The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1851-12-24
From N. Y. Tribune Of Dec. S.
IOwA-DUBUQUE.

From n Y. Tribune Of Dec.5.
IOwA-DUBUQUE.
There is hardly an equal section Of the habit |
able globe so interesting to the Philanthropist,
ut the present time, az the youthful State Of
Iowa. 1t reaches from the 81 st to the 92d de-
gree of west longitude Qrom Grecnwch,) and
from Al deg. 35 min. to 43 deg. So min. Of north
1t extends, therefore, about 800 miles
in one direction, and $50 iugthc other, and
embraces an area Of $4,000 square miles. Its
climate is that of the finest parts Of Pennsyva-
mia and New York, and although not one OF the
largest States in the Union, it probably contains
more OF the first class arabic land, in a healthy
climate, than any other of the United States,
and far more than any other equal section Of the
globe elsewhere. Nor is this all. 1t is bound
ed on the east, in its entire length by the noble
Mississippi, and on the west by the majestic
Missouri and numberless fine streams flow into
one or the other of these great rivers from varl
ons points in the n'earior; while the Dies
MONIES rises beyond the west corner of the
State, where its waters cnmmngle with the
branches of the Missouri, cross the State diago-
nally, and fall into the Mississippi at its south
east angle. There are ten very considerable
streams which arise in the westerly part of the
State, and flow eas,wardly, transvcrs-ly into
the Mississippi These streams, have univcr-
sally, rapid currents, and abound in fine mill
sites and in two respects they give 10 the in
habItants of Iowa very great advantage over
their neighbors IN Illinois. In the first place,
they furnish an abundance Of pure and whole
some water; and in the second, they supply
plenty of motive power for running saw mills,
grst-mills. and wooen- mills for the manufacture
OF yarn and coarse clothing, which are an incon
ceivable source of comfort and convenience to
the new settler; they furnish him with building
stuff and clothing in the first instance, and they
enable him to turn his own spare timber trees and
wood to the best advantage afterward. Where
as, with the exception of Rock River, and one
or two others, the streams of Illinois sluggish
and almost stagnant. Besides the supply of
river water, the rain from heaven which falls
upon the undulating surface nf Iowa, percoates
more sandy or gravelly soil than that of Hi
nois, and gushes out into innumrrable copious
springs, cool, clear and wholesome.
In regard to its pure water and the frequency
Of its small privileges" it seems to me that
Iowa need not shrink from a comparison with
the Middle or Eastern States, and that it has in
this regard a striking superiority over all the
rest of what is called s.the Western country
There are two great facts in regard to Iowa,
which are of immense importance. Its climate
is universally good and its soil is universally
and uninterrnptedy Of the finest quality-and
challenge any man to prove the same things 10
be true IN regard to any other equal section OF
territory IN the known world. Its Wheat crop is
believed to be more sure thant that of Illinois
and as for Barley, Oats, and Indian Corn, there
is no such thing fixing any limits to its pro-
ductive power. Nori this all-ts Coal-helds
are boundless--i,s Lead Mines incxhaustible
and its Forests, containing White Oak and
Black Walnut, Maple and White Ash, are the
finest in the world.
With such soil, and climate, such rivers
and other resources, where is the land which
can be named in comparison with the State Of
Iowa? Where is the spot on the earth's sur.
face, where all that contributes to the comfort
and happiness Of man can be produced in such
ease and abundance? Not one, fearlessly an
swer.
More than ths-Congress, with wise liberal.
ty, has made muni6cent donation, in addition
to the ordinary grant Of the 10th section for the
use of Common Schools, of 100000 acres oil
| land, for Educational purposes; and the State
has shown its proper appreciation of the value
of the gift by its judicious course in the selec.
ton and disposal of this great property. The
| education of youth seems to have been the frs,
great object which engaged the attention Of the
| first Legislators of Iowa. Aud in this regare
they have certainly taken a step in advance o.
even the most the New England States, seeing
that they have created public office, whose in
cumbent is to be elected by the People, ant
whose whole time is to be devoted to the grea
business of Public Instruction, and whe
is clothed with extensive powers and res
| ponsible and onerous duties. The presen
incumbent is Thomas II. Benton, Jr., a ncph
ew of the distinguished Senator Benton, and 81
| far | havt lad tho for iu1v
he devotes himself to the duties Of the offic.
with careful industry. The last Biennial Re
port to the legislature is now before me, and
| have deduced some interesting facts from j
which may append to this paper. The Roman
| Catholics have some institutions Of their own
partly for religious and partly for educationa
purposes-one Of their monasteries is establish
ed not far from Dubuque, and presents quite an
| attractive appearance, as you pass over III,
great road leading from Dubuque to the inter-
or, in south-westerly direction--it is at rappis
Monastery. had an opportunity of convers
ing with the Principle few days ago, as pass
ed down the river, 10 St. Louis He is a learn
ed and courteous gentleman, about 40 years old
and very Interesting parsonage. l do no
know how many such establishments there are
| in Iowa, but if they numerous, and unde
the lead Of such accomplished men, they must
| have powerful influence for good or for evil
| The Professionals seem 10 be aware of the impor
tant bearing which these efforts the Catholic
are likely 10 have upon the future ofthls impor
tant State, and are striving to counteract lhei
efforts. AT the pleasant village Of CASCADE
| for instance, situated about 25 miles from Du
| buque, and destined TO be the most fourishin!
town next to it. in a westerly direction, fount
| a clergyman, ofthe Congregational order, set
tied and chiefly paid by the Home Mssionar,
| Society. He is native of Rockingham coun
| ~, New Hampshire. found the reverend gen
tleman busily engaged in constructing dwell
ing house ;; he was not above aiding the mechan
| les with his own hands, having Just carted in ;
load of lumber; and when last saw him, h.
was driving nails as busily and skiiully as any
of his carpenters.
1t is MT strange that the State of Iowa should
be the Tavori.e point toward which the endless
tide of emigration from East to West is now
mainly tending. Norris it strange that New Eng
land farmers especially, should prefer its gently
uDdnlating surface to the at prairies of Ill
inois. tits healthier; its waters are mNcsena15
ant, and sweeter; it aboundsmet II 60
privileges; and Y sls56 169l;