On the 7th day of June, the question of issuing $5,000 of ten per cent. bonds, for the purpose of paying the interest over due on the bonds before issued, was submitted to a vote of the people and decided affirmatively by 21 majority.
The Spring of this year was remarkable for heavy and protracted rains. The roads from the 1st May to the 1st July were nearly impassable, and the ground was so saturated as to make cultivation impossible. About the middle of June it ceased raining, and crops which were thought to be ruined came forward with remarkable promise. At this present writing (10th July) every indication exists of a full average crop.
The grain and other produce, which had been kept back on account of low prices in the fall, could not be brought to market in the spring on account of the bad condition of the roads. At this time, however, the streets are crowded with teams, fair prices are paid for produce, debts are being liquidated, the merchants and mechanics are busy and satisfied, and every interest is reviving.
FOOTNOTE:
[1] On the 17th August, this office was destroyed by fire. The building—a three-story brick—in which it was situated, was owned by J. L. McCormick, Esq., and was the first brick building erected in the town. It was built in 1839.
CHAPTER X.
Census—Occupations—Schools, Churches &c.—Business Houses—Grain Trade—Ice Trade—Coal Field—Peru Coal Shaft—Advantages for Manufacturing—City Debt—Review of the Census—Bridge—The Future—Moral and Intellectual view—List of Early Families—Character of the Inhabitants—Unenviable Reputations.
We will now examine the present condition and resources of Peru.