The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-05-14
From the Ohio Statesman.
EpOly HIINNESOTA


readable letter, it will be seen that our
friend A. ]. NJ, has not "forgot1en his
PROMISE" though he does not fulfil it near
so frequently as either our readers or we
should desire;
ST. PAUL, April %, 1851.
No doubt, dear Colonel, you have con-
cludcd that had forgotten my promise OF
wiring occasionally an cpistle for your
very valuable and instructive paper. Not
so. | have repeatedly within the past
month prepared myself with pen, ink and
paper, TO perform this pleasing task; when,
remembering that | had, as yot, seen but
little of the country Of Minnesota, | con-
ceived il best TO bid that same pen. ink
and paper "go their way for this timc,"
that when had viewed for myself the
land, scenery, &C.. of our young Terrific
rv. IL would call for them" Having
viewed these-having compared the soil,
and watched the vegetation upon that soil,
| shall jot down my belief. which give
you in all candor, OF the farming charac-
ter of Minnesota.
That a portion of our territory is unfit
for agricultural purposes, will not deny,
but that that portion is SmGlt is equally
true; and even the part seems sterile, could
be made to produce abundantly, is think
fully established from the fact that some Of
the Pennsylvania farmers in this vicinity,
who desired to locate near the capital,
have manured, and otherwise doctored,
what seemed the poorest lands in our ter
ritory until they now produce wheat, corn,
potatoes, oats, barley, &C.. as abundantly
as do the best farms in the Scioto Valley.
The only thing that retards the growth
Of our Territory is the want OF farmers.
These you know, are indispensable TO the
wellbeing of any country, and more es-
pecally to a ncw country. We are com
PEELED TO get the produce we consume from
Iowa. Missouri, and Illinois. not raising,
as yet, one twentieth part that we consume.
have seen many good markets for the
products of the soil-but never such an
one as Minnesota presents. At all times
thus far, oats have brought from one dol
lar to one dollar and hIty cents per bushel;
corn one dollar, potatoes one dollar. and
other articles at corresponding prices.
Nor is there much likelihood that prices
will soon be lower, as the great influx of
population tends to increase the demand,
and having three tribes Of Indians; the
Chippewas, the Wincbagoes, and the 81
ouxs to suppl y with these commodities, the
demand seems rather to increase than 9TH
erwise. am firmly Of opinion that there
is not such another point for good, hard
working and economical farmers to make
fortunes in short time, as this country
presents.
Unfortunately for our Territory, too
many Of her population are professional
men. Men who ''toil not, neither do they
spin," but have migrated here 10 feed Oft
OF the hard earnings Of men who have
come hither to found State. In St. Paul,
alone. we have thrty.fve or forty lawyers!
and corresponding number in Saltwater
and St. Anthony. Poor fellows! they find
il hard, in this land Of social equality,
where worth, not profession. constitutes
the man, to get along. have frequently,
whilst thinking over the matter since COM
ing to Minnesota, wondered why it was that
parents prefer giving their children profess
sions, by which at best they can make but
a meagrc subsistence, to training them up
in some useful employment, in the perform
ance of which they will not only be hap.
py and prosperous themselves but con-
tribute. materially to the enjoyment Of those
around them!
The scenery of Minnesota surpasses in
grandeur that Of any region have ever
yet visited. Abounding in lakes, with wild
shaggy hills and dcls, she seems as il in
deed she was the product Of Il lairy's wand.
Our praires, too. how beautiful! You
have heard much said Of the coldnesS Of
our climate; you may judge for yourself,
when | tell you that the prailies, far and
near, to day present the appearance OF
vast garden, filled with the choicest flow-
ers, OF every hue, but mostly white:
There is to me
A daintiness about these early flowers,
That touches me like poetry. They blow
out
With such simple loveincss among
The common herbs ofpastures ard breathe
Their lives so unobtiusively, like hearts
Whose gentle breathings are too gentle
for the world"
And am told that this natural garden
will continue until November. one crop Of
flowers giving way to another in quick sue
ccssion This being the case, and being
surrounded by pleasant companionable
people, who can doubt the happiness Of a
frontier lile' If any do doub, it, let them
try it for themselves.
Improvements in st. Paul have been go
ing on very rapidly for some limc-our
mechanics are all busy-and when the
Capitol and the Court House, in St. Paul,
the Penitentiary in Saltwater, and the Col
lege, in St. Anthony are put under contract,
which they will be shortly, there will be
work for more.
Familiarity with the Indians has not a