Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 December 1902 — From Judge Thompson, [ARTICLE]

From Judge Thompson,

Dear Journal—Our tour began in the ides of December with a run on time to the Star City. The Wabasn flyer due to leave at 1:32 p. m. was four hours late. As we desired to ride in day light we became guests at the Lahr until the morning train, which started also nearly three hours late. This was our first ride to St. Louis over this line and we found the landscape full of interest. The corn belt prevailed from Lafayette to Decatur, when the green fields of wheat were much in evidence, thence until dusk at East St. Louis. The bridge across the Father of Waters beiug a trust, our train like all others, had to wait our turn and pay toll. The Goulds own the bridge and unless there are other bridges made the coming world’s fair will be greatly handicapped. As we strike the Missouri side we go under ground below the main part of the city to the Union depot. This tunnel is double tracked and so far no accidents have resulted. We are at the Southern, a full block hotel bounded by 4th, Broadway, Elm and Walnut streets and in the heart of the Mound City. The contrast, in push and irush, with Chicago gives St. Louis a slow place. We took a street car to the world’s fair site about six miles west by a little north. The surface is level and many of the buildings are under process ot construction. The big tob' cco dealer, Oatlin, owns all along th« north side of the grounds and has constructed a boulevard and is letting places for amusement and side shows, refusing to pay tribute to the management. An appeal to the legislature will be made to make it a crime to allow the venuing of goods or to have side shows within one-half mile of fairs. The coming celebration of the Oentenial of the Louisiana purchase will probably be the last world’s fair in this country for many years. It will be a great show and well worthy of patronage. The southern 'states of America, whether in the Union or independent, will be well represented. Our next point of observation will be on the way to Little Rock. While it is a part of a good education to travel and see different places there is no place for comfort like home. 8. P. Thompson. St. Louis, December 19, 1902.