As I passed from Indiana into Ohio, the land use changed instantly. Indiana was dominated by the familiar cornfields on every level acre, but this part of Ohio is much more hilly and forested with a mix of deciduous trees. The view from the ridgetops shows the forest predominating, with perhaps two-thirds of the land covered with trees. A refreshing change. The roads in Ohio, at least in this first county are remarkably good. The road crews have been diligent here and I rode over many miles of brand new pavement, on roadways that are not heavily travelled.
I spent much of the middle part of the day looking around the town of Oxford, and Miami University, which has been there since 1809. It a beautiful campus, in a wide open setting, unlike the densely packed campus of the University of Washington.
I made it to Middletown in good shape, although I arrived exactly one hour later than I had expected. No amount of anticipation, it seems, could prepare me for crossing the time zone.
Babcock had politics on his mind while he was in Goshen. He seems to have been what we now call a political junkie and he was constantly remarking on the political winds in different regions:
When we were shown the wardrobe rooms of the wheel factory I noticed many McKinley buttons upon the coats, but failed to see the insignia of any other candidate or party. Since leaving Montana we have been across six states, and we have had frequent opportunity to admit our ignorance of what the voters of Washington will do in November. We have also had a good chance to get an idea of the prevailing sentiment of the people of these states, meeting, as we do, all classes of people -- farmers, manufacturers, small tradesmen and workmen. Section men on the railroad have frequently asked us the political complexion of the states through which we have passed. I believe -- and I am making the statement after careful thought -- that not one person in twenty-five who has talked with us since we left Montana has expressed a free silver sentiment. There is no doubt that they are giving the matter earnest, honest consideration, and I believe these states are just as far removed from the doubtful column as is Montana; and who doubts Montana?
I have artfully avoided talking politics, except in the most general of terms. It just seems to have gotten too divisive these days.
My next objective is Jefferson, in the far northeast corner of this state. It will be a few days till I get there.
On the road, on eastern time.
Dennis