New Hampshire Statesman And Concord Register

FROM THE CONNECTICUT HERALD,

PROGRESS OF IMPROVEMENT IN THE

In the winter of 1802, that part of the territorial government north-west of the Ohio river, was, by act of Congress, admitted as a State into the American Union. Her population was then 44,700, and such and so rapid has been the increase, that she can now number at least 765,000 inhabitants-which is more than double the present population of the State of Connecticut. At the time of their admission they had no school houses, academies or colleges: but now most of the organized townships are divided into school districts, with good school houses, and some of them elegant brick buildings; now their academies are very numerous, and many of them well supported: and now they have nearly as many colleges and universities as any one of the United States, which promise to be as interesting as any of our literary institutions in New-England. When thus admitted, there was not a good road in the State, and no taverns to accommodate even those who went out in search of lands; but now they have many excellent roads, bridges, and public houses, some of which roads are turnpikes, and others free; now, on many of their roads, the mail is transported in handsome post coaches, daily, each way-so that no traveller can justly complain of his fare.

At that time there were no villages or towns, no manufactories, no meeting houses or churches, and no commercial business transacted. Now, handsome and well built towns and villages are found in all the settled parts of the State--indeed, it is doubtful whether there is a handsomer city, of its size, in the United States, than Cincinnati; manufactories of all kinds are also established in all parts of the State, and their meeting houses and churches, both of wood and brick, are many of them so spacious and well built, that they would do credit to any of the Atlantic States, and their commercial business has kept pace with all their other improvements. Then the whole State was literally a wilderness, serving only as a range for wild beasts; now, to a great extent, it has become a fine, luxuriant, and cultivated country, so much so, that the assessment for the year 1825, amounted, at one-third of the real value of property, to $58,924,770, for the purpose of taxation.

Instead of the blanketed aborigines, who then scoured the forests in pursuit of game, we now see youth and beauty, in the sons and daughters of wealthy and industrious farmers, who cultivate the lands, and richly enjoy the fruits of their labors.

In the 24th year of her age, we see Ohio constructing a Canal, the cost of which will amount to about $8,000,000, and at the same time making great appropriations out of the State Treasury, for the improvement of her roads, and also for her schools and colleges.

What other State or country has ever improved like Ohio;-what other country of her age, ever possessed her ability to do such things? This year she can export more than 500,000 barrels of pork, and 300,000 barrels of flour, to say nothing of her neat cattle and horses sold out of the State, with her other articles of export.

When did a parallel exist, and where can it be found?-yesterday a wilderness, and to-day a thick settled, well cultivated, and independent State; yes, in a free white population, the third State in the Union!

In 1802, the public worship of God in Ohio was a rare occurrence; but now, more than one thousand buildings have been erected, which are filled with worshippers on each succeeding Lord's Day, and within which prayers are habitually offered to the Great Creator; yes, a territory five times as large as Connecticut, which was then only a scene of savage hunting and war dances, on the Sabbath, is now inhabited by civilized men, where the praises of our God go forth as incense from many a pious soul.

How vast the change!

Great improvements have doubtless been made in all the other western States and Territories, within the same period, though in all probability, less than in Ohio. The laws of this State, prohibiting travelling, amusements, and every kind of labor, on Lord's day, are rigid and severe; her encouragements to literary pursuits are highly commendable; and her general code of statutes is wise, salutary and judicious.

Her destiny is high and honorable. P. A.