Quasqueton Guardian

INDEPENDENCE ITEMS.

Independence, March 8, 1858

Mr. Editor;--Since I wrote you last, Time, in its ever onward march has inaugurated the first Spring month of 1858. For a few days in February old Winter, as if regretful of its mild and benignant aspect previously, seemed to make an effort to rally its forces, and gave us a "spell," which in comparison with the whole, was worthy of its relentless power. The "weather prophets," of which our village in common with all others, has its share, bid us beware of March, with its cheerless sky, and raw, cold winds, which they expected would make up for any deficiency in the winter.-- But the long-looked-for, dreaded March has arrived, and although its advent was rather "lionish," and attended with a considerable fall of snow, yet the weather has not been unusually severe. At the present writing, quite a respectable thaw is progressing, and the sky is clear and beautiful.

The times are yet hard enough, though there are some signs of a change visible. A pleasing fact to be noticed in this connection, is a sale of land which took place in town last week, by which the happy vendor was gratified by the sound of the "chink," to the tune of $1150. Another evidence of coming prosperity is the extensive preparations which are going on for the erection of buildings during the warm season. As an indication that public enterprise is yet active and vigorous, I may mention that the Methodist Society have recently completed an extensive addition to their Church, a thing which was rendered necessary by the rapid increase of the congregation, which has been going on since the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Poor commenced.

An extensive robbery, for these times occurred here one day last week, the amount stolen being about $75. One Nassar, who had been hanging around town for several weeks, with no ostensible business relations, made a descent upon the brewery (which he had probably well patronized during his stay), and very kindly relieved the proprietor, an honest German, of pretty much all his loose change. The strangest part of it is that the fellow should be allowed to escape, though several men were immediately put on his track.

Next week will occur the Spring term of our District Court. The docket is said to be heavy with causes of various kinds, and with the advent of parties, witnesses and jurors, business for the time will be lively. One or two important criminal cases are to be tried and many new indictments will be preferred. The new Court House is so far completed that it will be used for holding the Court in. This will be a great improvement both in appearance and substance.

MONCRIEF.