case, scarcely enough to keep body and soul together. Our supplies 
were obtained through the same tedious process, and cost us too much to 
be used with profusion. Trade, in all departments, was languid ; me¬ 
chanics were out of employment, and our towns exhibited an apathy and 
dulness in perfect keeping with the rest. 
What have we now? The iron horse has made his way hither, and as 
he snuffs our prairie breeze, his exhilarating neighings have awakened 
the slumbering echoes of our beautiful valley, and hope and courage seem 
to have taken possession of every heart. We have the sea-board at our 
doors; our surplus products are now transported to market with the speed 
of the wind, and the returning train comes to us loaded with the necessa¬ 
ries and luxuries of life. Our grains which were a drug in the market, 
a year ago, at much less than a remunerating price, have advanced from 
50 to 100 per cent. Trade flourishes ; mechanics are fully employed ; 
and our towns exhibit a vigor and activity unparalleled since the settle¬ 
ment of the country. Life and health, determination, confidence and 
joyousness brighten every countenance. I rejoice to see the contrast, 
visible even in the very faces of the people, as exhibited to-day, and one 
year ago to-day. We seem indeed a new people; and let me say a youth¬ 
ful people. The present state of things is not, however, altogether at¬ 
tributable to the cause before alluded to. Other circumstances in addition 
have largely contributed to our present prosperous condition. For in¬ 
stance, the present year is one in which Providence has richly rewarded 
the labors of the husbandman, in giving bountifully of the “kindly fruits 
of the earth.” Farmers have turned their attention to raising a greater 
variety of products; the good results of which have in turn given them 
confidence, and inspired them with hope, so indispensable to the attain¬ 
ment of prosperity. 
If a partial market for a few months, and a few favoring collateral cir¬ 
cumstances, so change our prospects, what are to be the glorious results of 
Wisconsin’s future? What will a connection with Chicago, and thus with 
the whole East and South, do for us ? What the completion of our Southern 
Wisconsin railroad to Dubuque, and our Valley railroad to Fond du Lac? 
A brilliant career is before us, and we seem already to have caught its 
inspirations, as the improvement in our animals, manufactures, and farm 
products, compared with those of last year, unmistakeably indicate. All 
