Minnesota weekly times. [volume], July 03, 1855, Image 2

About Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859

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Ifjinnesota Cirnea.
SATURDAY, JUKE
Editorial CormpfOienctJ
THE l ; P COIMRY- DOTTING S BY TIIE WAY—
NO. 111.
Rice Cheek, June 21, 18o<3.
St. Anthony. —Before proceeding on our
journey, we propose to speak of our much ne
glected sister city, St. Anthony, and the land in
its immediate neighborhood. The city is finely
located and as a place of resort for pleasure
seekers it lias but few equals in the Territory.
It does not possess that business-like appear
ance which is visible at St. Paul, lut it lias a
subdued yet steady movement characteristic ol
an older vet much more densely populated
place. We do not by any means consider this
as militating against it, but rather in its favor,
lor it is far better to move along surely and stea
dily, tlian like the rocket, to shoot up brilliant
ly and then quiver and die behind the monu
ments it has erected to its foolishness. St. An
thony is on as goo.l a basis as any city or town
in M innesota, and our reasons for thinking so,
are, that it has an excellent water power, and
is populated by an industrious, moral people.
It resembles more a New England village, than
a city of a few years growth, and so it strikes
the eye of almost every stranger, but this is no
injury to it—it tends rather to give it stability.
There is as much diversity of architecture in
this city as there is diversity of opinion and va
riety of signs, and yet each house possesses an
air of neatness and comfort really refreshing
to those who are obliged to be cooped up in
rooms six by nine, for want of better ones to
live in. The main business of St. Anthony is
manufacturing, and a large proportion of the
inhabitants are engaged either directly or indi
rectly in this department. There are some
good stores here, but few public buildings of
any note, and very little taste displayed in the
erection of private residences. Wc are some
what surprised that this should be so, for the
very location of the city should induce the citi
zens to adorn it with beautiful public and pri
vate buildings, but it takes time for these things,
and St. Anthony is yet in her infancy. The
moment you strike the main road leading into
the city, a marked difference from the main
road in St. Paul is perceptible. It is low and
sandy, while our own is high and smooth. As
you go back into the city the roads are much
higher and much smoother, and the face of the
country presents a much more pleasing appear
ance. The country adjacent to the city is but
very little settled, arising from the fact that it is
held by speculators, and the soil is much light
er and we should judge much less productive
than on the West side of the river. There are
a few good farms on the banks of the Missis
sippi, above the city, on the East side of the
river, principally owned by Frenchmen, and
with this exception, hut little can be said of the
country back of St. Anthony. The great and
fatal mistake, in our opinion, and one which
has retarded the growth of the city, was the
bringing the land into market before actual set
tlers took possession. As soon as it fell into
the hands of speculators, actual settlers were
driven to other points, and the result is, that
while most of the land on the East side of the
river lies in its primitive state waiting for some
green horn to come and occupy it at an exhor
hitant prices, the land on the West side is groan
ing with over-burthened crops. Wherever the
bony finger of the speculator points, there mil
dew follows, and hence those who lay out town
sites and build airy castles in the air, should
look well to it that the back country is settled
with a worthy and industrious class of farm
ers.
On the left of the road, some four or five
miles from St. Anthony, is a large and com
modious house, formerly the country seat of
Hon. Henry M. Rice. The location is very
line, and with a few thousand dollars it could
he made a delightful place. The country thus
far possesses no features of interest—being
mostly oak openings with a light soil. Just
beyond the residence alluded to, is the finest
farm between St. Anthony and Rice Creek,
belonging to A. M. Fridley. It is astonishing
what Government money will do, but he who
has it, cun branch out and make even the des
ert to bloom. It will be remembered that Slier
ill' Fridley is the man who charged SSOO for
hanging an Indian. We wonder if the ghost
of the poor fellow will not breath a sirocco blast
over the hangman’s fields and blast them forev
er. He ought to, and if he does not, we feel
very sure that the Almighty sooner or later will.
By way, has any thing been done about that
County matter, or has it been hushed up?
Where’s Justice?
We arrived at a place called Rice Creek,
about 7 miles from St. Anthony, about noon.
The place takes its name from a small stream
which runs through it and the stream derives
its name from the Wild Rice which grows on
its banks, and was formerly gathered in great
quantities by the Indians. There is an excel
lent saw mill here, owned by Messrs. Ramsey,
Cook, Champliu and Nhunger. Beside this,
there are 10 houses, including three dwellings,
two hotels and one store. A grist mill is soon
to be erected, and other improvements are in
contemplation. The place was formerly own
ed by Mr. Banfill, who sold the mill, houses,
and 700 acres of land last year, for $27,000!
The Rice Creek House, kept by Mr. David
Jordon, is a good place to stop at, as what you
get to eat here is wholesome and good. There
is another hotel in the place, but as we did not
test its merits, we rannot speak of its accommo
dations. e can t say that we are an admirer
of the country about Rice Creek, although we
did not penetrate it far. The character of the
sail does not materially differ from that we pass
ed over, and we did not learn that there were
many farms in the neighborhood. This, we
presume arises from the fact that the best land
is taken up by speculators—another curse to the
success and prosperity of Rice Creek. The
place numbers about one hundred inhabitants,
who seem to possess the necessary qualifica
tions to push matters ahead. Tliere is a Ferry
across the Mississippi above Rice Creek, to a
town in Heimepin County.
A delightful shower had refreshed the earth
and ere the tear-drops of the sky had ceased to
fall, we bundled into the vehicle, and wisliing
our friends good-by, were soon on our way to
Anoka, decidedly the prettiest and most thrifty
town on the east side of the Mississippi, above
St. Anthony. About two miles this side of
Anoka the country is much letter, and the
crops looked more vigorous—the trees present
ed a 'more comely appearance and the very at
mosphere appeared to be purer. Here, on our
right, is a magnificent farm, owned by Air.
Strout, well fenced, we might say better fenced
than any farm in the Territory. The fence is
composed of tamamc poles laid parallel to each
other with a scut of loop at the top,substantially
built and evenly laid. The furmitsell is in ex
cellent order—the crops luxuriating in the moist
earth produced by the recent rains, and the cut
tie grazing as quietly in the fields, as though
they were the lords of the premises. Yonder,
as though gazing down the vista of time, the
sun-light flickered amid the trees, and played on
the grass which grew luxuriantly on the gentle
slope leading to the river. It was u pleasant
place, and we gladly would have loitered a long
time near it, lot the declining Sun warned us
that we must push on, and heeding the warning
we reached Anoka about the dusk of the even
ing. from which place 1 will forward you my
next letter. t. m. n.
MINNESOTA AS A SI AIM EH HF.SOHT.
W e were about to write something in favor
of the superior advantages of Minnesota as a
summer resort for pleasure seekers and inva
lids w hen the follow ing from the editorial col
umns of the C incinnati Times, met our eye.
The Editor and his readers may rest assured
the advantages of an excursion hither, are not
at all overdrawn. And besides, it should be
understood abroad that not a solitary case of
fatal sickness has occurred, to our knowledge
on the river for the past six weeks. The coun
try was never more healthful—never more
beautiful, than now, and the sport in the fishing
and feathered game line, never more plentiful
and varied.—. Wumesoiion.
That may all he true, lut what would
you do f*r “pleasure-seekers and invalids” who
may visit our city? Aye, you would tear down
the bluff and convert it into a huge warehouse;
stop the free-flowing of the gurgling streams,
plant a barn yard in our midst, crush the gentle
flowers, tear up the trees by their roots, and
even bottle up the pure air of Heaven, and sell
it on shares in order to make St. Paul a “Com
mercial City." Having accomplished this, you
would then sit down and write sweet, honied
words of the beauty of St. Paul, and invite
“pleasure-seekers and invalids” to come and
drink from our delicious fountains. This may
all be well enough in fancy, but we prefer the
reality and hence our anxiety that provisions
should be made thus early to make St. Paul not
only a Commercial point, but a point equally at
tractive to “pleasure-seekers and invalids.”—
Then they could come here and enjoy them
selves—not on air or gas, lut upon the real
substantial which they so much desire.
The Wind.— Old Boreas has been exceed
ingly boisterous for the past few days, impu
dently peeping under the shawls and garments
of the ladies, and playing the dickins with hats,
caps, and the general assortment of clothes be
longing to the gentlemen. Just for amusement
he has thrown dust into the eyes of the people
and calls that politics. Well, it would be a won
der if even old Boreas did not become contami
nated with Minnesota politics, and seek to get
into office by some unscrupulous act. I (blowing
will do any good, he’ll succeed. There canbe
no doubt of that.
Summer Fashions. —Shaw & Harrell have
received their Summer style of Hats, and are
now prepared to exhibit them to their custo
mers. See adv.
w right County Court. —The first term
of this Court will be held at Monticello on the
2d of July.
Another Shower. —Another refreshing
shower visited us yesterday. Good will to the
crops and the lumbermen.
Jf.or” Orasmus Cole, the Superior Judge of
Wisconsin, lias been elected by seven thousand
and forty-eight majority over Mr. Crawford,
the Democratic candidate. Cole is Anti-Ne
braska.
A plan is spoken of in Paris to effect the de
struction of the garrison of Sebastopol by fam
ine. An expedition of some 50,000 men is
preparing, for that object.
f ST* Should such a plan be carried out it
would bring lasting disgrace u; on those who
had a hand in it. For the sake of humanity
we hope it will fail. Let the soldier die on the
field of battle in a fair fight, but starving him
to death is too inhuman even for savages to be
guilty of.
The Fourth. —The Fourth of July will bo duly
celebrated in all parts of the Territory this year.
At St. Paul, at Minneapolis, at« Red Wing, Cot
tage Grove, St. Peters, Traverse dcs Sioux, Mon
ticello, Anoka, F.xcelsior, Farribault, &c. y &., the
citizens will give vent to their patriotism in songs,
speeches and in a general expression of glorifica
tion over the day and its memories. Who can
doubt the patriotism of the citizens of Minnesota?
C'sf’ The St. Anthony Republican thinks that
if we request the rumsellers of St. Paul to close
their grog-shops on the Fourth, we shall never
have oceassion to regret it. Very well, neighbor!
wc can do that with ease, so Mr. Ruinscller, will
you pleaso close your shop on the Fourth ? We
can call spirits from the vastv deep, but will they
come?
Ci?” The Galena arrived yesterday about five
o'clock, with 50 passengers and 30 tons of freight.
Reports 10 inches rise below Lake Pepin. Pass
ed Audubon with two barges, also Hamburg this
side Dubuque. The Galena leaves to-dav at 10
o’clock.
rho City Belle arrived yesterday morning
with about 50 passengers and over 70 tons of
freight. Reports the river from Point Douglas
up, as low as it was ever known to be. She left
at 0 o’clock.
The llcunetta nrrived yesterday morning
with a number of passengers and one barge con
taining 2500 sacks of corn. She started imme
diately to briug a quantity of freight left a few
miles below.
The 11. S. Allen nrrived from the Minne
sota River yesterday. This is a fino boat and she
is doing a fine business.
Tho Messrs. Marsh-ills contemplate oecu
pying the first floor of Lambert’s new building in
Third street, as their banking office. This will be
the largest office of the kind in the city.
Ball-at the Winslow —We learn that it is in
contemplation to have Bali come off at the Wins
low House on the Fourth.
Cattle ! cattle! cattle!—Large numbers of
them can be seen in our streets, and in good con
dition, too. Glad of it—hope the poor man will
be enabled to buy himself a cow.
(&“ It was reported that the Mississippi river
at St. Anthony had raised about five inches.
The town of Bayon Sara, has been des
troyed by fire. Loss $500,000.
The Poortu in Oiscinnati— The FourVyl? wmjr
is to be duly celeljjfatod in Cincinnati, bat notice
has been given that Catholics, or foreijpi
military companies will be permitted tf Jem the
procession. The Foreign protestaat Association
will unite in the proceedings.” That will be a
pretty celebration of the day which should be
honored in the memory of all who aided in
our glorious independence. This is carrying
Know Nothingism a little- too far. Wo cant go
that.
Inactive Capital.- We learn that there are
upwards of 60,000,000 feet of logs lying at the
present tiiuo in Bum River, unable to rcaeh the
mills in consequence of the low state of the water.
The value of these logs cannot he far from S7OO,
Otlt), a capital lying dead, mid most of which
should he In active operation in St. Anthony and
other parts of the Territory. Hopes are enter
tained that a sufficient quantity of rain will yet
fall to raise the river and to enable the lumberman
to go on with their business.
JgS&r" Passengers crossing from Windsor, C.
W., to Detroit, Mich., can be supplied with li
quor at the bar of the steamboat, until she reach
es the centre of the river, where the Michigan
prohibitory law cornea in force, and the bar must
Ik? closed.
Tin- New York Tribune says that the music
question is agitating the Society of Friends in
that city. One prominent Friend who had a
piano in his house, was disowned at the month
ly meeting of the Ilicksites because he refused
to give it up. The piano is still in his house,
hut its owner has ceased to be a member of the
Society.
The New York 'Times says that two sailors
attached to the Kane Exploring Expedition,
found, upon their wives calling to see them,
their attachment in that direction very much re
vived, and of so intense a character, that upon
the boat landing at the dock, which they assist
ed to row, and in which their wives were, they
attempted to escape the possibility of three years
durance amid icebergs and nights of six months
duration. A special boat and officer, with cui
rass, was despatched, and speedily brought
them back.
ffelr* The aleath of a man by the name of
James Cochran, a lumberman, from New
Brunswick, has created some excitement at St.
Anthony. It is supposed that he was poisoned
by a man named Jodon, whether intentionally
or not, is not made public.
It is stated that the Mille Lac Dam dif
ficulty has been settled by a promise to the
Indians of 81000 annually with the consent of
the powers that be at Washington, for indem
nification of the injury done to their Rice crops.
We doubt if any such settlement has ever been
made.
Essir” The proprietors of the N. Y. Times
have been sued by Alderman Briggs of that
city, for calling him a nuisance.
C'iT’Gen. Carov estimates the amount of liquor
drank yearly in South Carolina at $4,562,500.
Farmers are cutting their wheat in Virgin
ia.
It is said that birds kept in wire cages,
which are painted, nibble the paint and die
therefrom. Lovers of beautiful birds, should
look to this, as it strikes us that this has been the
cause of the death of many favorite warblers.
The time has come when wo ought to drop these
ridiculous prejudices and bickerings, and display
a little judgment and liberality in the initiation,
discussion and direction of public enterprises.—
Dubuque Herald.
cw We think if the Dubuque people follow
the advice of the Herald, they w ill succeed much
better than hitherto in the many enterprises which
have been set on foot in that city.
CW“ Mrs. Thomson, the Jessy Lewurs of Robert
Burns, died in Dumfries, on the 26th ult., at the
advanced age of nearly four score rears. Jessy
was on tho most intimate terms witfi'tho poet anil
his family.—She also closed the eyes of the poet
dimmed with death—that eye of which Sir Walter
Scott said, “I have seen most of tho eminent
men of niv day, but I never saw an eye like Rob
ert Burns’.”
Prices of Slaves in Missouri.— An ordi
nary negro woman with a small child, sold in
Bowlingreen the other day for $1,122. A ne
gro man belonging to the estate of C. V. Gor
don, ol Boone County, was recently sold at pub
lic sale for $1,151, cash.
At a sale of slaves, belonging to the estate
ot Steven Scovel Monroe Coun'y,
the following prices were obtained:
A negro man aged 50 years, brought $750
A boy aged 14 years, 805
A boy aged 5, 595
A boy aged 3, 277
A boy aged 2, 300
A girl, (cripple) aged 4 years, 155
—Squatter Sovereign. /
1t&a?” Does the above nped any comment from
us? If so, what shall we say? No, reader,
make your own comment.
The Next Congress. —The following is the clas
sification of the next House of Representatives,
as far as chosen, according to their predelections
at tho time of their election:
Whole number chosen 161
Whi >s». 59
Administration Democrats, 36
Anti-Administration Democrats, 3
Republicans, 37
Know Nothings, 27
Of these arc understood to be:
Anti-Nebraska, 119
Nebraska, 40
Horrid Murder —We learn from the Sheriff of
Rock County, W isconsin, that a lumberman
named Andrew Alger, living at Johnston’s Creek,
was mu dered in a most shocking manner, on the
17th instant, about two miles from Janesville, on
the road to Milton, by a fiend of the name of Da
vid F. Meyhcny, who had boon recently liberated
from the Stale Prison. The object of the mur
derer was money. Alger had received 8300 at
Rockford for logs, and afterwards rode in a nag
on with him to Janesville. There M. bought a
hatchet and got into the wagon azain. A short
distance beyond the ftlace, us mentioned above,
he struck his victim with the hatchet, then drove
into the wood-*, cut his throat, and othetwise mu
tilated his body in the most shocking manner.—
lie then drove his team back to Rockford, where
he revealed the facts to a person by the name of
McComh, whom he thought he could confide in,
but who‘informed the authorities and caused bis
arrest. — Galena Advertiser.
Death of a Wealthy Gambler. —A few weeks
ago Mr. William Hope, one of the sons of “An
astasias” Hope, died in Paris, leaving the whole
of his imense fortune, above $2,000,000, to a poor
Englishman, a distant relation, vegetating on
some hundred pounds a year. The will contain
ed a few legacies, among them one to bis mistress,
lie bequeathed her SIOO,OOO. He owned a hotel
in Pans which is said to have cost a million of
dollars, as it has an immense garden, filled with
avenues of fine old lindens, as many fountains
and statues as Versailles, and a splendid cascade.
The furniture is in keeping with the hotel and
(Tounds: it cos: $400,000. Hs lived in this estab
lishment. It is slid he made his fortune in Mex
ico at mottle and the cockpit- In 1850 he lost on
one occasion $25,000 at toe gambling table in
Hamburg.
Sweet Donnjbrook Fair,” which, time
out of mind, was one of the honored institutions
of “ Ould Ireland,” is about closing its mortal
career. The patent right to take a “ rowl” to
the fair is being purchased by tho corporation ;
and thus another blow has been struck nt the
“ liberties” of Ireland. —Cincinnati Sun.
4m s packet vd
On ths opsnjpg of navigation, the Galena Pack
et Company advertised to take freight from Gilena
to St. Paul for thirty cents per hundr«d,AU)til the
month of August. Our merchants, believing the
Company to bo upright and honorable, have ship
ped their goods on board of their boats, not
dreaming but the contract so publicly promul
gated, would bo strictly adhered to, but judge of
their surprise when a few days sines, bills were
presented on which the charge of seventy-five cents
per hundred, was made, instead of thirty. The
reason assigned, is the low state of the water, but
what has this to do with tho matter ? If the
Company have made a bad bargain should tho
parties w ith whom they made the contract, be the
sufferers? And when a Company advertise to
convey freight for a given price, havo they any
right to charge double that amount? We ask if
this is honorable, and if it is, by what rule is it
governed? It is true, the Galena Paokot Com
pany may lose money, nnd that too, by unforseen
circumstances, but this is no reason why the con
tract should be violated, uulcss our citizens are
willing to boar part of tho burden. There is
some wrong here, Mr. Packet Company—will you
please explain ?
A Batch or ’em!— The LaCrosse Democrat,
which soizes every opportunity that comes within
its power to misrepresent St. Paul and its citizens,
says that a State Senator from that place came to
St. Paul a short time since, for the purposo of
purchasing property, and that the same piece of
land for which he offered $2,500 last year, was
offered to him this year for $1,500, which he re
fused. Will the editor of the Democrat give us
the name of tho Senator and tho point where the
land is situated ? Until he does so, he will allow
us to say that we don’t believe him.
Again the Democrat remarks :
“ The statement may not be credited, but it is
nevertheless a fact, that there is more building
enterprize being prosecuted at La Crosse, than at
St. Paul. ,>
Of course—certainly! St. Paul is a “one
horse” town, but La Crosse is a second St. Louis,
and it could not be expected that there would be
as much “ building enterprize” hero ns in your
city. Now, neighbor, it strikes us that it will be
just about os well for you to shut your “ clam
shell,” nnd say as little as possible about St.
Paul in future, for the fact is notorious that scarce
ly a boat«omes up the Mississippi that somo of
your runners cannot be found on board of dis
turbing the quietness of the passengers by mis
representing St. Paul and eulogizing your own
place. We grant that La Crosse is a smart little
town, but do you suppose that it will add to your
reputation or your numbers by falsifying us ?
You grumble much worse than a dog with a sore
head, and the Lord only knows what for. Just
listen to us—hereafter shut your “clam-shell”
and you will receive that respect men are entitled
to who miud their own business, and who have
sufficient sense to know that the maligning of one
place will never build up another.
We learn from a gentleman in Adams county,
that the tide of migration flows with wonderful
rapidity towards Minnesota. Within the last five
weens, from Ally to sixty families a day, with nu
merous droves of cattle have passed through
Houston towards that Territory. Indeed, some
of the villages of thn Lemonweir, have been til
most impassible from the throng of travelers.—
Some of the immigrants have returned and gone
east. It appears there arc now forty thousand
persons in Minnesota, and the most part of them
have not the means of procuring a living d ninsr
the ensuing winter, as they cannot raise crops
this year, nnd a complete famine must necessari
ly take place, with those that are unprepared
with means. It is not generally known amongst,
the Si ttlers, that Wisconsin has yet unoccupied
some of tho most valuable land in tho world,
where they could settle and cultivate, and have
abundance of menus of living during the inclem
ent winter seasons that we have in the North.
In Adams county, west of tho Wisconsin river,
where these families are passing dailv, thero arc
tracts of land yet unoccupied that would prove
immensely valuable to the immigrants, and as
they run over towards Minnesota with heedless
rapidity, they pass unnoticed what would procure
them n competence for life — Milwaukee News.
(Ti?” This is one of the many bare-faced false
hoods which are continually wafted to nil parts of
the Union, on the miasmatic air of the swamp
lands of Wisconsin. Not content wi th telling one
story, they hatch up another and another, until
they begin to believe that what they say is really
true. “A complete famine in Minnesota” this
)ear indeed! l\hcre do you get your informa
tion? Tho object of all tln-se stories is simply
to benefit Wisconsin. Wc wish well of Wiscon
sin it is a fine state, bating its swampy lands,
but its citizens will find out much to their sorrow
that to settle their waste lands with one half of
the rapidity with which Minnesota has hem set
tled, will require much less gas and a good deal
more truth.
Paper at Shakopee.— We stated a short time
since that a new paper was to be started at Shak
opee. A correspondent in to-day’s Times states
that a gentleman has gone after the material, and
that the paper is to be edited by A. J. Morgan,
£sq., of this city. As a matter of course it will
be Democratic, yid from what we know of Mr.
Morgan’s abilities as a writer, it will do good ser
vice for the Minnesota Valley, and the party to
which he belongs. Success to it.
The Democrats of Red Wing have come
out in favor of H. M. Rice, as their candidate for
the next Delegate. The resolutions speak in high
terms of Mr. Rice s efforts in procuring appropria
tions and extinguishing Indian titles, but not a
word is said about the Railroad matter. How is
this? It will be remembered that a large number
of Surveyors were to be on hand in May last
where are they? Echo asks “where?”
Liberated.— The young man who was arrested
at the IV inslow House for stealing money of a
gentleman in Galena, has been liberated, and has
made tracks for other parts. There are several
other young men in our city, who, in our opinion,
should make tracks, or they will find themselves
summarily disposed of by our officers. Wc speak
advisedlv.
Fourth of July. —We publish to-day the pro
ceedings of a meeting hfld at the Winslow House,
on Thursday evening, the object of which was, to
make arrangements for celebrating the Fourth of
July. These arrangements we believe, arc now
complete, and the “glorious Fourth” will be duly
celebrated by our citizens.
Golden Era arrived on Saturday,
bringing a barge and about 50 passengers.—Re-
ports the River falling below the Lake and very
low from Point Prescott up to this point, yet say
that they had less difficulty than when they were
up before. She was to leave to-day at 10 o’clock.
The Kate Cassell arrived on Saturday.—
We are indebted to the Clerk for late papers, bat
find no news of importance.
Hamilton k Co., hare received Harper for
July, an interesting number. A biography of
John Paul Jones, with illustrations, is the leading
articles. H. k Co., have also the Star Papers by
Henry Ward Beecher—a volume not often met
with in the walks of literature.
A Suggestion.— We suggest that our eitisens
keep sober on the Fourth. Liquor is well enough
in its place, bat its place is not in the stomachs of
men. The brain sbonld be clear on that day if
no other. Be freemen in the fall sense of the
word, and discard the intoxicating bowl.
FOURTH OP JULY.
Pursuant to adjournment, a meeting assembled
at th* Winslow House on.Thuraday evening.
Tbe apibniktees ware all represented, *Od SST
erally made rep<W* of progress.
The Commß.ee on F
ed that DinriCT-RPoW bo served up At the Ameri
can House at 3 o’clock p. m. And further, that
the toAsts were all prepared, and respondents se
cured thereto.
The Committee appointed to proeore an Orator
and Render, reported that they had secured for
Orator, M. B. YVilSinson, Esq.; for Reader Dr.
Ewing ; and submitted the following correspon
dence: ' ' . ' !• •*
Saint Paul, June 27, 1855.
Mb. M. S. Wilkinson —Dear Sir—At a late
meeting of the citizens of St. Paul, called to pro
vide for appropriately celebrating the coming
of our National Independence, your committee
were appointed to select a suitable person to de
liver an oration on that occasion.
Having consulted together, we have concurred
in giving you an invitation to deliver the oration.
Please advise us of your decision at your ear
liest convenience, ns the time is quite limited.
Trusting you will find it consistent with your
feelings and engagements to comply with our re
quest, please accept the assurance of our high re
gard, while wc remain most respectfully yours,
Alex. Ramsey, Dr. Ewixo, ■
Wm. R. Marshall, H. L. Carver,
F. W. Packard, R. F. llouskworth,
Committee.
Saint Paul, June 27,1855.
Gentlemen —Yours of this date inviting me to
deliver an oration in this city on the 4th of July
□ext, is received.
1 accept your invitation, at the same time feel
ing assured that you could have made a selection
which would have been much more satisfactory
to yourselves and the public.
I am, gentlemen, your fellow citizen,
M. S. W ILKINSON,
To Alex. Ramsey, and others.
The Committee on ordnance, fire-works, finance,
&c., were not prepared to report.
The following Officers of the Day were then
selected:
President-ALEXANDER RAMSEY.
VICE PRESIDENTS!
Hon. Moses sherburne, Edmund Rice.
Hon. H. M. Rice, Wm. Ilollinshead,
Col. D. A. Robertson, Wm. R. Miller,
Win. R. Marshall, Chas. H. Oakes,
Maj. McLean, Lyman Dayton,
Wm. 11. Forbes, J. T. Rosser,
John Esaias Warren, Earle S. Goodrich,
John R. Irvine, C. L. Emerson,
Jno. P. Owens, A. L. Lnrpentcur,
M. E. Ames, B. F. Hoyt.
Chaplain—J. I. VAN INGEN, D. D.
Marshal of the day-Gen. I. VAN El TEN.
Col. G. W. FARRINGTON, W. G. Le DUC.
REVIEW OF THE TROOPS AT FT. SMELLING
Gen. Shields will review the troops at Ft. Sncll
ing, one week from this day. We learn that great
preparations have been made for a grand display,
and that a Ball will come off in the evening.
Disgraceful Fight.— -Another disgraceful fight
took place in Eagle street yesterday afternoon.—
Several of the party were arrested and will have
an examination this morning. It was a shameful
affair.
Over toe Falls. —Another man has been carried
over Niagara Falls. He was sailing in a boat
above, the boat got into the current, capsized and
the poor fellow met his fate.
Not True. —The report that Fort Laramie had
been taken by the Indians and the inmates massa
cred, is pronounced untrue.
The New Hotel.— This hotel, it is thought, will
be ready for plastering by the first of September,
and ready for occupancy by May next. The first
story of the stone work is already up, and the ma
terials are on the ground for the brick work.
RW Mrs. Robinson, the murderess, has boon
sentenced to be hung, but it is thought that Gov.
Clark will commute her punishment to imprison
ment for life.
Cs?* Tickets to Madame Parodi’s Concert in
Galena, were sold for $lO. It will be remember
ed that Parodi will visit St. Paul in about two
weeks. *
Py?” W c have received the second number of the
Lake Superior Chronicle, a well printed and well
edited paper. It can’t help but be successful.
Repentant. —ln the Miuncsotian of Saturday,
we find the following:
“There is more joy over one repentant sinner,
the Good Book says, than over ninety-nine just
men (such as the Times man) who need no repent
ance. Is the Times determined that we shan’t do
right, according to its standard of right, if we try
our best?” °
No sir; we most cheerfully welcome you back to
the ranks of Right, and if we were sure that you
were not playing us a Judas trick, the “fatted
lamb” should be killed. Men who are guided
solely by policy and not principle, should some
times be reminded of their inconsistencies.
The Cholera has almost entirely disappear
ed from New Orleans.
From the Minnesta Valley.—A gentle
man who arrived from St. Peters on Saturday,
informs us that very heavy rains have fallen in
the Minnesota Valley, and that the river was
on the rise.
Depredations of the Indians. —A letter
from a gentleman in Pembina, informs us that
the Indians had made a descent on the white
settlers and stolen nearly all their provisions.
Much excitement prevailed.
Denied.— It is denied in the St. Anthony Re
publican that Mr. Ingcrsoll, who accompanied
Gen. Stevens on his Northern Pacific route, dis
covered coal-beds and a Salt Lake. Mr. Inger
-801l says he has given authority for no such re
port.
St. Anthony Mills.— We learn from the Re
publican, that at the present time the mills are
sawing a daily average of about 25,000 ft. long
lumber; 8,000 shingles, 15,000 to 20,000 lat£
3000 pickets, besides sash stuff, banisters and
miscellaneous.
Robbery at Winona. —The Argus gives an ac
count of the robbery of Mr. Taylor of that place,
by bis bired man, whom be had fostered and pro
tected. The amount taken was SBOO in gold,
which he abstracted from a trunk that was broken
open. The Sheriff went in pursuit of the thief,
overhauled him at La Crosse, arrested him and
the money was recovered. His name is Mason
Battles.
Day t Jenks. —These extensive Druggists have
been and are now doing a large wholesale and re
tail business. The large stock purchased bv Dr.
Day in the Spring, has become nearly exhausted
and the gentlemen find it necesaary to replenish.
A new stock will be on band soon.
Tall Corn. —The Winona Argus states that Mr.
Bunnell, near that place, has corn five feet high.
He has also green peas, and potatoes ready to dir.
Ps?* The Winona Argos announces the arrival
at that place of Hon. David Olmsted and family,
who intend to make Winona their permanent rca
dence. V
The Fourth is to be celebrated with due
pomp and ceremony at Galena. Fire works in the
evening.
No Sickness on the River. —There never was
a better time for pleasure parties to visit St. Paul
than now. There is no sickness on the rim, and
ihe health of oar own city is excellent.
Assistants—
Sbakotse, 28th June, ’56. „
j—We tore had fine rairp with
in a few days. Crops look well and farmers
axe greatly enc**gd<
Our town is quite lively fop the season. The
THme and Tide, (Oapt. Roberts’ boat,) and the
H. S. Allen are now making regular trips be
tween here and St. Paul, carrying a large
amount of. freight.
Messrs. Hull, White & Petticord’s Stages
now make a daily line also, and are doing a
good business.
Capt. Reynolds has retired from the Wasson
House with the sincere good wishes of his
friends. “Jo.’s” attention to his guests will
cause him to be long remembered by those who
have been so fortunate as to stop with him. Mr.
White, lately from Ohio, has taken his place in
connection with Mr. Sherrer, and they are now
renovating the premises, and expect to build a
large addition immediately, the house being
far too small to accommodate their customers.
There are now four Variety and Provision
Stores, one Clothing Store, and a Hardware
Store here. A store is about to be opened ex
clusively for Dry Goods. AH these establish
ments are doing well and still we have room for
more.
Mr. Pitts, from Canada, is about starting a
lumber yard which will be a great advantage
to us.
Buildings are going up as fast as lumber can
be had; and we confidently expect to see im
provements rapidly constructed “when the logs
come down.”
Mr. John Shrader, who was recently wound
ed, by the acciden'al discharge of a gun, is like
ly to recover. He is the same man who was
wounded at the time the woman was killed by
the Indian Uhazzy, two or three years ago.
Mr. Martin Phillips, of this place, left a few
days since to purchase material for a printing
office. Mr. A. J. Morgan, of your city, we
understand, will be the editor of the paper.
Mr. T. A. Holmes returned last night from
Greenwood. He reports that the country is
rapidly filling with American settlers. A colo
ny from Jefferson County, Indiana, will proba
bly settle in the neighborhood. The claims on
the road from Lake Minnetonka arc almost all
taken and settlements almost join on the River.
It is represented as the most fertile part of the
Territory, and well timbered.
The 4th of July will probably pass off with
out a Celebration here. Is any thing going to
be done in St. Paul?
Yours, GLEANER.
Yes sir; come and see us; and if you
can’t come, write us often.— Ed.
£257“ While the Mississippi has gone down to a
low point, the Southern rivers have overflowed.
Freshets have also taken place in Ohio.
Spring Wheat in Minnesota. —We learn from
the farmers, that there will be but an average crop
of Spring Wheat in this Territory, this season.—
The reason assigned is tho drouth. There will be
a full yield of corn and potatoes, both of which
arc more forward than in the States below us.
Going It. —lt is estimated that 95,332 persons
were married in England in the last quarter of the
year 1855.
The Galena Advertiser states that the sand
still continues to wash into Galena river trom the
Railroad banks. It would be a good idea to fill
in the river, and - lay the track in the bed. There
would then be no further difficulty of the sand
washing in and impeding navigation.
CW* President Pierce, Ex-President Tyler and
Win. L. Marcv, have received Land Warrants for
services rendered their country. One for faint
ing on the battle-field—another for tearing bis
pantaloons and tlie third for turning traitor to his
party. Republics are not ungrateful after all.
£5?” Much excitement was created among the
Americans at Paris, wheu Mr. Greely was seized
and thrown into prison. lie was expected to dine
with a number of Americans that day, and at first
it was thought that he was seized for his political
views.
New' York.— The prices of Beef, Butter and
Vegetables of all kinds have declined in New
York, from one to two cents per pound. Flour is
still high.
“You owe me five dollars for that opinion
you had of me,” said Squire S. to a client. “No
I don’t,” said the man, “for I never had any
opinion of you.”
The New York Mirror says that the opera
business in that city is too expensive. Madame
La Grange, for instance, the present “bright
particular star” of the Academy, is receiving
$4,000 "a month—equal to $48,000 a year !
Mirate gets $3,600 a month and Morelli and
Marini from $2,000 to $2,500. To these
enormous salaries, add rent, at the rate of $2,-
000 a month; orchestra and chorus, $6,000 a
month; gas and advertising at $2,000 a month,
and the aggregate expenses swell into an alarm
ing amount—not less than $26,000 a month.
Greeley in Prison.— Horace, the sage philoso
pher, was placed in jail in Paris and there kept
two days, on the complaint of a sculptor, who
sent a work of Art to the New York Crystal Pal
ace, where it was broken, and he sought to re
cover damages from Greeley, as a Director of the
Palace. Mr. Greeley gives a very interesting ac
count of the affair in a late number of the Tri
bune.
Judge Samuel S. Wilder, of Massachusetts,
died on the 22d, aged 85 years.
Mr. Greely at a Game or Whist. —DickTinto,
in the New York Times, describes a ball given by
a couple of young American dentists at Paris
(bachelo: a) whereat Mr. Greely is thus presented.
In the card-room were two whist tables, and I
looked in to see who was winning. At one was
Horace Greely, with our brilliant Lady Secretary,
Mrs. Piatt, for a partner, their adversaries were
Mrs. Uealy—much too good natured to be any
body’s adversary—and a gentlemen whose name I
did not learn. At the particular moment of the
game which fell under my observation, Mr. Gree
ly and bis fair vis-a-vit were in the nine-boles—
their opponents counting but six. Diamonds
were trumps, and the lead was Mrs. Piatt’s. Mr.
Greely found it difficult to proceed according to
Hogle, such was the constant succession or aid
acquaintances who wished to ask him bow he did.
He once played third band low in consequence,
and of coarse lost the trick!
Three armed desperadoes recently rode
up to a house at Holly Springs, Miss., and when
a young man belonging to the boose walked out
to ascertain their business, one of them immedi
ately raised his gon and shot him down. A sister
of the murdered rushed out of the home and made
some exclamation of indignation of horror, wbon
Uie murderer raised his gun a second time and
fired, and she Ml dead by the side of her brother.
Search for Mellen. —About a hundred men,
friends of Mr. Mellen, and others left this city
Saturday afternoon at four o’clock, for Belvidere,
to engage in a search for the crazy man supposed
to be Mr. Mellen. The Galena Railroad Compa
ny very reterouslv gave them passes out and
back. We hope the public suspense in regard to
this nutter may sows be terminated— Chicago
Dem. Prm .
,'SMRoMlJniiilllilme* vf \
up the way
% Amka, June 23,1866.
In nay hat I promised yon sletter from Ano
ka, one of the moat thrifty and busy places on
the East aide of the Miaaiaaippi, above St. An
thony. A part of the town ia built on the
banks of Rummer, which river comes curving
gently round the foot of a bluff, and paaaea un
der a bridge off to your left. The other part
ia built on finely elevated ground after yoypass
the bridge on your way up. Thus far
seen no place, not even St. Anthony, which
denote* so ftiuck taste and Industry, aa this little
busy, active, bustling town of Anoka. “By
George!” says the Colonel, “ that’s a fine place
—see how beautifully that ground swells up on
the left, and then those well-formed trees—
Jupiter and scissors, isn’t that nice T* “ Pshaw!”
ejaculates Maj. 0., whom we observed was
getting a little piqued at our praise of the place
—“ pshaw ! Sauk Rapids is a much handsomer
place; you need n’t burst your boots in laudation
of Anoka; it is true it is q smart place, but it
isn’t the whole Valley of the Mississippi, not
by any means, and you act as though you had
never seen a town.” Fearing that we might
arouse the military spirit of the Major, and
thereby get a poke under our left rib, the sub
ject was dropped, not however until the Colonel
had slyly repeated the remark—“ it is a devilish
fine place, anyhow.” We are on the bridge
which crosses Rum river, looking up the stream.
Just above us is the great stoppage or out-let
to all the logs from the Upper Mississippi.—
These logs are closely wedged together, with
scarcely water enough to float them, and seem
to be as dry as the toper before his morning
bitters. In the middle of this dain, there is a
gate or sluice-way, and when the water is suf
ficiently high, this gate is opened, and the logs
come tumbling down like so many sheep, and
are then made into rafts and floated to the
Mississippi and then down that river to the va
rious mills. The peculiar location of the town,
being situated at that point on the river where
all the logs from the Pineries must stop, renders
it highly probable that the citizens will never
want for lumber, and this is sufficient of itself
to induce many to locate here, and as the Yan
kees say, to “ put things through.” In addition
to this, there is a fine saw mill in full blast,
owned by Woodbury &. Laniard, and I learn
that another mill and a large Grist mill is soon
to be erected on the ruins of tae one which
was recently destroyed by fire. Anoka con
tains two hundred inhabitants, has a large hotel
called the Farnham llou-,c, some twenty neat
and tasty dwellings, three stores, and a Post
Office. The distance from St. Paul is between
twenty-five and thirty miles, and lots arc prized
from §25 to §IOO, which, in view of the pros
pective prosperity of the place, the beautiful
land which surrounds it, and its fine location,
we consider very reasonable. We advise
young men of enterprize, who desire to do
something for themselves, and who can get
nothing to do in St. Paul, to remove to Anoka,
take off their coats, and like those who are al
ready located there, to “ pitch in,” and if they
are sober and industrious, success will surely
crown their efforts. Methinks I hear some old
croaker say—“Oh, you have an interest in
Anoka, or you would not praise it so.” Not
so fast, neighbor; we don’t own one inch of
land nor are we acquainted with a single indi
vidual in the place. Our views have been
formed after a careful observation and some
inquiry—so take them for just what they are
worth.
The shades of evening which began to gath
er about us, warned us that we must be on out
way, and it was not long before the dim outlines
of Anoka faded from our view. After you
leave Anoka some three or four miles, the
country assumes ah entirely different appear
ance. The soil appears to be less productive
and there is a barrenness uncongenial to the
lover of Nature. The oak openings disappear
and on a bleak, blank prairie, within a short dis
tance of the Mississippi, is Itasca, a town of
seven houses, and nothing about it to invite
settlers or to induce them to remain after they
come. Itasca may grow into importance, but
if it does, I shall miss my calculation, for cer
tainly I see but little of interest or in the least
degree calculated to awake enthusiasm. It is
33 miles from St. Paul, containing a small tav
ern, a Post Office, and an apology for a store.
I am informed that there is good agricultural
land in the neighborhood, which sells for $75
per acre. The size of most of the towns on
the East side of the Mississippi River, have
been greatly exaggerated, which exaggeration
is calculated to not only disappoint those who
may visit them, but to injure the places them
selves. The truth will always bear its own
weight. Should some energetic capitalist take
hold of Itasca possibly it could be made a smart
little town, but this will never occur until the
dark cloud of speculation which now hangs
over it has been removed and farmers have
been induced to develope the resources of the
vast prairie back and around it.
“ Pooh !—pooh !” sneers the Colonel—■“ mis
erable place—light soil—sour grass—could n’t ’
support a goat much less a cat—would starve
to death here,” and giving an extra crack to
the whip away we rattled. But these terms of
ridicule brought out the Major, who insisted
that the land was excellent—better land than
any we had seen on the route. The Colonel
denied it and here was the argument. “Do
you see that fine grass scattered all over the
prairieT “Yes,” replies the Maj. “Well
that grass possesses no nutriment—it is called
sour grass, and the soil in which it grows, is
sour—it wouldn’t feed a cat much less a goat.
Just beyond there, do you see that wide-bladed
grass?” “ Yes,” again replies the Major.—
“ Well, that grass cattle will eat, and the soil
in which it grows is good soil, and needs little
or no cultivation, while the other soil needs a
great deal of cultivation.” The Major’s face
looked like a blank cartridge, but lightening
up all of a sudden, he asked—“ how do you
know that the grass is sour —did you ever taste
it V* “ Yes sir,” emphatically replied the Col.
“ Well, then, your research in agricultural mat
ters have been much deeper than mine, and I
* cave’ ” rejoined the Major, and here the dis
cussion terminated. We cogitated over the
conversation of our loquacious friends, until we
were half-inclined to believe the Colonel to be
right, and by the time we had settled this point
in our mind, the eight mile prairie had disap
peared, and* we were about entering the Elk
Hirer settlement, as fine a country and as rich
a soil as we have yet met on our journey.. We