The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

©ft WEDNESDAY, JUNK 20th, isn. jr. VAN SLYKE, Editor. DANGER FKOMT FIRE-CTTACKKRS. Among th« whiz, bang, isoise, and datUr ®f S.-c ^rackcrs zr. the Fourth of July, few people take time to consider how much they have to pay for this kind of spread-eagle patriotism. But this matter hay been thought about and the Natloual Board of Fire Underwri­ ters have given to the commnnitr some facts in relation to it of startling force and pertinency. All the fire-crackers imported into the Uniteds States in twelve years, and on which duty has been collected only reached a valuation •f#l, 509,000. In contrast to this is set the fact that the loss by two flres occa­ sioned by the explosion of these dan­ gerous playthings amounted to over $15,000,000. The insurance companies paid for fires on the |th of July, 1876^ occasioned by fire-crackers, $154,574, while in that whole year but $1G6,095 worth of crackers were imported into the United States. Another noticeable fact is that for every dollar's worth of crackers imported, a direct loss of one hundred dollars has been occasioned. Now upon the strength and potency of these facts and figures, the Board of Fire Underwriters ask the authorities of all cities RIM? villages to legislate in such a way as to diminish the danger on the national holiday from flre-craek- ert. It is a matter of prime conse­ quence to property holders. A pow­ der contrivaucc. in the hands of a thoughtless, heedless boy, may kindle a conflagration that will' consume a million dollars' worth of property, and sacrifice more than one human life. Such occurrences are unfortunately not few or rare. They are recorded after each recurring 4th of July. In many places there are ordinances regulating the use of lire-crackers on the national holiday. These annually decorate blank walls and are aired in the papers. But annually they are disregarded, and cities and villages blaze with fireworks tinder the very feet of the officers. There is time enough between now and the 4th of July to consider the matter and see "what is going to be done about it." The importance of doing some­ thing is, we think, sufficiently shown bf ihe facts and figui-es above given. LETtEK FROM NEBRASKA. SMITH'S RANCH Furnas County Neb. EDITOR PLAIN DEALER.--Agreeable to request I will address you a few lines suggested by observations on my recent trip from McHenry to this place, situate in the South Western part of the State. I left McHenry on Tuesday morning Hsy 29th, and Chicago on the evening •f the tame day via the C. B. & Q Kail- way for Omaha. Leaying Chicago in, the evening, I had no opportunity of observing the country over which we pass during the uight, which carries us •early across our State. Breakfasted at Burlington Iowa, and proceeded westward across that beautiful State. There, contrary to my expectations, we find the vegetation and crops gener­ ally more backward than in McHenry County, and while our people were complaining of drouth, all the way from the Mississippi to the Missouri Rivers the rainfall has been greatly in excess of the needs of vegetation and to the detriment of Corn planting, much of the ground being yet unplowed, and fields that are plowed being too wet to plant, aud rain falling almost con tin- > uaiiy. Arrived at Omaha, at aL«u£ half piiit Sloven P. M., a little more than twenty four hours from Chicago. There being BO train' for the west until next day, took a Buss for the Grand Central, where we enjoyed a good nights sleep and rest, remaining ^intll Eleven fifty-five next day. Omaha is improv­ ing rapidly; erecting some very fine building*, and may well be proud of her Grand Central Hotel, built at a cost of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars and would be credit to msny a city of greater pretentions. Leaving Omaha * on time (11 55 A. M.) on U. P. Road, up the great valley of the Piatt River found the same evidenceexisting of re­ cent heavy ralris, as in Iowa, with the same results on cern planting. Was told by apasseiigercn the train,living about fifty miles up the valley that they had twenty seven days of rain in the month of May. Corn planting is greatly de­ layed, that planted backward, but small grain is looking very fine all up the valley. The cold and abundant ralus have been every destructive to the spring campaign of the voracious and festive grasshopper?, much to the satisfaction and advantage of the settlers of this section. Iu sections where millions hatched, but few are now alive, aud are really doing no damage in the valley of the Piatt, or elsewhere in this section. What the damage may be lattfriu the season, by the migration pests hatched iu other localities is yet to be deter­ mined. Arrived at Plum Creek at Eleven P. X. and left by btage the next morning (Friday) for the Republican valley and Son's Ranch, arriving at my denti- liation at six o'clock 1». M. Friends all well and everything lovelv here. There has been less rain 'thau on the lower Piatt, but sufficient far the promotion •f the best growth of vegetation. All eprinr crops are looting exceedingly premising. My son has a piace of fif­ teen acres of Barley now heading, tho best and roost premising I ever saw. Grazing is in abundance and Stock looking extra well for the season of the fear. This is really the paradice of the •tock men. The weathtr it beautiful, and I an Fraternally Yours. D. 8. SMITH. AN OLD SETTLER'S ACCOUNT '•i. -OF THE- - 1 Old Settlers' Meeting. ' Heviet9 qf the Events qf the Day.-- ' Meminicencm of Early History of the JFirst Settlers.--Estimated from Five to Seven Thousand Persons Present. The the Grrvundtii the Accam- nnjdtiiiana.--A Day of Jubilee for Old and Young of Lake and McHen­ ry Counties.--A Protest The 14th day of June 1877 has come and gone, passed Into history, and left its en deli ble impress upon the minds of thousands who will ever cherish the memory of the pleasant associations of that eventful day. In reviewing the field I find much that challenges my admiration and some things I can but wish were other­ wise. The ground selected for the speakers stand in the beautiful grove near the depot was well adapted to the purpose, being upon a steep side hill where all could easily see over the heads of those seated before, them to the speakers stand, and I must say that I have seldom met with so large a con­ course of people who were so quiet and orderly or who better observed the proprieties of the occasion. Occasion­ ally could be witnessed lew bred per­ sons standing upon the seats to ob­ scure the view, or talking and vocifer­ ating incessantly to obstruct the sound of the speakers voice to the dtscomfor- tnre of all around them. Such persons should attend meetings oftener and learn to have respect for others rights. The letters from Ron B. M. Haines and Judge H. M. Blodett are full of in­ terest and worthy of a place in the ar- chieves of our association. I can but feebly express the gratitude of our convention for these kindly and well considered contributions. The speech of Hon Richard Bishop I am informed by competent judges was the speech of the occasion. It was my misfortune to miss hearing this, but am pleased to record the testimony of all who did hear that nit was a splendid success, and I am proud to record the fact that we have in McHenry one man who without the advantage of a com­ mon school education has by hi* un­ tiring energy, overcome difficulties that few could have met, and set an ex­ ample by his practical every day life, that every boy in the land may feel proud to emulate. Very few people real ize the anxiety and sleepless nights of the poor uneducated bey who has his race in the great battle ot life beside the rich and educated, who have all the advantage that wealth and patronage can bestow. Where such a one does succeed I h"ld it is much more credita­ ble to award a proper mead of ^praise than to strive publicly to magnify his mistakes. • A picnic dinner was now prepared and at the close ot Mr. Bishop's speech, meeting adjourned for one hour. It is estimated that from five to seven thousand persons partook of this repast. Tea and coffee in abundance were fur­ nished by the citizens of McHenry and temporary tables were constructed for the occasion, upon the grounds. After dinner, Col. Joslyn of Elgin the orator of the day, was introduced by the President. Col. Joslyn is a ready off hand speaker and perfectly at home upon the rostrum. Something however seemed to have gone wrong with him upon this occasion, and he was not in his usual good humor. Col. Wm. A. James of Lake Forefet was the next speaker; His remarks were very appropriate and in good taste, evidencing a mine! of mora thai* ordinary culture, and made quite a favorable impression &upon the audi- euce. Indeed for the time when every one was getting tired this speech could not well have been improved upon. John Ragan Esq., Chas. Bart* 11 Job Toles and others, gave interesting reminiscences of our early pioneer life which should be preserved and handed down to succeeding generations. In our Old Settlers' Meetings pur speakers should strive to maintain a high standard of morality, and I regard it my right and duty to call attention to the advice given by one of our speakers, as being demoralizing in its tendency and uncalled for by the occa­ sion. It was this: 4*If we would have better and stronger women we must give them out door exercise, and plen­ ty of lager beer." It is the lager beer part that I take exception to. Of all the evils that this earth is cursed with, the tobacco smoking, opium eating, whisky and lager beer' drinking pro­ clivity of the age take the front rank, and beside which or without which all other human woes would sink into in­ significance. The devil-may-care heartlessness engendered in the hus­ bands aud fathers, and in the young men who are soon to follow ana be­ come such, by these detestable abomi­ nations, and which is crushing out all the love of heme and filling its place with wanton neglect and abuse; nurs­ ing a spirit of don't careativeiiess for all the misery, wretchedness and want that these debauching customs force upon the home circle, has educated me to detest from my very soul the brazen imprudence that can thrust such debas­ ing insult, in the face of a refined and intelligent audience. Hence I here re­ cord my protest. The \Vauconda. Woodstock and Mo- Henry Brass Bands enlivened the occa­ sion with their soul-stirring melodies, escorting different pi ©cessions on to the ground, and interspersing the ex­ ercises with harmonies such as this portion of our heritage has here-to-fore been a stranger to. G*o. GAGE. WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENCE,' j ", WASHINGTON. D. 0.. June 11th, 19J7. Washington is but littlo like tho United States Capitol of years ago.-- Within the last decade streets have been widened and smoothly paved, trees and shrubbery grown, parks laid out, old dangerous and unsightly build­ ings removed, fountains and statues erected, aroS the city generally en­ larged and beautified. ThU auiumer's improvements, so far, consist of work on the concrete pavings, which is always going on except during a few weeks of the coldest winter weather, and a mag­ nificent new statue which s+ands on the extreme west edge of the Cagitol grounds, and is just completed ready for the unveiliqg. It is tho grandest of any of the public statues, comprising six figures. It is of white marble and is called by some a repreeentation of Peace, by other, Victory,4 the latter was probably the orignal idea of the designer. Mexican border troubles still engage much attention in political circles hero There appears to be no stopping the marauding desparadoes who swarm across the Rio Grande robbing and pil­ laging whatever they can lay hands on, mostly cattlo. The government dis­ likes to resort to extreme measures, but is making preparations to do so should others methods fail. Gen. Ord, who has command on the Rio Grande, has visited Gen. Sherman at hH head­ quarters in Washington^ and their con­ ference ha« resulted in the late letter ot the Secretary of War on the subject. This let;or has been raviously interpre­ ted, but Secretary McCvary says ic sim­ ply embodies the deliberate policy of the Administration, and does not mean annexation or war, as some profess to think, but it does mean the speedy and effective suppression of Mexicau raids acrosfTthe border, peaceably, if possi­ ble, forcibly if necessary. Secretary Sherman is in a hardtplace. Perhaps no man is betterable to bear harsh criticism than he. He has set an arduous task for himself and is at work with might and main to accomplish it without regard to the missiles showered upon bim by the press from all sections of the country. He has the approval, of course, of the President and other members of the Cabinet, else he would hardly push ahead in his work with such vim as he does. The recent with­ drawal of one and two dollar bank notes and the substitution of silver change for them is looked upon as the first step towards the resumption of specie payment and loud growling is heard concerning it, especially from the West and South, for however abund­ ant currency and small change may he in the centres of population and along the Eastern coast there was never an overplus in rural Districts and the withdrawal ot the notes will in itself be considered a hardship besides deno­ ting the removal of the most powerful agencies of retarding resumption.-- Fret and snarl and growl as we may, however, the Secretary has evidently laid his plans with his eyes open and deliberately, and after carefully count­ ing the co»t, is fully determined to carry out the provisions of the Rosump. tion Act and reach a specie basis by January 1879. Politicians are planning for next ses­ sion more with a view to the business interests of the country than these of either political party, and for this very reason there is a general anticipation of confusion in both parties us soon as the session convenes, hence comes tho wide spread expectation that a new party is to be formed The two great questions that will receive attention during the fall session (after that of the Army appropriation business Is disposed of) are undoubtedly the re- monetization of silver, and subsidies for the Pacific Railroad scheme. Op­ position will not be between Republi­ cans and Democrats, as such, but be­ tween those who lavor and those who oppose these business interests. If tho session had not been postponed, Mr. Randall would, in all probability, have been elected Speaker, but there's room for any sort of a chango between no# and October. In ne way is the advancement of the colored people as a race shown so clear­ ly as in the public examinations in the colored schools. The annual oral e*n ainination has just passed and was in­ dicative of something more than tho usual daily routine of school life. The graduating exercises of the High School. June 7th, were very interesting the address to the class being delivered by Hon. Fred Douglass. Apropos to the advancement of thi negroes, a pleasing incident occurred at Willard's Hotel a few evenings since.-- Gen. Pillow, who previous to the lato war, owned over a thousand slaves, and lost between two and three millions of dollar* by the emancipation, was here as an applicant for the position made vacant by the death of Judge Emmons, of the Western United states Circuit Court, and some of his former slaves and their colored friends called upon him at his rooms thanking him for his kindness to their race and assuring him of their hopes that he would attain tho position he was seeking. Another reduction has been made in the force at the Treasury Department, nearly four hundred since the incoming of the Administration, and mostly fe­ males. MAXWELL. Ducklin & Stevens, McHenry are now prepared with a full and complete stock and are constantly receiving additions and iuvite the inspection of close buyers, as they are botfndto meet any and all competition. They have opened a good line of fast colored prints at the extremely low price of 5 1-2 cts per yard. French woven cor­ sets at 50 cts only. They are also receiving from New York, the finest lino of Dress Goods ever opened in this burg, among which will be found, silks, cashmeres, Brillian tines, Alpacas of all prices, Pacific Fancies, &c. Ac. Also Silk Fringes, Lace trimmings, Yak Laces in variety, with the largest and best assortment of Hamburg edgings ever brought to McHenry, ranging in price from 5 cts per yard, up to $1,00. Also a fine line of Linen and Turkey Red Tablings, Towels, Napkins, and Crashes, Lace curtains and oil shades, ladies' gloves and parasols. Plain brocha and black cashimere shawls. Ladies' silk ties of the latest styles. Boots and shoes, a full line, from a neat little button shoe for a baby to a fine French kid, side lace, or button for a lady, and from a three dollar stoga boot, to the finest French calf, all of the best make, and warranted to fit and to wear In clothing they have a full line to which they invite an inspection before you make your purchases. Also gent's furnishing goods of the latest styles. Trunks and travelling bags,and with all they keep choice Grocer­ ies and fine teas, at low prices. All of which they propose to ex­ change for cash or produce at the lowest living prices. BUCK LIN & STEVENS. FiLRMERS! When yon ate looking for Do not fail to call at the Agricul­ tural Warehouse of R. Opposite Perry & Martin's, Carpe ts, Carpets, Carpets. 86 differ* oat stylos at P. D. Smith's. :h • fr Where vou will find everything in the line of Barm Machinery, such as Bradley Manufacturing Companies Double and Single Speed Mowers and Reapers, C. H. & L. J. McCormick's Reapers Mowers and Binders, and the Wm. Anson Wood Machines.-- We have also the New Monitor Burlington, and Carpenterville Sulky Cultivators, the Buffalo Pitts Thresher, The "Boss" I we must Money are bound to Hava l And, the Bockford Sulky Rakes PUMPS, Of all kinds a specialty. We also sell the Celebrated Badger Wind-Mill, Farm and Democrat Wagons, Open and Top Carriages, &c., &c. Flour <fc Feed rcj .u w>•....• •<For Cash or Ready Pay, . ' We "you Goods Cheaper than any other firm in <jkb'*68$6'K" We have now in Stock a full line of DRESS GOODS of the most Fashionable Patterns, and at Prices ranging from 9 cts to 60 cents. Prints and Ginghams very Cheap. Good 18 inch Toweling at 10 eta. per yard. Table Linen 45 cents and upwards, Good quality Linen Dress Goods at 25 cents, Ladies imported white cotton Hose at One Dollar per Dozen, worth double the money. Ladies fancy striped Hose, good, at 14 cents. Best at 20 cents. A complete line of Hamburg Edgings, Ladies and Gents Ties, all styles, Linen, Lace, and Hem-Stitched Handkerchiefs; the best assortment of Corsets in town at prices that will surprise you. A fine stock of Ladies Skirta and Linen Suits at bottom prices. Cottonades, Jeans and Denim* at cost. Good yard wide Sheeting at six cents. Overalls 50 cents. Mens Pants 50 cents and upwards. Gents colored and white Shirts. We have a big stock of Boots and Shoes which we will sell at Price* that defy competition. Gents black Hats 85 cents and upwards.--* Gents Bevel toed Shoes at $2, warranted good, Gents Kid and Lisim Thread Gloves, Linen and Paper Collars, all styles. j^WIn Groceries we always carry the best and wi.l not be under* sold. Don't fail to try our Japan Tea at 50 cents per pound, war­ ranted good or mortey refunded We shall sell no goods on time, but will sell you good goods cheaper than you can buy them any other place, Don't foil to give us a tibial before buying elsewhere, LANSING Sc. EVANSON. CLOSING OUT SALE. AT COST FOR 60 DAYS. The undersigned having decided to remove from McHenry, will, for the next 60 Days, sell their entire stock of Goods AT COST FOR CASH. Their "Stock con­ sists of Groceries, Crockery, Glass Ware, Boots and Shoes, &c. Good Tea from&r to 75 cents per Pound. f^WGreat Bargains in Boots and Shoes. All Goods in our store will positively be sold at Cost and below, as we must close them out. X. B.--All persons knowing themselves in- debted to us are requested to call and settle the same at once, as we wish to close our Bonks. *i~Our Store is also offered for sale or Rent BLAKK AHENTFELD. McHenry, 111., May 21st, 1877. Trustee's Sale. WHEREAS, Russell Grimes, of Batavia, in the County of Kane, in the Suite of III- iuois, by his certain trust deed duly executed acknowledged and delivered and bearing- dutc the First fist) dav of February, A. D.. 18I5H, and recorded in tlie Recosders'oflive, of Mi'- Henrv County, iu the^tate of Illinois, in vol­ ume irt of Mortgages at page 2W, did convey unto J. B. Muit li, as Trustee, all the follon in^ described premises situated iu the Town of Algonquin, Couuty ot Mciienry, and State of Illinois. t«-wit: Allot the South-west quarter of section thirty-live (fifi) township lorty-three (M)> North ranpe eight (8), Ea^tof the •hird prin­ cipal Meridian that lies South of the Chicago and Algonquin road and on the old Kcin far in so called, tieing seventy live and -25-100 acres, according to a survey made by John Brink, to secure the payment of two certain promissory uotes of even date with said trust deed lor the sum of fifteen hundred dollars ($1500),, both executed bv said KMS^VII brinies and made payable to Slary^L. Pratt or order. One for the sum of twelve hundred and lifty dollars (41250,) to become due one vear from" the lirst day of August next after date of said note with interest at six per cent per anuum pay. able on the lirst day of August on which said note ihere was paiil by said Russell Grimes the sum of one hundred and liftv dollars on the 10th day of September, A. 1)., and the remainder thereot with the interest thereon is now due and unpaid, and one tor the sum of two hundred and ttfty dollars ($'-®'} to fa 11 due two years from the lirst day of November next after the date thereof with interval at six per cent per annum, payable on the lirst day of August,on which said last named note there was paid by said Russell Grimes the sum of thirty dollars on the 2d day of June A. IX, 1870 and the remainder of sail note with iiitevii.st is iiow u'tic iiiid liiipuid. And whereas it is provided in and bv said trust deed, that hi- case default be made in the pay incut of said- notes or anv pait thereof according to the tenor and elVect of said notes then on the ap­ plication of the legal holder ot said notes the said J. B. Smith after publishing a notice in a newspaper printed in ,the City of Elgin ten days before the day of such sale might pro­ ceed to sell the said premises and all right and equity'of redemption of the said Russell Grimes his heirs and assigns therein at pub­ lic auction, at the Court ilouse door in said Mcllenrv County to the highest bidder for cash at tlie time mentioned in such notice and to make, execute and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof a deed ordeeus for the premises so sold and out of the proceeds ol' such sale to pay all costs and expenses in- earred in advertising and selling said premi­ ses and also tiie principal and interest on said Mtes, And whereas default lias been made In the payment of a part of said notes, and the legal holder of said notes has made application to the undersigned t)ie trustee in said trust deed named and has requested him as such trustee to advertise and soli the said premises in said trust deed described for tho purposes and in the manner provided in said trust deed, Now therefore, public notice is hfcreby giv­ en that iu pursuance of said Trust Deed, and such application and by virtue of the power and authority to me granted and confered in and by the same, and by virtue of the statute of the State of Illinois, I, the undersigned, as such Trustee, will, on Saturday, the 18th day of August, A. D. 1877, at one o'clock P. M., at the Court House door, in Woodstock, in said McHenry County, sell the premises hereinbefore and iu the said Trust Deed described and all right and equity of redemption of the sai<l Russell Grimes, his heir.s and assigns, therein, at .Public Auction, to the highest uidder for cash. J. B. SMITH, Trustee. Dated Elgin, June 9th, 1877. s Constantly on hand at our Mill, > and Custom Grinding promptly attended to. R. BISHOP & SON. McHenry, III., May 30th, 1877. PROPOSALS WANTED. EALED proposal* will be received by the undersigned until Wednesday, theMth day of June, 1877, at 12 o'clock, M., for the furnish­ ing all materials and labor for the repairing of the Universalist Church, at Mcllenrv, III.-- Plans and speciiications caurbe seen and furth­ er information obtained bv calling on the Com­ mittee. The right* is reserved to reject any and all bids. _ RICHARD BISHOP ) JAMKK B. PKKHV ^Committee C. B. CritTis, ) Administrator's Notice. E S T A T E of Charles Clark deceased. The undersigned having been aji^ointed Ad­ ministrator of the Estate of Cuarles Clark, late of the County of McHenry, and State of Illinois, deceased, hereby gives notice that he will appear before the Oonntv Court of Mr- Henry County, at the Court House in Wood­ stock, at the July Term, on the Third Monday in July next, at which time all persons hav­ ing claims against saiil Estate, arc noticed and requested to attend for the purpose of having the same adjusted. All persons in­ debted to said Estate are requested to make immediate payment to the undersigned.-- Dated this 2tHh day of May A. l>. 1877. SMITU SSAKCES Administrator. The Old and Reliable 1UICDLH, W arehouse. E. M. OWEN Still Lives, and can be found on hand at his Warehouse, op­ posite the Old Owens Mill, Alcllenry, with a full line of LEADING OF ALL KINDS. CORN CULTIVATORS. We have ali the leading kinds. The celebrated Bertrand & Sames- Haines, Buckeye and Gorham, all first cla.>s and at very low prictt* Also the Leading Of the Day, amonsf which are the Walter A Wood, Buckeye Peer­ less, Warrior, > Triumph, and other Mowers, Also the celebra­ ted Marsh Harvester, the Old* Reliable Hollensworth Hay Hake, the Tiger Self-Dumper, the Aiv cher, Furst & Bradley, Dixon. &c. The celebrated Nichols & Shepard Vibrator Threshing Ma chines; also the Sweepstakes. Tie Celebrated Kenosha Pumpi. Plows, Plows All Leading Plows keptconstant* ly on hand and at Lowest Prices. I^IT*Terms Reasonable., E. M. OWEN. McHenry, May 22d, 1877. JANESVILLE Hill, North Main Street THE subscribers are now ready to exchange for wool, goods, such as plain and fancy Cassimeres, Doeskins, Tweeds, Satinets, Lfc* dies Cloth, Sheetings, Shirtines, and a goMl variety of various kinds of Flannels, ror dresses, Ac., Klanket*. Stocking Yarn, Ac.-- All these goods will bo exchanged lor Wool or Cash, on the most reasonable tarwis. Custom carding and cloth dressing on the same terms as iu i'ormcv yearsk Carpets washed at At4 cents per yard. P. &--All wool seat by express will b» Sromptly attended to. Please scad full or* crs by mail. _ „4_ J In exchange for food* Wa ^ «>- a Co. June 1st, 1877. The Wm. Aneen Wwd, C. H. A L. J, MiCormick, and the Bradley Ifanufao- turing companies IVIachiuts eau all to found at 11. Bishop & Son'i JHeHe&ry,