The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1849-11-22
Editorial Correspondence.
STEAMBOAT ST. ANGE.


Illinois Rirer, Nor. 2
Our boat creeps along over the shoals
hesitatingly. The engine bells ring for
shoals almost every ten minutes. The
Central Railroad is wanted. A plan is
on foot now, | think, for getting from
Government an appropriation for this
purpose. The lateral branches are to
take care for themselves. The State
being beggar, can't of course, do any
thing without aims. But Illinois has got
along to that stage in her progress, in
which she takes courage" Her tax
is notwithstanding over a cent on
dollar; still her old population are in
crcasng in estate, and a good many set
tiers are coming in.
ILLINOIS POLITICs The Legislature,
| read, are taking a ride out to-day by
invitation, on the Springfield and Naples
Railroad. The proprietors of the rail-
road, it may be presumed, have an axe
to grind
The Naples road stands at point on
the river six miles below the old track,
which commenced at Meredosia, though
it takes the old grade few miles out,
| observe a resolution before the Legis-
lature, for repeating the appropriating
clause of ''the two mill tax" and sub
shutting another clause in Its place.
This two mill tax has heretofore been
applied, when its funds were in the treas
ury, to the liquidation Of the old inter-
nal Improvement debts. The substitute
rs, that these funds be used for buying
up the debts against the State, at their
market value; excepting, however, one
class of debts-I believe railroad script,
which the State intends to redeem in full.
This substitute is quite bright thought,
ga fair business transaction, and fnan-
cially, cannot be called reputation.
Gen. Shields has got the nomination
for the u. S. Senate. The concluding
ballot gave him, think, 81 votes, and
Breese 20. | am this moment informed,
he is elected unanimously by his party,
and had two wing votes besides.
GOV. French's message, gives his rea-
sons for calling this special session; the
principal of which, is, his incompetence
to appoint a Senator, when Congress has
not declared that vacancy exists. Con
gress decided, merely, that Gen. Shields
was not elected. The case then reverts
to Illinois-to the Legislature--not to
the Governor. So he says.
You are aware that Illinois has re-
Gently framed new Constitution. The
principal object, suppose, was to re-
strict the powers Of the Legislature in
making improvements The State can
now undertake no improvements, but
those of the most general character
they can't log roll a railroad up to every
mans cabin. They have come to their
senses.
The message is a concise and well
written composition; it does credit to the
New Hampshire boy who has the honor
of giving it. Gov. French is the artii-
Ger of his fortune have formerly in
quired of residents of his native town,
New Chester, (now Hill, as to his early
history. can learn nothing more Of
his origin, than that he probably origi'
mated in an obscure part of that town.
where it was believed, a family of his
name resided.
Coz. BENTON IN ST. LoUIs.-Col
Benton, (Old Bullion, they familiarly
call him at home, is in St, Louis. | in
CURED for his residence, and was jocose.
ly informed that he had none-was alb.
sent so much that they would mt let hin
vote. He looks hale (hailD and vigor.
Gus, and for long while will do mighty
onslaught upon his foes. He looks ripe
in the full maturity of the perfect man
He is perfectly erect in person, inclined
to corpulence, has long grey hair. 1t is
thought he will carry his State. 1t is a
curious fact that he has no organ more
nearly allied to him than the wing press
the St. Louis Republican. The st. Louis
Union refuses to follow him through thick
and thin; which the Republican does dc
in respect to publishing his speeches
shcltering its head under the cover 'oI