Rensselaer Union, Volume 2, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1870 — A Summer Bide. [ARTICLE]

A Summer Bide.

Last Friday morning, accepting the pleasant invitation of Mr. S. I’. Thompson, who, hy-thc-way, is one of those large-hearted philanthropists that always look upon the bright side of humanity, excusing its imperfections, dwelling upon its beauties—ready to attribute the best intention to every act—always in pleasant humor and striving to make everyone feel happy—we took a seat beside him in his buggy for a drive to the hamlet of Brook in Newton comity, some twelve miles away to the west of Rensselaer. — The day was fair, and refreshing breezes fanned the air to comfortable coolness. As we drove leisurely along, there was ample time for conversation and the various objects which met the eye afforded constant themes that were duly canvassed. The gently undulating prairie yet unbroken for cultivation, was clothed in a mantle of emerald lustre thickly spangled with wild rose blossoms as delicate as the hue of country maiden's cheek, with blood brilliant phloxes, bright lemon-col-ored primroses, large patches of great black-eyed goldenpetaled obelisearias and a profusion of the many colored flowers indigenous to the soil, season and latitude. Skirting the road with fringes several rods in breadth the snowy bloom of trefoil, or clover, was scattered along the entire distance, affording sweet pasture for cattle, horses, sheep and industrious bees. In cultivated fields were promising crops of growing corn, oats, rve and wheat. The orchard trees were bending beneath loads of ap-ples-aml peaches. Intelligent farmers and docile horses were busy cultivating the waving corn, and in at the open doors of snug prairie homes we caught glimpses of patient wives absorbed with household cares, while about, them played pretty, happy children.

Now we conic upon a party, who, with shovels, plows and scrapers, are making repairs upon the public road. Here we pass the open doors and windows of a cheerless county school house, built seemingly in the dreariest spot that could be found, without shrub, or tree, or bush to break the fury of winds in winter or east a cooling shade in summer, and see within the demure visage of a girlish teacher and the rogueish faces of, it may be, embryo statesmen, generals, rulers or authoresses—infant minds, which, when ours shall have tired in the active duties of life, are to succeed them and perhaps excel. There stands the living monument of a far seeing intelligence and a thick set grove of ash and walnut trees surrounded by a luxuriant hedge row of Osage orange murks the provident care of a thinking mind and relieves, with its oasis \of shade, an otherwise too monoton-ouslandscape-of light. In the distance we sec a solitary dark colored object standing upon a gentle eminence of the prairie and breaking the regular outline of the horizon which our companion says is the court house of Beaver City. A court house without a judge or jurt, a city without an inhabitant! yet its name is a terror to the present county seat, and its desolation a shrine around which centers the sympathies’of more than half the people of the county. Nearly the geographical center of Newton, located in the midst of the very best of her farming lands, the finger of Fate points to it as the future-scat

of government just as truly as points the needle to its -attraction in tho North. Arriving in the vitinjly of our destination we were invlfed by an acquaintance of our friend to lake dinner which we were glad to accept. The table was spread with a bountiful supply of substantial well cook«‘d food mid we are fully that our host ami liis good wifelmd satisfactory evidence I that we could appreciate good victuals. Going up into town we found a large (assemblage of intelligent men grouped about the streets in knots of two, three, and more, earnestly discussing the object which had brought them together—the nomination of a republican county ' ticket and selection of delegates to the Hcvcral district conventions, as well as the qualifications of the several candidates from whom thpy were to select.

Their convention was organized with the usual formula and alTliough there appeared to be quite a conflict of local interests the moving spirits were careful in all their intercourse to avoid everything that would be likely to give offense and succeeded in maintaining harmony, and so fur as a stranger could sec, the whole proceedings were conducted fairly and gave satisfaction. We were told by’ both republicans and democrats that the ticket nominated was a strong one, well selcctca with reference to local interests, and, as all the candidates before the convention openly pledged themselves to abide by its decisions, there can not be a doubt of its triumph in the fall. The delegation to the Reynolds convention was instructed to cast the vote of Newton eounty for Wm. 11. Martin, (our Billy) for representative. Mr. Martin had for his competitors Dr. S. N. Caldwell and Dr. Maxwell both men of large experience, sound judgment and unquestioned ability, either of whom would ably perform the duties of that position. Without doubt our young friend is flattered by the compliment, but his good sense, together with the fact that he was successful by a majority only, will enable him to avoid all unmanly appearances of pride. After the delegates to the con"■ressional convention had been sclected an attempt was made to instruct them to cast tire vote of the county for Gen. Packard, but we were pleased to sec wiser counsels prevail and the resolution was very properlyvtabled. The vote of Newton county will be divided. We met at the convention Messrs. Conner, of the Kentland Gazette, and Spottsvvood, of the Democrat, and were pleased with their affable 7 and courteous bearing. We hope to have a more intimate acquaintanc e. : 22. Homeward bound! As the setting sun cast lengthening shadows from hill and tree, industrious fanners returned from their work in the planted fields were whistling among their evening chores, bright-eyed girls and boys were romping by the roadside, pouring upon the air the music of their laughter, heavily loaded bees passed murmuring to their hives, through an atmospere laden with the perfume of a thousand flowers and the birds added to the melody their notes of liquid happiness, our companion caught the infection of the hour and made the air resound with dulcet strains which burst, like a torrent, from their pent up fountain until the sylvan nymphs of far-off groves sent back an echoing chorus.

St. Joseph, Pulaski and Starke counties have instructed for General Packard for congress; "White county has instructed for Sir. Wolcott; Laporte and Porter send no delegates, but go en masse about equally divided for Packard and Cathcart; Marshall, Newton and Jasper send their delegates uninstructed — having confidence that they will do that which sccmS for the best interest of the party; we have no word from Lake and Fulton, but the former will probably send a mass delegation divided on the three men. It will be seen that at least two, and probably three, of the larger counties have disregarded the arrangement of the committee in appointing a delegate convention.— This action is no better than bolting, is a great unfairness towards the smaller and more remote counties, is intended to over-awe and distract the deliberations of the convention, gives serious cause for dissatisfaction and should be condemned by all honest men who act in good faith and desiro the peace and harmony of the parly and the triumph of its principles.

The republicans of Newton cornu ty have instructed for Wm. 11. Martin, of Kentland, for reprfttentative in the State legislature from tiie counties of Pulaski, Jasper and Newton. Mr. .Martin'is a young lawyer of promise, well known—at k-tist in this and his ow,n county—ami we think will prove an acceptable representative. There is scarcely a doubt of his nomination ami election.