The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-11-17
MINNESOTA PION FER.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA.
Thursday, November II, 1858.
Our Prospects for q Railroad.

| The people Of Minnesota watching with much
anxiety the progress and prospects oi the several
Railroads actually process Of construction, and
gradually working their way toward our Territorial
line. Wisconsin has two roads which, when com
pleted will reach to MINES ota - she also has
that will reach the Mississippi at Prairie du Chen,
and another that is designed to meet the father OF
waters at Sinipee. short distance above Dubuque.
All these lines are pointing steadily the nee
die 10 the pole, to the vast business which VIII result
from connection with Minnesota, and all eager
to secure valuable prizc.-They all destined
at distant day to tap the trade of Territory,
and gain from the immense business of the different
sections Of Minnesota, the object !or which they
50 ardcnty toiling, but we 10y means beieve either
Of Inc Wisconsin companies destined TO control
the first road that viii be constructed within linn
lis, reap the rich harvest which must result
from opening convenient and direct tiade between
the valuable agricultural and mineral resources
and east Of the Minnesota river, aud the Eastern
and Southern Markets
We are strong IN the opinion that the Illinois Cen
tral Railroad Company have ong been booking To the
in the business prosperity of their Railroad opera
tons. They can already look upon their unbrokeo
line of Railroad through the entire length Of the
State from the Ohio TO the Mississippi n, Dubuque,
which will be ia operation al an early day connecting
with l road which crosses the STATE from East to
West. These roads in immediate connection
with others extending to the cotton plantations Of the
Sunny South" the hand. and The great Com
lncrcia Metropolis Of the Union, on the other.
Is il at all probable that while hcy thus control a
vast portion of the business East of the M.ssssppi
they viii neglect the important trade West of that
river!
Ii would be worse than folly TO suppose that tins
powerful aud wealthy Company, after u display Of
such Jealous aud untirng perseverance obtain the
command Of the Western trade, would neglect to
grasp the valued prize while it lies within their reach
They know too well The value of the Western trade
they know how proitably it will blend with their
Southern and Eastern trade, and they Will persevcre
until they secure the prize the, have earnestly
sought, and we believe that long the road Will
reach ST. Paul, and the valuable agricultural country
in the valley Of the Minnesota
Although their energies are yet necessary 10 the
completion Of their roads East, road West has al
ready been surveyed and located "A distance of some
thirty miles, and understand that some of the
most difficult points will he worked during the Win
ter, and It is contemplated tina; large 60 &C will be
put on in the Spring, with view OF pushing the work
forward as possible.
These facts lead It's to believe that tie Grst road
that reaches our Territory will be from Dubuque, and
# there Is strong probability that such will he the
case, 1t behooves the people Of Minnesota lend
The undertaking all the aid in their power.
The rapid Increase of our populations, and the aug
mcntaton OF business demand increased facilities for
our commercial operations. The population, hither-
to confined to the banks of the larger streams is now
spreading into portions Of country which cannot be
adequately accommodated by water navigation, and
therefore Railroads necessary to the convenience
Of people. The winter season, which clos
es navigation, and cuts of all commercial in
tercourse with the East for least three months in
the year, is not only heavy tax upon our business,
but virtually robs of many of the advantages pos
sessed by our neighbors. This would be obyia,el by
Railroads.
Let us, then, examine the prospects OF the several
proposed routes; let lis choose that which will pass
through the greatest extent of our Territory, viii af
ford the best accommodation to the of our con-
munIy, and presents the fairest prospect for early
completion, and on that route let energies be con-
centsated Let It's meet ncig hbors halfway, ex
tend to them every aid afford, and thus secure
the rapid and permanent prosperity of Minnesota.
CANNON RIVERA gentleman recently from the
settlements Cannon River, gives a very iattering