Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-02-03

ted by our citizens, owing to various causes,
and among them the almost entire absence Of
any reliable data, upon which to form an enlight-
ened opinion as to the real value of the i'm
mense territory west of the Rocky Mountains,
or of the feasibility Of any efforts towards the
discovery and development of the mineral and
vegetable wealth of which we have had an ink
ling from the vague runors which have reached
The older sections of the Union, through the
meagre representations Of the few hunters,
trappers and emigrants who had hitherto pene-
trated the wild Businesses of the Columbia Riv-
er and its tributaries. Ed iss
Within the three years past, growing de-
sire has been manifested, however, TO know
more of a country which the progress of events,
in extending the bounds of our territory west
ward, seems destined to render an important
and desirable outlet towards the North Pacific,
for the rugged energy and enterprise of our
countrymen, whose irresistible hankering after
the free and unrestraned life of the pioneers
of western civilization, who, at long intervals
had preceded them into this sierra incognitia,"
was becoming wide spread as an epidemic, in
the "valley" states Of the west.
The formal organization Of Oregon into
territory of the Union, has given it "a local
habitalion and a name" among us. As a con-
sequence emigration has since flowed in upon
it very rapidly, and our accounts from there are
more comprehensive and to the point, than for
mery
Its great variety Of soil, climate and produc-
tons, and its peculiar adaptedness TO all the in
dustral pursuits which have given the other
sections of the Union wealth and prosperity,
are now reduced to comparative certainty.
Its rivers are sad from reliable sources, to
abound in every variety of fish, and their banks
to afford innumerable mill Sites at which the
excellent lumber with which their shores are
covered, can be readily manufactured for easy
transportation to market. The mountains OF
Oregon are represented to contain all the min
eral wealth desirable for manufacturing purpos-
es, such as iron, lead, &c. as well as the pre-
cious metals. Its climate is stated to be exceed
ingy healthy-no country more so. From
April to November there is but little rain, and
n cool gentle breeze blows constantly from the
north. The winters are rainy but mild, owing
to the prevalence of warm south winds at this
season.
From a recent publication of the gallant Gen.
Joseph Lane, the present democratic delegate
in Congress from Oregon, just issued, to meet
in some measure the numerous and repeated
enquiries from all parts of the country for in
formation, we are enabled to extract the fol-
lowing additional particulars, relative to various
matters of interest connected with the new ter
ritory, with advice TO persons proposing to emf
CRATE. bet. Free Press.
"The population of Oregon, including the
immigration of the last season, is probably
twenty thousand The immigration is rapidly
increasing, owing not only TO the natural nd
vantages of the country, but TO the liberal pro-
visions made for actual settlers by late law Of
Congress- BY that law liberal donations of
= Al
previous to the first day of December, 1861
TO single man one hundred and sixty acres,
and to married man three hundred and twen-
ty-one half in his own right and the other half
to his wife in her own right, upon condition
that they will live upon and cultivate it for four
years.
The population is of a substantial character,
much better than is generally found in new
countries. The people are enterprising, indus
trous, frugal and orderly. Many of the earlier
settlers have large well cultivated farms; indeed,
agriculture every where in the territory may DO
said to be in furnishing condition, remarkably
so for new country. California and the Sand
witch Islands afford markets and good prices for
all our surplus products, and will undoubtedly
for years to come.
Many of the various religious denominations
have established churches in the territory, To-
some of which majority of the settlers be-
long. Great interest has also been manifested
by the people in the establishment of good
schools, and admirably have they succeeded in
their audable efforts.
Those who contemplate emigrating, should
be ready to leave ST. Joseph, on The Missouri
river, with proper outfit, by the lst Of May.
Ok teams are preferred. Necessary provisions
and bedding, with few tools for repairs of
wagons, &c. Each man should also take his
gun and plenty of ammunition. The journey
is long and tedious one and all who under
take it must expect to endure fatigue, priva-
tons and hardships. | would advise every per-
son. or at least every company, to procure
Palmer's Emigrants' Guide. 1t correctly lays
down the fords across the streams, the camping
grounds, and also the places where grass, wood,
and water can be found
: 1t must not, however, be supposed that no in
conveniences are to be experienced by emil
grants after they arrive there. These are all
ways incident to the settlement Of new coun-
tries, especially for the first year. but they arc
fewer in Oregon than are usual in the settling
of new territories
TAX TITLEs--LATE DECISION. important
decision has just been had. in an ejectment suit
: brought in the u. S. Circuit Court of Illinois, to
test the question of the validity OF tax titles to