People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 July 1895 — On to Washington. [ARTICLE]

On to Washington.

The following is an extract from a letter written by Alfred Hopkins, who has by this time reached the national capital on his wheel: Wheeling, W. Va., July 16. Although a tour on a wheel presents a variety of interest and pleasure to the cyclist himself, the narratiou may not be so interesting to readers who can not feel the exhileration of Hying over the smooth pikes and drinking in the beautiful scenery along the way. My trip was begun from Rensselaer June 30, with a cool day for riding but pleasant notwithstanding a light sprinkle, which increased considerably by the time Chalmers was reached. A substantial supper made me forget the recent wetting and a good night’s sleep at Lafayette invigorated me for an early start next day. Monday took trie through Thorn town, Lebanon and safely into Indianapolis not' a bit wearied, having had good roads the entire way. Tuesday and Wednesday were spent iu running through the beautiful parks and shady country roads about the city. The next day was spent in resting and recoving from the pleasant effects of the glorious Fourth. Friday afternoon began my trip again and I passed through the lively little towns of Greenfield and Knightstown, thence to Richmond, a thriving manufacturing city near the state line. A few hours’ run brought me to the little town of Eaton, Ohio, just as the supper bells were tinkling out their cheerful sounds. Eaton is situated on the seven-mile creek near the site of the fort where, during the French an 4 Indian war, General St. Clair held at bay with one hundred stalwart Kentucky riflemen a vastly superior force of the enemy. The ruins now lie demolished and uncared for, but h movement is on foot for the erection of a monument to commemorate the bravery of thfe hardy mountaineers. Mound Hill cemetery, adjoining, contains a mound wherein repose the bones of most of the brave Kentuckians who fell in that unequal contest. The large central mound was a relic of the mound builders, but was utilized later as a burial place for the dead heroes. Dayton, being my next place of interest, greeted me at noon with elegantly paved streets and boulevards. On the summit 6t an eminence is situated the soldiers’ home, a perfect paradise with shady drives, wellgraveled walks and beautiful flower beds. About 5,000 now dwell at the home. I would fain linger here longer, but I now turn my eyes to Columbus, and in a few hours am wending my way through the principal street of the capital. A visit to the state house brings me to the gentleman I am in search of, and the building is inspected £rom cellar to dome. Armed with letters of introduction, I next visit the state penitentiary. The grim edifice seemingly frowns on the inquisitive visitor, resenting his interference, where the strong arm of justice meets out its punishment. We walked to the yard in time to see the 2,200 convicts, with their lock-step, marching to dinner. A very meager fare is spread before them, but they attack it greedily. Visitors have as much attraction for them as they for the visitors. The women’s ward was visited, and as a class they present a more criminal appearance than do their brother convicts. The silence through the various rooms is indeed very wonderful, scarcely a sound being heard with the exception of the guide’s explanations. The various workshops present a scene of restless activity. The “trustys” are seen about the rooms and on the lawn, seemingly free, but yet conspicuous by their striped garb. As we cross the threshold to depart we heave a sigh of relief, and looking back at the frowning towers wonder how much innocence is undergoing punishment, • to some worse than death.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dobbins of White county visited in town part of last week.