The miners' express., December 19, 1849, Image 2

About The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854

Image provided by: State Historical Society of Iowa

                
A,
vS&.
v
T*
&
i»%«
1
iht
THE EXPRESS.
it
II. HOLT, EDITOR.
OKFICK
OX JI I
I.V-STflEETC:"::ENTIlANCK
SECOND
DOOR AHOVE THK BANK.
DUBUQUE:
"WE»MESDiYY«::iDECEMBEH 1» 1849.
I-.-I
,ca,
W
Dnbnqtae in 1849.
-As thc btisiriesS season for the year 1849, is
now drawn io a closc, wc have thought it not in
appropriate to refer briefly to what has been
done in the way of improvements during the
year, and at the same time attempt to give some
-i* idea of the present condition of the town in rcf
erfnee to mercantile and mechanical operations.
Since the commencement of the present year
from eighty to one hundred brick buildings have
been erected, including dwelling-houses and
Btores many of them large and costly structures,
and all of them such as to do credit to the pro
prietors, and to form ornaments to tile town.—
Main street, where the principal business is tran
sacted, has been greatly improved, and made to
assume an dppcarancc totally different from that
presented at the commencement of the season.
Many of the dilapidated wooden structures by
which it was defaced, have given place to ele
gant brick buildings, which have been finished
in a style appropriate to their location. Among
these may be mentioned the brick Stores erect
ed by Messrs. Powers, Bush, Mangold, Mason,
Hebe, Langworthy, and others, and above all
the commodious Globe Buildings" by Wilson
& Smith,
on the corner of Main and Fifth streets.
I This building contains three large Store rooms
upon the lower floor, and in the second and third
stories a large number of pleasant and commo
dious rooms for Offices &c. Among the dwell
ings erected upon Main street, may be mention
ed that of the Hon. J. J. Dyer, Judge of the U
S. District Court. This elegant mansion, finish
ed in a style of architecture which does credit to
our city and State, is situated upon an elevation
at the upper part of town, and is seen to great
advantage in approaching from the opposite side
of the river.
The improvements in the other streets are c
qnally creditable to the enterprise, and indicative
of the prosperity, of our citizens.
The Mercantile and Mechanical business of
Dubuque is far more extensive than most towns
of the same size, and may be summed up as fol
lows
There are twenty-two. stores containing a gen
eral assortment of Dry Goods, Clothing, Gro
ceries, &c., with stocks varying from ten to eigh
ty thousand dollars one large wholesale and re
tail Hardware Store two Drug Stores two Auc
tion and Commission merchants one Book Store
eight Fruit and Provision Stores one Boot and
Shoe Store two Tin-ware Manufactories: three
Bakeries one large Manufactory of Confection
ery seven master Builders six Plasterers sev
en master Bricklayers four Painters two mas
ter Stone Masons one Marble worker two
Saddle and Harness Manufactories seven
Boot and Shoe Manufactories nine Tailor shops
three Miliners and Dress makers three Jewel
ers and Watch makers six Cabinet and Chair
Manufactories five Blacksmith's shops three
Carriage and Wagon Manufactories two Gun
smiths three Cooper shops five Butcheries one
Soap and Candle Factory two Livery Stables.
There arc two large Steam Flouring Mills,
Which, when in active operation, are able to make
over two hundred barrels of flour a day. There
is also a Steam Saw Mill, with two run of saws.
There are three Newspaper and Job Printing
Offices, from which are issued four weekly news
papers two Whig and two Democratic one of
the latter in the German language.
There are some eight or ten Hotels and pub
lic Boarding Houses, besides a large number of
private boarding establishments. Two of the
Hotels, the "City Hotel" and "Waples House,"
are large and elegant 4 story buildings, and af
ford to the traveling public the most ample and
agreeable accommodations. "Dickinson's Tem
perance House," recently opened on Fourth st.,
is fitted up in excellent style by the Proprietor,
and offers the best of accommodations to transient
or permanent boarders. The "Farmer's Ilome^
and the "American," "Washington" and "New
York" Houses are worthy of patronage.
fiivS
The learned Professions are well represented
in our city, both as to numbers and ability.—
There are eleven Physicians, of various systems
of practice one Dentist seventeen Lawyers
thirteen Preachers of the Gospel.
The Churches are, one Episcopalian, one
Methodist, one Roman Catholic, one Congrega
tional, one "Christian," one Baptist, one Ger
man Congregational, and one German Metho
dist.
The Roman Catholics have laid the founda
tion for a large Cathedral on Main street between
Sixth and Seventh, which, when completed, will
be one of the most magnificent buildings in the
Western country. The cost is estimated at some
thing over $100,000. It will probably be fin
ished during the coming year. The Episcopa
lians are now erecting a neat brick edifice on
Locust street. It is in the Gothic style of Archi
k" tecturc, and when completed, will be a beauti
ful ornament to the city. The cost is estimated
at some $5,000. The Methodist society have
made arrangements to erect, during the coming
year, a much larger church than the one they
now occupy, to be located on Main street, near
the upper part of town. It is to be built of brick
and in a style which will do credit to the city
The Congregational church edifice has been
very much enlarged during. summer, so
as to accommodate a very large jytfdtfpry, and a
large Lecture Room built in Ibe rcarVond the
whole furnished in a most comforia&fe and ele
gant style.
The offices of Jfag General Govern mentloca
tcd at Dubuque,1HejNhc office of Surveyor Gc
neral of the District composed of the States of
Iowa and Wisconsin, in which some eight or
ten clerks arc employed, at salaries of from
eight to twelve hundred dollars each, and a pa
tronage of from fifty to seventy-five thousand
dollars is annually dispensed. The Receiver
and Register's Office of the Northern Land Dis
trict of the State of Iowa, and tho Office of the
s Judge of the U.S. District Court.
pf$ The Free Mason's have a Lodge and Chap
iter. The Odd Fellows, three subordinate Lodg
ies, (two English and.one German) and an En
campment. The Seq# of Temperance one Di
vision. J-
S The above brief, and doubtless very imperfect,
Sketch of the business of Dubuque, will give
liorne idea of the prosperous condition in which
Jflie closes the year J849. Her population is
xi At I .1 ...Ul..
"%omething' near lour thousand, and rapidly in
creasing. A dozen years ago, a small cluster of
Jjffigers' shanties, hastily crected but lot tempo.
occupation, $ra« all there was of Dabuque.
fk« Mr*t brick building was erected in the year
W3Gj Mv4 onljr within the lost three or four
years has she pnt tm the appearance of perma
nent prosperity and rapid growth.
She has now many things to contend with,
and many obstacles to overcome in her onward
progress, which call loudly for enterprise and
energy on the part of her citizens. But that en
terprise and energy, with the assistance of the
natural advantages she posseses will overcome
them. Her Harbor will soon be made what the
business of the town demands and rail-roads
will speedily open to her their magis communi
cation with Eastern Cities, and bring to her the
exhaustless productions of western plains.
Dubuque is already the largest town of the
State, and her peculiar location upon the Upper
Mississippi, her salubrious climate, and above
all, the wealth and resources of the surrounding
country, hold out to her the promise that she
will ever continue in advance of her sister Cities
of Iowa.
Our Youth's Department.
We have received answers to our questions of
last week, and also valuable contributions to the
department, but all too late for insertion.
They should be handed in as soon as Monday
moroing.
Congress.
No organization yet, and consequently no
Message.
We shall publish it as soon as the wires will
bring it.
Political Economy and Socialism.
The existence of man from his mother's womb
to his mother earth, is but the result of certain
principles, and combination of certain causes o
ver which he has no coutrol except to destroy
their harmony. Tbe social state of Man, in his
relations with his fellow in society, is analagous
to the relation which the conflicting dispositions
of each individual holds to each other.
In Man as a society as much as in man as an
individual, some dispositions will predominate,
and assume and exercise such a control as pla
ces all others in a subordinate capacity and
whenever power or wealth is allowed to exer
cise this undue influence on society, the harmo
ny of man's existence becomes disturbed, he be.
comes a master or a dependent a subject or a
sovereign. Political Economy is that science
whose maxims teach men to regulate their inter,
course with each other so as to preserve that
harmony of existence which is the medium be
tween wealth and poverty.
Political Economists, it is true, endeavor to
show not only what wealth is, but how it may
be acquired and in their endeavors to enlighten
mankind by exposing to view the sources of
wealth and the magnificent results of a well-di
rected application of its resources, they place
mankind in the most antagonistic position a
gainst each other, in which wealth and poverty,
labor and capital become the opposing elements.
The tendency and even the inevitable result of
the old systems have been to "make the rich
richer, and the poor poorer." This, however,
has not been the fault of the science, but of its
expounders and like all other sciences whose
principles have not been understood, or whose
rules have been misapplied, Political Economy,
instead of being a
well-studied
and well-known
science, is scarcely recognized as a securcr of
fixed rules and principles.
It is not surprising, nay, it is natural ond per
haps just, that the mass of mankind should be
slow in recognizing as scientific truth, doctrines
whose tendency would seem to place them in
that subordinate capacity in which poverty and
labor is placed, beneath wealth and capital.—
Yet, such is the position in which the majority
of mankind find themselves placed after the Re
ligious and Philosophic teachings of nearly six
thousand years. It was in vain that Religion
and Philosophy taught that wealth and capital
had their duties, while the rights of poverty and
labor remained unrecognized it was in vain that
tyranny was rebuked and denounced from the
pulpit and closet, when resistance to tyrants wa3
punished as treason. Too much stress has been
laid upon the legitimacy of established customs
on the social state of existence but the inequal
ity which these customs and precedents stamp
upon the face of society, have awakened in the
minds of the masses a doubt as to their legitima
cy. The political doctrines of the age have re
cognized the individual as the legitimate source
of power, while the laws regulating the affairs of
men on all subordinate questions, remain fixed
upon the precedents of auother age and of otiier
doctrines, and are made to conform to the cus
toms of other times.
Poverty and labor arc elevated by our political
institutions, but by the laws of society they are
placed subordinate to wealth and capital. The
effect of this state of things must be, that in our
political institutions we are democratic and re
publican, whilst in our social state the precedents
and customs of other times and other people
make us aristocrats. At an election we are e
qual, in the social hall or public exhibition we
arc as opposite as wealth and poverty. Here arc
faintly shadowed forth the forms which will soon
stand forth in bold relief to combat for the rights
of labor, and for the privileges of wealth the
former contending for a state of society called
SOCIALISM, which elevates poverty and labor to
a level with wealth and capital the latter con
tending for that supremacy of position which its
possessors contend to be its legitimate conse
quence.
Were labor and wealth left to contend alone,
we should be constrained to tremble for the con
sequences but knowing, as we do, that it is not
upon physical energies alone that the laborer
(and by this term we recognize all legitimate la
bor,) depends in this combat, we rejoice at the
anticipated prospect, when we shall delight our
eyes and gladden our hearts with seeing pover
ty and wealth, labor and capital, form but one
society, in which each shall have a position
neither subordinate nor super-eminent. Such is
the result wc anticipate from this conflict of in
terests—a re-organization and amalgamation of
the normal elements of society, and their re-con
struction upon the basis of equality.
IdF'It is reported by some of our cotcmpora
ries, that an effort will be made in the early part
of the present session of Congress to suspend
all diplomatic intercourse with Austria. The
late speech of-Mr. Webster, at the New Hamp
shire dinner, given at Boston, would seem to in-
dicatc the
questuM.
was
propriety i
and RIUNI^
nations wit
blustering bar-:
pectablc portion
the rumors which ha
making this Austrian
may prove unfounded, and that all intercourse
with this Despotism may at once and forever
cease,
that
nations
IIIS*,aad
Austria
feipeetable
Which a
by thc rns-
-"Wa trust that
in relation to
irgeshipafull Mission,
Acquittal of CLilds.—The trial of Childs, for
embezzlement, resulted in his almost immediate
acquittal by the Jury.
HMtnin
More Rail Roads.
An effort is being made by the citizens of
Carroll county, 111., to connect the town of Sa
vannah, in that county, to Freeport, in Stephen
son county. Freeport is on the line of the Chi
cago and Galena Rail Road, and Savannah is
opposite the town of Sabula, in Jackson county,
Iowa. Here are four projected lines of Rail
ways, all endeavoring to reach the Mississippi
River, and extend their iron belts over into Io
wa. We will name these different lines, so as
to present them all in one view, and thereby
give a distinct idea of their location.
First in order, and first in importance, is the
Chicago and Galena Rail Road, as it is now
called. This road connects the cities of Chica
go and Galena—Lake Michigan to the Missis
sippi. It must reach Dubuque ultimately, and
will proceed thence through the interior of Io
wa to the Missouri. We shall not attempt its
westward track further than the last named
point at present, but turn back upon the Mil
waukee and Potosi Rail Road. This road, like
the other, is designed to connect Lake Michi
gan to the Mississippi, but at other points. Its
ultimate course will lead it to Dubuque, where
it will unite with the Chicago road westward.
The third projected route is that from Rock Isl
and, (opposite Davenport, Iowa,) to Elgin.—
This is but a branch of the main trunk from
Chicago to Galena, but will be not the less im
portant to those whose interests it is intended to
subserve. The eastern center of Iowa will be
materially affected for the better by this latter
branch. Should it be constructed, (as it surely
will be,) it will extend itself westward to Fort
Dcs Moines, and thence unite with the main
trunk from Chicago. The fourth route is like
wise a branch of the Chicago and Galena road,
and may cross the Mississippi at Sabula. We
would recommend all who feel an interest in
these matters, to procure a map of the States of
Wisconsin, Illinois, and Iowa, and trace upon
them these road as they may be projected. A
few hours, or days, spent in this way, will pro
mote the projection and accomplishment of the
roads, by being convinced of their utility, profit,
and feasihility.
fiFCo.NTF.sTF.r) SEAT.—We learn from the
Washington Union, that Col. Hayinond's seat
in Congress will be contested by his opponent,
Mr. Thompson. The ground upon which Mr.
Thompson proceeds is, that there were two pre
cincts in which no election was held, there be
ing no election officers to receive the votes
when presented The question to be decided,
shall the voters of these townships or pre
cincts be disfranchised? If so, there is left a
wide gap for the perpetuation of corruption.—
The present Honse of Representatives is hardly
a fit place to decide these questions dispassion
ately.
ITsPNoBi.K OFFER.—Lieut. LYSCII, of the
U. S. Navy, offers his services to take charge of
an expedition to searcli for Sir John Frinklin in
the Frozen Ocean.
Rail Road in Wisconsin.
The people of Wisconsin are not only awak
ening to the importance of Rail Roads, but are
manifesting a determination speedily to avail
themselves of the advantages springing from
this mode of travel and transportation. The farm
er and the mechanic, the merchant and the cap
italist, have long seen the reward of their skill
and industry curtailed, or entirely lost, for want
of an easy and speedy communication with east
ern marts and they have resolved to submit to
these inconvcniences no longer.
While the enterprising and wealthy City of
Milwaukee is putting forth her utmost exertions
to open a channel of Rail Road communication
across the entire State, to the Mississippi River,
thus drawing to herself the rich products of the
Agriculturist and the Miner her equally enter
prising, and somewhat jealous neighbor, Chica
go, is reaching for the same products by means
of a branch from her road to Beloit, thence to
Janesville, and on to Madison, the capital of the
State.
A meeting was held in Madison, on the 8th
instant, to take action in the matter of this ex
tension—not such a meeting as is usually held
in Dubuque upon stich subjects, where nothing
is done but to make speeches and pass resolu
tions, .and appoint a Committee of Jive—but one
that resulted in
ACTION,and
such action as alone
can make a Rail Road.
The Madison Express says:
"It is expected that this road will be comple
ted to Beloit during the coming year at which
time it is the intention of the company to have
the Madison and Beloit Road intersect it, and
extend up as far as Janesville. This will open
a communication into the heart of the richest a
gricultural country in the world, and will render
this road one of immense profit to its stockhold
ers, and of vast convenience to the inhabitants
of the country through which it passes. To our
mind there is no question but an extension of
this road to Madison is good policy neither is
there any question but it will be made, and that
before long. The whole meeting seemed unani
mous and enthusiastic in favor of the project,
and the only question was as to the conditions
upon which stock should be taken. Tiie meet
ing finally decided to open books and receive
subscriptions, five per cent., to be paid into the
general fund of the company, to defray expenses
of surveying, &c. —the balance to be paid on
consideration that the work shall commence at
Madison, and extend towards Janesville as far
as the money subscribed in this county will con
struct the road. It was contended that this con
dition would insure an earlier completion of the
road to this place, and also insure a much great
er amount of stock to be taken in this county."
If Dubuque intends to have a Rail Road com
munication with the East, she must adopt the
same course. She must yield her masterly in
activity, and "open her books," and invest her
means, as the citizens of other towns are doing.
She must interest herself in the improvements
now being extended towards her, and to which
she should principally look, as the source of her
prosperity, and from which she is, in part, to tic
rive the meaiis of constructing Roads to the
western borders of our State.
Tnc iron-mongers' Convention, which lately
assembled at Pittsburg, adjourned sine die, on
the 2'3d ult., after passing the following resolu
tion: That it will require a duty of !en dollars
per ton on pig iron, and twenty dollars on corn
mon bar iron, and a corresponding increase on
all other iron and manufactures of iron, in pro
portion to cost of make, to protect the American
market.
(^"During a recent steamboat trip down the
Ohio, the births became so scarce, that a tall
Vermont Yankee rented his at $2.00 per night,
and slept in it by day. He'll do for this world
IdS^'Thc Annexationists of Canada are gain
ing strength by every effort which is made to
oppose them.
TAXING
-rn-r.lv„r
WIH
EMIGRANTS.—A meeting has recent­
ly been held in Philadelphia, the object of which
waH to petition Congress for authority to tax
emigrants, to prevent their being a charge on
the eountry.
firlf, Adr.
trtidepriving her hrro nnd the IRISHMAN
Weights and Measures.
"A pound of any thing haint near the heft it
used to have."—[MRS. PARTINGTON.
We had designed, time and again, to have said
something about Weights and Measures, but
have as often been prevented by a press of oth
er subjects from accomplishing our purpose. We
have been forcibly reminded of our intention by
observing the pithy remark of Mrs. Partington,
which Wc place at the head of our subject and
though We do not voucli for the correctness of
the sweeping assertion of the shrewd dame, we
have strong reasons to fear that there is a great
deal of truth and justice in her laconic sentence.
The laws of society require that some criteri
on of gravity and capacity should be adopted, to
which all persons who sell goods should con
form, and by the establishment of which, all
men could be assured that a pcuad was really a
pound, and a bushel was exactly a bushel.
Without this criterion of weights and meas
ures, how is it possible to be certain that you
have the exact weight or measure that you bar
gained for? A case in point occurs to us, which
will illustrate the necessity of conforming to the
laws on this subject. One of our country friends,
(a miller) bought a patent beam in one of our
stores a few weeks ago and on enquiring wheth
er it was true, he was informed that it was like
ly to be so. Here, then, was no certainty and
the miller, being an honest man, was determin
ed to have have his weight right and for the
purpose of having this beam stamped with the
seal of authority, he went to the Sealer of
weights and measures but was again disappoint
ed. That functionary had no legal criterion by
which to compare weights, and the consequence
is, that flour and wheat must be bought and sold
by guess. This is not an isolated case. The
same consequences must ^e the result in every
store in Dubuque, where no standard of capaci
ty and gravity is adopted.
It is not enough to have a round piece of lead,
and call it a pound, nor a round hollow, capa
cious-looking article for a bushel. A bushel
should be capacious enough to contain a certain
quantity of what it is designed to measure—
neither less nor more,—and a pound weight
should be of a certain absolute gravity. The
statute law of the State prescribes this weight
and capacity, and it is really surprising that the
public—the men and women who buy and sell,
have borne this evil so long and so silently.—
We cannot believe that they have been suffi
ciently aware of the facts, else they would have
insisted on a compliance with the law on the
subject. Every one is interested, directly in
terested and we trust that each and all will see
and feel the necessity of urging and compelling
a strict compliance with the statutes of weights
and measures.
We cannot dismiss this subject without say
inga word to wood merchants. We have heard
frequent complaints made of wood measurers.—
Every one knows, or ought to know, what it
takes to make a cord of wood and when wood
is bought and paid for by the cord, the buyer
expects, and should receive, the stipulated quan
tity of wood, with as much exactness as the
wood merchant does his stipulated price. A
cord of wood is estimated by feet just as a dol
lar is estimated by cents and if every cent is
exacted by the woodman, every foot should be
demanded by the public.
We shall keep these and other kindred sub
jects before the people, till all room for com
plaint shall have disappeared. Those who giro
cause for compliant, will please attend to the
warning.
'j&^The farmers of Western Missouri are en
deavoring to improve their stock cattle by a
cross with the Bison of the West. They expect
to improve tho quality and quantity of meat by
this cross, and also to combine the gentleness of
the domestic ox with the strength of the Bison.
'j^Tlie Right Hon. James Gratton has sold
all his estates in Ireland, and purchased five
thousand acres of land in Virginia where he in
tends to take up his residence.
O The French Chambers have voted the Du
chess of Orleans a dowry of 300,000 francs.—
This is either very generous, oi looks like going
back to the monarchy—the latter, wc presume.
ADMITTING FEMAI.ES
TO
MEDICAL HONORS.
—The central college recently established at Sy
racuse, N. Y., offers to admit females to study
the medical profession, and to take its recom
mendation, if successful, in the form of the usu
al diploma. Suveral femates are already enter
ed for the winter course of lectures. Success
to them.
Alabama Senators.
The Legislature of Alabama have chosen
Hons. WILLIAM R. KING and JEREMIAII CLE
MENS
to represent that State in the Senate of the
United States.
The election of Mr. Clemens is regarded with
much favor by a portion of the Whig Press, who
claim him as a supporter of General Taylor.
We know that lie served in the Mexican War
as Lieut. Col. of the 0th Infantry, under Gen.
Taylor, and may, from personal attachments, or
respect to his militaay character, have given him
his support in the canvass of 1848. Upon all
questions of National Politics, he is understood
to be firm in the Democratic faith.
O"'Eight Hundred Thousand Dollars of the
Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance paper is
in circulation! Beware of the Rags!
E.^TIIE REv'd. MR. MAGOUN, of Galena,
has accepted the call of the 1st Presbyterian
Church in Chicago, to become their Pastor.
Mr. Magoonisa polished and eloquent speak
er, and has the reputation of being a sound The
ologian.
E3F*Gon. Cass, at his rccent visit to N. York,
was tendered the honor of a public dinner, which
lie respectfully declined.
5^'The Portuguese Governor of Macao, was
recently murdered by some Chinese who, it was
thought, was hired to assassinate him.
It is rumored that Col. Fremont has fouud
weightier reasons than gold, for pitching his tent
in California. We alluded some months ago, to
a lot of valuble emeralds sent to this city, and
placed in the hands of a lapidary, for the purpose
of being cut. They were said to come froin Fre
mont, and it is now hinted that a large number
of similar emeralds, coming from the same
source, are undergoing the same process. Col.
Fremont has, possibly, found the deposit from
whence the Montezurnas derived their magnifi
cent emeralds.—[N. Y. Paper.
There are 140,787 sheep in Iowa. It is
destined to become a very fextensive wool
growing State.
MRS. PARTINGTON
ON
SLANDERERS—Com­
pares them to Calomel.—"If there is any body
under the canistcr of heaven that I have in utter
excrescence," says the amiable Mrs. Parting
ton, "it is a slanderer: going about like a vile
boaconstructor, circulating his Calomel about
honest foks. 1 always know one by his phi'/.ma
hogany. Itseems as though Hclzabob had stamp
ed him with his private signal, and every thing
he looks at, appears to turn yellow."
April "."ttli. If
remn in one oi tnoae man wnmti frill i be dope, u tocaii iortn uwt spun, we um»muw
Correspondence of tho Miners' Express.
For the Miners' Express.
Minnesota Letters.
SO. 11.
Election of County Officers—Winter—The Win
ncbago Indians, fyc.
Saint Paul, Nov. 20-
Our election of County officers passed off
with the usual excitement on Monday, and re
sulted in the defeat of the Democratic ticket.
A large number of the Democrats bolted from
the regular nomination, and went for the neutral
ticket, which comprised the names of Whigs
and Democrats, equally divided. Some few al
terations were made so that the majority arc
Democrats. The Pioneer says that Washing
ton county has gone for the Whigs by a majori
ty of six, but think the full returns will show an
increase, though slight.
There being no more elections on hand, polit
ical excitement will probably subside until the
canvass for the election of Representatives to
the Legislature which takes place in 1850. In
the mean time, I must endeavor to find other
topics to render a continuance of my letters in
teresting.
My last chronicled the beginning of winter
in these parts, and although the snow was fall
ing when 1 closed my letter, the storm passed
over and a week of pleasant weather followed.
Winter has now commenced in good earnest.
We have had a light fall of snow. The hills
look as if Nature had put on a clean shirt, and
was getting ready to celebrate the holidays, and
welcome in the new year.
The river remains open, though ice began to
run last night. The weather is rather cool—ice
forming one inch in thickness to-day.
The Winnebagoe3 who are located in the vi
cinity of Sauk Rapids and Crow Wing, on the
western shore, are still uneasy and determined
to return to their old hunting grounds—from
which they were removed last season by Gov
ernment. There are various reports in circula
tion relative to the reasons of their departure at
this season. One is that they are in a state of
starvation—entirely destitute of food—their
country destitute of game. Another report
says, whiskey has been freely distributed among
some of them, and excited their revolting spir
its. I copy from the last number of the Pio
neer a few lines which I think a little exagger
ated
Is it the design of government, after ban
ishing several hundred of these poor wretches,
to a miserable swamp, destitute of game, with
out agriculture, in a bleak northern clime, half
clad, half sheltered, to let them perish there
with hunger the ensuing winter?"
It certainly cannot be the design of our gov
ernment to treat them in this manner and if I
have been correctly informed, there is no nation
of Indians in the West who receive larger an
nuities, in money and clothing, than the Wrinne
bagos. I am told that they receive sixteen dol
lars per head, yearly. This would allow, on an
average, to each family about two hundred dol
lars in money, besides a distribution of other ar
ticles—blankets, provisions, etc.—and a school
and farm, supported by government, for their
education and improvement.
Some one hundred and fifty arc reported as
having taken French leave in the night, last
week, arc now probably encamped at their old
quarters. Their leaving shows them discontent
ed and they scorn determined to be trouble
some, which is a reputation they merit.
The mail leaves to-night, and as it is get
ting late, 1 must close.
Yours, W.
For the Miners' Express.
Public Scliools.
'Tin Education forms the tender mind:
As tho twig is bent, the tree is inclined."
Public Schools are now so universally estab
lished, so liberally endowed, and so extensively
patronized throughout the State, that anything
said oj written in favor of these laudable institu
tions might be deemed unnecessary more par
ticularly, as eacli school is placed under the fos
tering care of enlightened and judicious officers
who, no doubt, will discharge the important du
ties entrusted to them by the public, with honor
to themselves, and profit to the rising genera
tion —gentlemen, who will discountenancc vice
and immorality, and promote virtue and educa
tion. But, admitting these schools are furnished
with all the necessary appendages peculiar to a
well-regulated school-room with desks, bench
es, blacboards, maps, &c. &c., stove and fire
wood, and all other articles used in seminaries
is there not one important "item" yet wanted?
Yes an efficient Teacher. A school-room sup
plied with all the essentials already mentioned,
is like a clock without a pendulum, or an army
a general it requires a man at the head to gov
ern, who has judgment to keep the various parts
in motion. It requires a teacher, who commands
the requisite qualifications of a good school
master, viz: "Education, Discipline, and Expe
rience." If these essential qualities arc found
united in the same person, the school will pros
per knowledge will be diffused throughout the
district the children will learn in youth what
will raise them to eminence in manhood, and
make them respectable in old age. Hence, the
necessity of procuring the services of a learned
and talented gentleman. A teacher may be a
good scholar, and an indifferent instructor but
an ignorant and stupid man can never be a good
teacher. A man who devoted his youth to use
ful studies, his manhood to acquiring a perfect
knowledge of these studies, and his declining
years to the honorable, but unprofitable occupa
tion of instruction, should be liberally rewarded
his income should be commensurate with his
services. The third qualification is also neces
sary education and experience, without discip
line, can never be efficacious.
Wc hear, day after day, some men say, "We
don want a great scholar, who asks great wa
ges we arc poor any one is good enough for
children wc can get a man for ten or twelve
dollars a month to teach, many is the good man
who works from light to dark for less than the
schoolmaster gets, and who learns children well
enough. What does children want more than
to learn to read and write a little?"
Such absurd and ridiculous remarks, and oth
er silly observations are heard daily expressed
by these modern "Goths" and "Vandals," who
have no interest in the common weal—who con
tribute little or nothing to the School Fund.
We also hear from time to time, such men ex
claim, "I'm as good as any man in the country,"
and such other slang. Ilow can the son be as
"good a mon," if his education be neglected? If
youth is to be spent in ignorance, is manhood
loitered in sloth and ignorance? Will not his
old age be dwindled into want, in misery, and in
universal contempt? The child, whose knowl
edge is confined to "a little reading," and per
haps "writing his name," can never become
eminent in either Ciiurch or State. He may be
f»t hnnntt mm •OPU 5
Hrpt. iat»it
wc
therefore renouhcc_Ml_conn^
hard-working man but can never bccome a
Statesman, an officer in either army or navy, or
a member of any learned profession. The men
who cry out "any one is good enough to learn
children," have judgment enough to provide for
the present wants of the child, but seldom, if ev
er, take the future into consideration they make
a very judicious selection when their immediate
interest is concerned for instance, if any of them
Wish to build a house, or a log cabin, you will ne
ver hear them say "any place is good enough."
No, no they select the most suitable spot for
comfort aitd convenience—lie lays a good foun
dation for his future residence but care not what
foundation is laid for the intellectual improve
ment of his child. Is not the latter of more im
portance than the former? If one of the children
wants a pair of shoes or boots, they never say,
"any one is good enough,"
&.C.
No, never he
gets a shoemaker, or a bootmaker. Is not a
good teacher as necessary as a good shoemaker?
The parent will always go to a tailor when the
child wants clothing he selects a man wlio un
derstands his business but no selection of the
schoolmaster the child's feet arc covered, his
person is made comfortable but "any man is
good enough" to improve his mental faculties
or enlighten his understanding. That such men
as these seldom neglect the most important duty
of a parent are sensitive and affectionate, is fully
exemplified by the paternal care evinced daily
on all other occasions they omit nothing that
they can accomplish to render the child comfor
table during minority, and during life, prosper
ous and independent. If a child fall sick, the
parent will never say, "any one is good enough
he gets a good physician to obtain some remedy
for his child or when his own immediate inter
est is concerned, he appreciates knowledge
thus, should he have a law-suit, he will never
say, "any one is good enough," &c,, does he
not apply to a lawyer? He seldom considers
expense in anything but the education of his
child —he is generally governed more by com
mon sense than by dollars and cents.
The learned professions are not free from pre
tenders and imposters, who live on the public
credulity. There are many "Quacks" anfong
the doctors, who promise much and perform lit
tle who have a panacea for all diseases, and
may deprive you of your health and Petty
foggers" amongst lawyers, who uiay rob you of
your wealth and a "Pedagogue" among the
schoolmasters, who robs the pupil of his invalu
able time, the student of his mental faculties, the
parent of his money, and the "School Commis
sioner" of a part of the "Public Fund." The
quack and pettj'foggcr united^ do not injure com
munity as much as the pedagogue. The inju
ries done by the former muy be remedied by per
severance and economy but the loss of time,
and the want of education, can never be fully
compensated or thoroughly restored.
The Trustees of Public Schools icill, it is ho
ped, examine the teachers now engaged in the
P. S. and if any of them be found ignorant of
the rudiments of the English language, of the el
ements of Geography, af the outlines of the His
tory of the U. States, or of the first principles of
Mathematics, ^-. §•:•, let such pedagogues be im
mediately discharged, and competent teachers
employed. That some ignorant, insolent pretend
ers will be found in the city as well as the coun
try, is well known. That some "knight of the
birch" gave a list of 62 scholars atteitding his
school, when he had but twenty-six, is also well
known. This is "Inversion 2G inverted, make
62. Such inversion would be harmless if the
School Fund were not accountable for the num
ber of scholars returned by the teacher. But
may not this be taken for perversion as well as
inversion? Is it not probable that the teacher
who changes 26 to 62, is one of those called
"Pedagogues?" The Trustees of the Public
Schools are respectfully solicited to ascertain
the truth or falsehood of the above assertion. If
correct, dismiss the incumbent and make one
or two changes more, viz: change "Perversion"
to "Conversion provide a teacher, who has
the necessary qalifications—Education, Experi
ence, and Discipline." Remunerate him for his
services liberally—treat him as gentleman. Be
governed more by "Common Sense" than by
"Dollars and Cents."
GARRY OWEN.
To Scamtrcss.
So farewell to the little good you hear tnc,
Farewell, a sad farewell, to all my pleasure
This is the state of Hermit one week lie puts forth
A feeling lmd of hope and sympathy,
And waited with anxious heart the blossoming
The next week came a cold fr.st like Critique
And,—when he thought poor easy man, full surely
His bliss was ronsiimniating,—gave him a cut,
And then he fell, to zero. I had ventured,
Like an angel (an arch one may be)
To soothe your iieart with consolation
But laid it oil too thick My zcalousness
Has ruined me quite, and nothing's left me,
But a pair of mittens onco our joint stock in trade
With no hope whatsoever of mercy,
From the fair being who will forever scold me.
Proud zeal and hope for Seamstress' smiles, I leave ye
I 'II break for taller timber: O, how foolish
Is that poor man, who doateth upon a woman!
There is, betwixt that smile he would aspiroto—
That sweetest look of woman, and blasted liopos,
Possibly, more fears than wars or famine have
And when ho's sacked, as Hermit late lias been
He's done up pretty brown.—
Seamstress, I did not think to write to thco
But once but thy cold criliquc did forco from me,
Tho fable of, the Hermit with his Cat."—
Let us join paws and thus far hear me, Seamstress:
And,—when I'm stowed away, as I shall bo,
In my cold, dreary, hermitage, where no word
Of mo will o'er more reach thco,—say I taught thco
Say Hermit—and not A "—once the Co.
(Of late dissolved by thy despotic word)
Found thee a way, t' avoid a puppy's ataro
A sure and safe one, and thou canst not miss it.
Mark what it is ne'er smiling look, nor xicccL
Seamstress, I charge thee fling away hard feelings
They're never found in angels how canst thou then,
Th' observed of all observers win much love?
i/ook ero you leap think twicc before you write
Contumely wins not near so quick as charity.
And let thy pen a sweet indulgence grant
To rhing genius.—Be mild and cut not
Let all the ends thou aim'st at be thy work,
Thy states, this piece and if thou fail'st, O, Soamstros,
Wlnj cut and come again. O, Seamstress Seamstress!
Oh Oh Oh
('I'was stipposod that Sliakspeare's demolition was
complete, by the last chargo made upon liiin, but looking
over his remains, with heart brim full of sorrow and with
cyos gushing forth torrents of salt water, my attention was
attracted to a small portion, which did not entirely sooin
defunct I took it up, revivified it, chcrishod it. and now
present it to you in tho form it took in tho transmogrifica
tion) HERMIT.
LUCK.—A farmer in Lubec, Maine, a short time
since, in ploughing a field, struck his plough
share into a leaden box, containing ninety-six
thousand dollars in doubloons.
MORK Goi.ii.—In Bolivia, the people of La
Pnz have been thrown into great excitement, by
the discovery of a great placer. Reports state
that an Indian, who was gathering cascarilla
bark, on the Mountain of Tisoani, sat down to
rest himself on the borders of a small rivulet.
There he saw some small shining grains, which
he picked up, and discovered to be gold. Here
then, he stayed till next day, gathering up the
gold, and in those few hourrs he had gathered
twenty-one pounds of the precious metal. As
soon as he got back to La I'nz, and related his
good fortune, several companies of people set out
for the spot, in the hopes of a new California
j" AprlM'it, flf.
u w HUJH'1'I'«•: VWI. Jly
OBITUARY.
FnANcrs CiiARt.Es SMITH, of tfie firm of F.
C. & E. H. Smith, of this City, died on the
12tli instant. He was a member of the Congre
gational Church. His piety was of that deci
sive character where practice takes the lead of
profession, and example is ever in the advance
of precept. He was an exact and punctual bu
anu'ss'innn, but a more zealous and faithful
christian. "He was attentive to business, but
unwavering in duty. With him the counting
room and the prayer meeting seemed to sustain
an intimate relation and while he never neglect
ed the former, he was never absent from, nor
late to the latter. His business habits and man
ner illustrated his religion, and his devotion to
the last, was the secret of his success in the first.
Christianity adorned his life, and his life adorn
ed his profession. He lived in, but above the
world he tasted of its pleasures, but they were
the pleasures of benevolence and faith he en
gaged ardently in its pursuits, but he made them
to subserve and exemplify his religion.
That such a life should have gained the victo
ry over death, is natural but of the character of
that victory, no adequate conception could have
been formed. His business was pleasing and
prosperous. He was in the prime of life. But
five days previously, his health, for fifteen years,
had been uninterrupted. Few have had great
er cause of attachment to, and none higher assu
rance of long life. Death came emphatically at
an unexpected, but not at an unprepared mo
ment. It found his house in order. After an
illness of scarcely five days, and which he had
borne with a christian fortitude that led many,
if not all, to mistake its severity, he became con
scious that the hand ofdeath was upon him. Oh,
what a scene now burst upon tfiose who, in great
numbers, gathered around his bed-side He
seemed for four hours upon tho trembling verge
of Eternity, breathless with anxiety to depart,
but still willing to remain until his Master's will
was done. As the moment of dissolution ap
proached, so did the scenes, the employments,
aud the joys of Heaven. At no moment of lift
life had he given evidence of so nice discrimina
tion of character, of such freshness of memory,
of such brilliancy of intellect. This was mani
fest in the various counsel which he gave to
those who, in their turn, received his last fare
well. The point of greatest danger to the im
penitent, and of weakest faith in the professor,
were the subjects to which his thoughts were di
rected vvith astonishing discernment and cer
tainty. So lucid was his mind, so unquestiona
ble his faith, so ardent his oft-repeated desire to
depart and bo with Christ so convincing the
character of his triumph, that not one who wit
nessed his departure, would have arrested or de
tained it if they could.
Such, very briefly and faintly, is the outline of
an event which, were it without example, would
be convincing proof in the minds of every one of
its numerous witnesses, of the truth and power
of the Gospel.
Ilis funeral took place at 2 o'clock on Friday
the 14th inst., at the Congregational Church,
where a fitting and eloquent sermon was preach
ed by Rev. JN*O. C. Hoi.BRooK,to a very large
and solemn audience.—[COMMUNICATED.]
The following testimonials of respect to the
memory of the deceased was given by the MER
CHANTS
of the City:
A meeting of the Merchants and business-men
of Dubuque, was held in the city of Dubuque,
on the 13th day of December, A. D. 184!), nt
10 o'clock, A. M., at the law office of Davis &.
Bissell. F. V. Goodrich, Esq., was called to the
Chair, and Geo. L. Nightingale was appointed
Secretary. The object of the meeting was feel
ingly and eloquently stated by lion. John G.
Shields.
On motion of James R. Goodrich, Esq., A
committee of five were appointed by the Chair
to draft resolutions expressive of the sense ofthe
meeting. The Chair appointed Messrs. John
G. Shields, George L. Nightingale, James R.
Goodrich, Solon M. Langworthy, and Win. P.
Wightman that committee, who reported the fol
lowing, which were unanimously adopted
1st. We deeply regret the loss we have sus
tained as merchants and citizens, in the death of
our friend, Francis C. Smith, of the House of
F. C. &. E. H. Smith.
2d- We heartily sympathise with his bereav
ed brother, who is present, and other relations
who are at a distance, and offer our condolence.
3d. That our friend Mr. Francis C. Smith,has
won for himself among us, and in the communi
ty, an enviable reputation as a man of business,
and as a man of upright, religious character, and
that his loss is deeply felt by the community.
4th. That we will in a body attend his funer
al and wear the usual badge of mourning for
thirty days.
5th. That we will closc our business houses
on to-morrow during the funeral ceremonies.
(jtli. That a copy of the proceedings of this
meeting be published in the city papers, and that
a copy be sent to the relations ofthe deceased.
On motion of Mr. James R. Goodrich, tho
meeting adjourned.
F. V. GOODRICH, Ch'n.
GEO. L. NIGHTIKGAI.E, Sec'y.
Itcmcniber the Poor.
In this little community, as in all others, there
are those who suffer for want of the merest ne
cessaries of life—for food, clothing and shelter.
It is true that public sympathy has enlisted itself
injjehalf of such as can conveniently be accom
modated in the poor-house, but there are many
whose situation prevents them from availing
themselves of this relief. Whole families are
known to be in distress and are dependent upon
the efforts of a few benevolent ladies for their
sustenance. Shall this be so? Ought not a.
more extensive union of efforts be made to sup
ply the wants—to relieve the necessity of our
common humanity
If no more extensive organization should be
adopted, and it is almost too late now to adopt
any other,•an opportunity is offered, through the
several "LADIES' SEWING SOCIETIES" to all
who feel able and willing to feed the hungry
and cjothc the naked. An appeal from one of
these societies will be found in to-day's paper,
to which we call the attention of all charitably
disposed persons.
Notice.
TIIE LADIES
of the Catholic Sewing Society
return thanks to tho Lidiea and Gentlemen of
Dubuque r.nd vicinity, and sincerely hope that
those who have enabled the Society to relievo
the wants of the poor, may obtain as they de
serve a lasting reward for their benevolence.
The Society is prepared to perform the duties
contemplated by their organisation, but in order
that their efforts may meet with any degree of
success, they make an earnest appeal to th»
sympathies of all who posses more of tlic world s
goods than their necessities require. They ap
peal to the rich in behalf of the poor, tbey ap
peal to the wealthy to relieve their sufferiny
brethren in misery. Donations in money or
goods, either old or new, will bo thankfully
received at the house of the Sister* of Charity,
for the Indies society.
Mr. S. Broniberg, late of Beloit, lias bean ap
pointed Consul at Hamburg. He takes the places
of that old veteran Democrat, Col. Philo White^':^
wnoic is wnat you muir
K
n