Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 November 1877 — A Modern Arcadia. [ARTICLE]

A Modern Arcadia.

The Department of State has received a report on the social and political condition of the Dutch from the Minister of the United States to the Hague. As an illustration of the carefulness and steadiness of the Dutch, the Minister says that there has not been a bank failure, in Holland during the last forty years, and that the paper money of the banks during that time has been equal to gold. In regard to fire-insurance companies there is no such thing as a failure on record, and, while the rate of insurance does not average more than onehalf of 1 per cent., the companies are m the most flourishing condition, realizing 12 to 16 per cent, per annum. Firstclass railroad travel is only 1 cent per mile, and yet the roads pay good dividends. Pilfering officials are scarcely ever heard of, and when they shock the nation by turning up they are severely punished and forever disgraced. No free passes are granted, and managers and directors have no power to pass anybody over the roads free; all must pay the public rates. Dishonesty of any kind or failure in business means public dishonor, and utterly bars the dishonest from any future public consideration. Four millions of people live within an area of 20,000 square miles, a fact unprecedented in any other country, and all appear to be happy, prosperous and contented. The secret of this prosperity lies in the fact that all live within their income, and that industry and honesty are principles so firmly established that their violation is looked upon as an outrage on the national characteristics. — Washington Cor. Chicago Tribune.