The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1852-12-04
FACTS AND FANCIES.

cations to our friend Ford for his graphic de-
scription of the country between Lake Pepin
and the mouth of the Blue Earth. We COM
mend it to the attention of the thousands who
are now seeking information in regard to the
Sioux purchase
The letter of the correspondent of the New
York Tribune, published in to-day's Minneso-
tan, will be found highly interesting.
THE PAYMENr-We have nothing definite
from Traverse DIES Sioux in regard to the pro-
gress of the payment, or as to when the Cover
nor will be home
EASTERN TRAvEL~-We call the particular
attention of those going East during the win
ter, to the advertisement of the Northern Ind-
ana and Southern Michigan Railroad.
STRANGE WEArHER.-Since Wednesday, the
snow has been rapidly wasting away, and from
present Indications unless there is change,
we will have bare ground in few days. The
thaw has been accompanied with frequent
showers of rain. The ice in the river is also
becoming nfirh, and appears to favor the idea
of a general breaking up. Lake ST. Croix can
not be crossed BY ice at Willow River and there
was danger in crossing at Saltwater. on Thurs
day afternoon. Such an event as a thaw in De-
cember lisa thing unprecedented in the annals
of Minnesota weather. On our way home, we
had excellent sleighing from Platteville until
we reached the Rush river prairies on Thurs
day morning, where the rain overlook us. Fe-
vre river, was open at Galena when we left. as
was also the Mississippi, as far up, perhaps. as
Lake Pepin; but as all the boats have gone into
winter quarters, navigation is closed, even
though the river is not
Everybody we meet is asking us about the
Presidential election. To save trouble we will
merely state, that We had forgotten all about it
long before We left the States and can only
with great difficulty recall the events which
transpired about the first Tuesday of Novem-
Der. We don't wish our time or memory taxed
with reference to any such worn-out and anti
quated subject. We refer all hands to our
friend, Jack Morgan, who arrived here dav or
two ahead of us. and who. we understand.
takes deep interest in these foolish affairs. If
he won't do, just write to William D. Phillips
care of Gray, of the Cleveland Plaindealer, or
care OF Capt. Rynders, of the Empire Club
DEATH OF EDWARD TRAcY.-Edward Tracy,
Esq, the father of the Tracy boys, lately resi-
dents of st. Paul, died in St. Louis on the 5th
ult In looking over the files of the Minnesotian
we find the following brief sketch of him, in an
article on St. Louis: up stairs Post Office
building] we will find venerable gentleman,
one of the earliest and best friends of St. Louis.
occupying the City Auditors office He has
toiled years for the prosperity of the city, but
as is mostly the case with men who work for
others thus, he is not rich himself He has.
however, his reward in the high esteem in
which he is held by his fellow-citizens, who an
nually elect him to this responsible office, al
belt he is Wing and the city is Democratic.
This is Mr.. Tracy"
NEW lDEA.-We have heard of servant girls
being put to many different kinds of employ
ment, out of the legitimate line of their duties A:
but the oldest specimen of this sort of employ
ment was exhibited in this place the other day.
The mistress" of the house wishing to make a
call on ncighbor, and having no horse and
sleigh, and not wishing to go on foot. seats her.
self on boys sled, and the ''hclp" draws her
through the streets to the place of destination.
This is the first instance we ever knew of ser
want girl doing the work of a livery horse.
The boats between Galena and Keokuk
were all laid up before we left Galena. No
way of getting to st. Louis now except bv land
all the way to the Lower Rapids.
A large number of teams started for La
crosse this week, for the purpose of bringing
up some of the st. Paul freight that has accu-
mulated there.
DECISION UPON THE MAINE LIQUOR LAw.-We
learn from the Democrat, that proceeding I'M
der the 18th section of the Maine Liquor Law
so called. was instituted before a Justice of the
peace, whereby search warrant was issued
against Alexis Cloutier. of St. Anthony. and
quantity of liquor in his possession was
seized, and ordered by the justice to be des-
troyed, and the defendant fined s25. An ap-
peal was made from that decision, to the Dist.
Court OF the LIST Judicial District, for Ramsey
county.
A motion was thereupon made before Hon.
ii. 4. Hayner, Chief Justice of the Territory,
to quash the proceedings, on the ground that
the law was unconstitutional and invalid
VIM. Hollnshead and r. r. Nelson, Esqs..
counsel for the appellant, appeared in support
OF the motion and J. W. North and NJ. S. VIII
kinson, Esq, for the respondents, opposed to
the motion. The case was argued with great
ability by the counsel on both sides, at the
court house in this city, on the 23d and oath
ult.
Judge Hayner announced his decision on
Saturday last, in which he thoroughly review
ed, and investigated every piont involved in
the case.
We regret that we are not able this week to
publish the Judges opinion entire. The fol-
lowing is brief of the points decided:
l. That the legislative power being vested bv
the OrOanio Aofi IN tho lorio1ok;,,o -