, has not yet been pa.s.sed by boring. A comparison of the a.n.a.lysis of these coals with those of the best Pennsylvania and Ohio bituminous, demonstrated that an open market could be successfully entered in compet.i.tion. Immediately afterwards, operations in mining were commenced on a more extensive scale and more scientific principles.
Several shafts were sunk and powerful and improved machinery employed.
These shafts were sunk in and near La Salle, with one exception, which was in the westerly part of Peru, immediately on the river bank, and on the track of the Chicago and Rock Island Rail Road. The structures, excavations, machinery and outfits of the company operating this shaft are of the most perfect and approved kind. Their facilities for raising are equal to three hundred tons per day. They are working the lower, or best vein--four and a-half feet thick--exclusively, which they have reached at probably its greatest depression, three hundred and forty-six feet below the surface. a.n.a.lysis and tests, made at many gas works and manufactories, are conclusive in establis.h.i.+ng the fact, that NO COAL HAS YET BEEN RAISED, WEST OF OHIO AND NORTH OF THE OHIO RIVER, WHICH IS EQUAL TO THE COAL FROM THIS SHAFT, FOR THE AMOUNT OF STEAM IT WILL GENERATE, AND FOR ITS FREEDOM FROM SULPHUR AND TENDENCY TO CLINKER. What is true of this shaft is true, in a degree, of the coal from the same vein from the shafts at La Salle, the difference being due no doubt to its greater depression.
The importance of this coal field to the interests of Peru and La Salle can scarcely be over estimated. When it is recollected that this is the extreme northern edge of the Illinois coal fields; that the country all north, to the forrest's of northern Wisconsin, is but spa.r.s.ely supplied with timber, and that growing ”small by degrees and beautifully less;”
that this country is already interlaced with Railroads, all having a connexion With the Illinois Central, upon which the coal can be ”dumped”
directly from the mines; that the iron mines of northern Wisconsin are within easy and accessible distance; and that the locality itself possesses extraordinary advantages for manufacturing; its importance can be partially comprehended.
One word as to the advantages for manufacturing. One of the most considerable of these is the cheapness, excellency and unlimited supply of fuel. To this must be added the acknowledged healthiness of the locality and salubrity of climate; and the facilities for drawing supplies and distributing manufactures, by river, ca.n.a.l and rail road, which diverge in every direction, and penetrate a country which, for hundreds of miles, has a greater capacity for production, and consequently for sustaining population, than any other country of the same extent on the surface of the Globe. Laborers, mechanics and artisans can purchase the same degree of comfort here as in Chicago or other commercial and crowded centers, where of necessity rents and provisions must be high, for one third less price. This, it will be perceived, is a very important element to be taken into account. It would seem as if these advantages, combined with other and important ones not enumerated, would soon become so convincing, as to make resistance to the establishment of manufactories much longer impossible.
The present debt of the City of Peru is as follows:
Chicago and Rock Island Rail Road bonds, 40,000 Market House bonds, 12,600 Current expense bonds of 1855, 5,000 Interest bonds voted for in June, 5,000 Outstanding Scrip (about,) 1,000 ------- Total. $63,600
There is enough uncollected, (or in the officers hands) revenue of the year 1857, which is reliable, to pay all outstanding scrip. The revenue of last year, from all sources, was $8,582,34. The whole amount of taxable property, real and personal, as appears, by the a.s.sessment roll, was $1,752,306. It will be seen that the financial condition of the city is by no means desperate. When the rail road shall pay its dividends regularly, if the issue of no more bonds be authorized, and prudence and economy are observed in expenditures, no difficulty will be experienced in meeting all engagements, and gradually reducing the debt.
On reviewing the census and other statistics, connected with the growth and present and prospective condition of the city, there will be found no cause for despondency and discouragement, but much for congratulation and hope. It is true that no such rapid increase of population has taken place as was antic.i.p.ated, or as has been the case in some other western towns. But there has been no decrease, even temporary. On the contrary, there has been a steady and gradual increase in population, business and wealth, from the recommencement of the work of building the ca.n.a.l in 1843, to the present time. That this increase has been no more rapid, may be accounted for, partially by the influence which the sudden and nearly simultaneous construction of such a net work of rail roads as covers Illinois, exerts upon all interior towns. There are here no mountain barriers to obstruct the construction of a rail road in any direction. With the exception of the Central, they all cross the State from east to west, connecting the Lakes with the Mississippi, and run without much reference to the location of existing towns. The consequence has been, that nearly all the towns upon the river have had their trade temporarily diverted, to a greater or lesser extent; and ”prairie towns” have started up, to compete for the trade, at almost every station. These have enjoyed an ephemeral advantage, from their supposed superior healthiness. That this is a mistake, the mortality of Peru, as exhibited by the census table, for one year, 1857,--which is a fair average of every year except those when the cholera prevailed--abundantly shows. That these towns, while they have in no instance wholly stopped the increase of those on the river, but only divided their natural accessions, will shortly react upon their older sisters, and, in their turn, contributed to their advancement and prosperity, is inevitable. This is already manifest in the relation which Peru now occupies in reference to Amboy, Sublette, Mendota, Arlington, Tonica, Wenona, and other towns on the Central, Chicago and Burlington, and Rock Island Rail Roads, none of which had an existence before the roads were projected. That this is, and must continue to be the case, is obvious from the fact, that while she has all the advantages of rail roads which any of them possess, she has in addition the superior facilities which the river and ca.n.a.l afford. That considerable accessions to her population have taken place the present season is proved by the fact, that only fifteen tenements, little and big, are vacant, while over fifty have been erected.--The foreign element in the population, it will be perceived, is quite large. This is the case with all western towns. If, from the number set down in the census tables as ”born in the United States,” be subtracted the number ”born of foreign parents and counted as Americans,” there will be left only nine hundred and seventy-two who are Americans by birth and ancestry. But the amalgamation of interest and feeling is so complete, that society moves harmoniously, and the subject of nationality is but little thought of.
It is believed that the mortality, as exhibited by the census table, is unparalleled. It is about one and one third per cent. of the population.
This result has been obtained by enquiry in every family and can be relied on as nearly correct. It includes infants and adults, and those who have died by casualty, as well as by disease. It is true that we have not as large a proportion of old persons, whose lives are terminating in their natural order, as in older communities, but it is also true that we have a larger proportion of newly arrived emigrants, whose health is influenced by the fatigue and exposure of protracted voyages and journeys, and by a change of climate and habits. By a comparison with other towns and cities, and with the entire country, it will be perceived that the aggregate mortality is remarkably low. In Boston, according to the report of the Sanitary Commission, for a period of nine years, the average annual mortality was 2,53 per cent; in New York, according to the annual report of the City Inspector in 1853, it was 4,4 per cent; in Philadelphia, according to the report of the Board of Health in 1850, it was 2,29 per cent; in Baltimore, according to the report of the Board of Health in 1850, it was 2,7 per cent; in Charleston, according to the report of the Board of Health in 1850, it was 1,99 per cent; and in the United States in 1850, according to the census tables, it was 1,39. So it will be seen, that the mortality is less, if the year selected be an average one, than it is in either of the above cities, or in the entire country. This comparison, it is honestly believed, presents a fair index to the sanitary condition of the city.
Prominent among the objects which challenge the early and prompt attention of the citizens of Peru, is the subject of a bridge across the river, and a road across the bottom to the bluff, upon which pa.s.sing shall at all times be practicable. The trade from the north and west which formerly centered here, has been cut off, to a great extent, by the Central, and Chicago and Burlington roads. The most valuable trade which remains is that from the south side of the river. This is sometimes interrupted for months together, as has been the case the present season, leaving merchants to look despondingly upon their crowded shelves, and mechanics to stand idle in their shops. (Most likely they console themselves at Kaiser's--but this is not to be printed.) What means shall be adopted for the accomplishment of this object, is not the present purpose of the writer to enquire. But that some plan should be devised forthwith--always excepting running into debt--is too apparent to admit of argument. There is every reason to hope that the energy, perseverance and financial skill of the present Mayor, John L. McCormick, Esq., who is the devoted and zealous champion of the work, will triumph over all difficulties.
We have now looked at the past and present. What of the future? Will the magnificent pretensions of the ”Head of Navigation” dwindle into thin air? Will the metropolitan airs which she a.s.sumed and flaunted before the eyes of envious rivals degenerate into the abject cringing of the vanquished and crest fallen braggart? Will the notes of arrogance and defiance which rung out upon the tympanum of an admiring world subside into the moanings and mutterings of imbecility and dotage? Will the hum of trade and industry be hushed in her streets, and be superceded by the fluttering of bats and the hootings of owls? Or will she decline into a quiet suburban appendage of her more fortunate and energetic rival? Or will both places languish in premature decay, while neighboring towns stride onwards in their march to greatness? Will the manufacture of inordinate quant.i.ties of gas continue to be necessary to remind the world of their existence? These are questions that must be answered by their own citizens. Certain it is, that if they properly appreciate and energetically grasp the advantages which nature, and a rare combination of external circ.u.mstances have placed within their reach, it will be a long time before the antiquarian will have to grope through superinc.u.mbent acc.u.mulations for evidence of their previous existence.
Not merely by the exchange and trans.h.i.+pment of merchandise; not merely by hotels, lager beer saloons, banking and exchange offices, and houses and places of refreshment and amus.e.m.e.nt, although they may be all prefixed with the word ”city,” can the destiny which is their inheritance and birthright be obtained. An intelligent and productive aggregation of bones, sinews and brains must be domesticated upon the spot, whose presence and influence will react, with beneficent results, upon each and every laudable interest and enterprise. No folly or madness can be more extreme, than that of those who think they can sit down with folded arms, and realize dreams of fortunes to be made through enhanced corner lots.
We have glanced at the material and political commencement, progress and prospects of Peru. Let us look at the moral and intellectual phases of her existence.
Among her early settlers were many families of high culture, refinement, social condition, and moral standing. Of these were the families of George B. Martin, H. L. Kinney, S. Lisle Smith, D. J. Townsend, Wm. H.
Davis, Fletcher Webster, George W. Holley, Lucius Pearl, H. P.
Woodworth, W. B. Burnett, Gen. Ransom &c. Seldom has a new, obscure, western settlement, whose inhabitants were thrown together by chance, gathered so brilliant specimens of eastern intelligence and civilization. There was an under strata, however, which by no means tends to brighten the reminiscence. The idlers, adventurers and vagabonds, who follow public works in new countries, and who congregate at the termination of navigation, made a rendezvous here. Peru, as ought to have been mentioned before, is broken by a precipitous bluff nearly an hundred and fifty feet high. On a narrow strip between this and the river is a single street, upon which most of the stores, warehouses and shops are situated, in the rear of which runs the rail road.--Most of the dwellings are on the bluff, upon a plane inclining towards the river and somewhat broken with ravines. Formerly, as now, the street under the bluff was generally avoided as a residence by the more orderly and quiet citizens. This became the rendezvous of all the congregated rowdies and ruffians. In the night it was almost entirely given up to them. Orgies and revelry were always in order. As this part of the town was, and has continued to be the most visited by strangers, the steamboats landing in front then, and the rail road running through the rear now, the fame of its doings soon spread throughout all the land. The reputation, thus acquired, clung to it; and while no place has had a larger proportion of quiet, orderly, intelligent and refined citizens, no place has had a more unenviable reputation, unless it be the sister town of La Salle. So true is it that the fame of bad deeds travels further and faster than good ones, the writer, when abroad, on informing a stranger that he was from Peru, has observed that stranger involuntarily b.u.t.ton up his pockets and move out of the neighborhood. What reason exists for this feeling may be seen from the fact, that during the whole period of the town's history, no riots; no fights, resulting in death or severe bodily injury with one exception, and that among a party none of which ever lived in the town; no robbery; and but few cases of burglary or larceny have occurred. No night police has ever been found necessary except at brief and distant periods.--Schools and churches have received constant attention and liberal encouragement. If the order and external sanct.i.ty of an interior New England town do not prevail, the difference in our circ.u.mstances, situation and history must be recollected; and that these are not the tests of morality all over the world.
Few among the citizens have yet found leisure to devote themselves to intellectual pursuits, yet it is believed that the clergymen, lawyers, doctors, merchants &c., have exhibited ability and attainments equal to those of their cla.s.s in other localities.
CHAPTER XI.
Western Towns--Surrounding Country--Scene as viewed from the Chamber's House--Salubrity of the Climate--Water--Soil-- Markets--Roads--Hogs and Cattle--Dairies--Sheep--Gra.s.s fatted meat--Horses--Choice of Markets--Scarcity of Timber-- Morals and Society--Former difficulties of the Emigrant-- Present Condition.
What ambitious communities these western towns are, to be sure! How they do chirp when they once get their bills through the sh.e.l.l, and while the greater portion yet adheres to their backs! What laughable contortions they make in their efforts to crow, strut and clap their wings! Eastern people must understand that there are no villages in the West. Every aggregation of a half dozen houses, a blacksmith shop and tavern is a city, and their name is Legion. A meeting house and school house--so necessary in the East to const.i.tute a village--are not necessary appendages of a city in the West. Clapboard sh.e.l.ls, with their gables to the street, embellished with square battlements to the ridge, are emblazoned with ”City Drug Store,” ”City Saloon,” ”City Hard Ware Store,” &c. There are ”first cla.s.s hotels,” too, between which and the rail road depot, gorgeous omnibuses run. When the cars stop, what a din the runners set up of ”Metropolitan Hotel,” ”St. Nicholas,” ”Reviere House,” ”St. Charles,” &c. Wo, to the unlucky traveler who falls into their clutches. He will find when he comes to settle his bill, that in respect to charges, they are determined to do no discredit to their sea board prototypes.
Here and there, one of these clapboards ”cities” emerge into one of brick and stone. Then three, four and five story structures rise like an exhalation. Enormous turrets, bay windows, lofty ceilings, gold and vermillion, marble, iron and gewgaws, without end, without order, without taste, and without regard to adaptability, business or convenience meet the eye on every side. Plate gla.s.s windows disclose a profusion of costly and variegated wares and merchandise, and enormous mirrors entice unsophisticated rustics down endless avenues. Turning your eye upwards along these aspiring structures, you behold broken windows and other evidences of dilapidation, denoting the utter uselessness of these lofty creations; and your amazement is no way lessened when you learn, that from twelve to twenty per cent. interest is paid for the money to erect them, secured by trust deeds upon the building itself, upon ”out lots,” and upon broad acres of ”wild lands.”
Then what palatial residences are reared in the suburbs! Palaces, cottages, temples, pavilions, paG.o.das and mosques adorn valley and hill top. Domes, steeples, spires, turrets and minarets, gleam in the sun light, peer out of clumps of foliage, and struggle upwards at every unexpected point. Porticos, verandas, observatories, pillars, are here, there, everywhere, in endless profusion.--Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite, Gothic and Yankee architecture are every where attempted, sometimes several of them on the same building, and sometimes all jumbled together.--Around them are close shaven lawns, graveled walks, arbors, climbing vines, summer houses, green houses, and flower plats, all under the care of one, two, three or more Patricks. Within, frescos and gilding, paint and upholstery, marble and porcelain, rose wood and mahogany vie, in their power to please, with magnificent toilets and languid ladies. Carriages, drawn by thousand dollar bays, groomed by blue coated Hibernians, flash upon the vision like the gleam of a meteor. But alas, for the inevitable revulsion! Down on the ”business street,” in front of premises where deposits are received and ten or fifteen per cent. interest allowed thereon, and exchange is sold on all eastern and European cities, a motley crowd of anxious and excited people--merchants, farmers, mechanics, seamstresses, laundresses, draymen, and laborers--are a.s.sembled. What brings them there? Why, Messrs. Dash & Splurge have ”suspended”--that's all.