The Spirit Of Democracy

LETTER FROM MISSOURI,
Warrensburg, Johnson Co., Mo.,
Dec. 16, 1871.

Messrs. Editors: Enclosed please find $2.00, and keep sending the "Spirit," as it is a very good exponent of "Old Monroe," in fact of Eastern Ohio.

I love to read the news from my old home, although I have left it nearly four years ago. And as your paper gives the Eastern Markets it gives me a good chance to compare and profit thereby.

Warrensburg is improving rapidly; we secured the second District State Normal School, which is now building at a cost of $200,000: three stories are up and two to go on top yet, besides that there is two other school houses already built at a cost of over $20,000 for both, and as the town has 5,000 inhabitants those two school houses don't suffice, they have to rent yet.

The Missouri Pacific runs through the town, and another R. R. Northward being constructed. As to churches there is no scarcity, four were built this season at an aggregate cost of $18,000, and there is four or five others, there being nine denominations in town with good congregations able clergy, fine music, vocal and instrumental.

The City fathers are very strict, the police force efficient, consequence, a very peaceful town. The professions and trades are fully represented, goods of all descriptions are offered for sale, some manufacturing is going on. The innocent porkers are being driven to town by thousands, to be slaughtered and packed, epicures that love ribs and back-bones could thrive here, as the town people have given out on those delicacies.

Uncle Philip Gross manufactures a prime article of the teutonic beverage for home use and shipment. There is three steam flouring mills, foundry, machine shop, wool weaving factory, three banks, two big hotels in successful operation, also a laundry, so there is no excuse for a dirty shirt hereabouts, though it be the wearer's only one, as the aforesaid laundry is provided with a side room, and will wash and iron shirt in ten minutes. (Don't you think that a good chance for editors?)

By the way we have three papers issued in this place, the weekly Gratz Brown, or Liberal Republican gets the County printing. As to politics, Grant is not in favor about here, and the feeling seems to prevail to let party go, and save country from one, that might use the prefix: By the Grace of God."

Capt. Neil lives 3 miles Southeast of town, and I live 2 miles North, and I often see him in town; he and his son-in-law are the only Monroe County people about Warrensburg. Of the societies we have two Masonic and one Odd Fellow lodges. Turners, Temperance Literary and Christian Societies, brass and string bands, dancing school &c.

Taste, fashion and intelligence flourish; as there is wealth here to support them, the ladies, of course, monopolize fashion to a great extent. Our Post Master to be in fashion, tried to shoot himself, but failed, only a flesh wound on back of head.

J. D. STAUVER.