The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-02-06

ssts Of provisions and grain, that might just as
well be raised in the Territory. The press OF
business was so great near the chose OF Navigation
that the price of freight from Galena by steam
boat rose to one dollar per hundred weight, which
is four times the ordinary price. thousands OF
bushels Of oats were brought up the river, on
which the freight amounted to more than the orr
ginal price of the grain. 50 with corn aud other
articles All these grains are just as easily raised
here as in Illinois or Wisconsin, and they Will be
raised in abundance when the poor farmers OF the
East can be made TO understand, that, with hair
the labor they now bestow upon their farhs, they
can here raise twice their present crops, ana get
for them more than double their present prices.
And they need not fear that the demand VIII
soon be supplied There are in the Territory
three large tribes Of Indians that are supplied
with provisions by the Government. There are
also three forts to be suppled-besdes thefu COM
panies, with their immense dependencies, and a
great multitude of lumbermen. These, together
with merchants mechanics, and others, that pro-
duce nothing from the soil-besides the large num-
bers that annually come 10 the Territory-must
keep up the demand and prices Of produce for
many years to come.
Though we have enjoyed during the past sum-
mer high degree Of prosperity, the prospects OF
the coming year are far more hattering than were
those Of the past. We hear from all quarters OF
preparations for much more extensive eu1igra-
ton. Arrangements are already made Tor oulld-
ing nine new mills st these Falls the coming sum-
mer, besides others not far from US. These, TO-
gether with the expenditure of over sixty thou
sand dollars for public buildings and public roads
in this vicinity, will doubtless do something for
our prosperity. There is prospect, too, that the
Indian lands on the west side of the river will be
purchased and the military reservation around
Fort Smelling and opposite this place, will be
brought into market carly next spring
We have in our village four schools-two
churches already erected and enclosed. and prep
srations making to erect others early in the COM
iug SIMMER. Four clergymen are now residing
with us, who are actively engaged in their work
in this village and vicinity-viz one Congrega-
tionalist, one Baptist, and two Methodist and we
have Episcopal service regularly by minister
from st Paul A course of popular lectures is
now in progress before the Library Association
of this town, which will compare fsvorably with
those enjoyed in some Eastern cities, and yet all
the lecturers are chosen from among our own cit
liens.
The Territorial Legislature assemblies at st.
Paul next Wednesday, the first day of January.
There are many important questions to come be-
fore them, and the coming session promises TO be
one of much interest The location of the Capt.
tol and Penitentiary, and the expenditure of the
public moneys are exciting considerable attention.
The Indians in some parts Of the Territory are
said to be dying for want of supplies from the
Government One hundred and seventy are said
80 have died among the. Chippewas from starva-
ton and from eating damaged provisions. The
Government has recently been to visit them and
afford them relief They have learned to depend
so much upon their annuities that when their sup
plies are delayed they are reduced at once to star
walton. The Fugitive Slave law is discussed and
abhorred here as elsewhere Our ministers de-
nounce it from the pulpit in spirit that is truly
refreshing and it ia also being discussed in the
public Lyceum. No law was ever more univer-
sally detested. Yours, J. w. N.