The weekly Minnesotian., 1853-01-01
tCorrespondence Of the Minnesotiau.l
News and Scenes In the Queen Cisy.o

December is with us! December that should
have come clad in his ermine robe of snow-his
crown Of icicles, and jewels of frost-with the
music of hoarse winds and searching glances of
biting cold-has donned the soft rainbow pam
oply of Autumn-stolen wreath of sunbeams
for his time-wOrn brow-and calls upon the
city's thronging crowd to tread the streets
And like butterflies they come-renewing In
their brilliant winged attire, the summer > hues
Of gorgeous blossoms.
This warm spring breath has brought with it
a food of the sweetest melody. Ole Bull, Stra-
koscb. and the little Patti have been enchant-
ing the lovers of music-(and who would not
be one ; a true soul is always attuned to har-
mony.) Patti is certainly wonderful child,
possessing great genius. Jenny Lind's songs
were accurately given, with all the sweet notes
equal to the renowned "Nightingale's" Of
course. she wanted fullness and power but all
predict for her a brilliant future.
Not only have our ears been charmed with
syren voices, but an intellectual feast has been
spread before us. Two lectures have already
been delivered before the Young Mems Mer-
camille Library Association by Park Benjamin.
The subject of the first was: Intellectual and
Social Enjoyment This did honor to the
great mind of the author. The second was an
original, humorous and satirical poem on
Fashion" in which were many happy hits on
the fashionable fOllies of the age. 1t was very
witty and ingenious production but Mr.. Ben
jamin is undoubtedly more of poet than phi
losopher. Still, he seems actuated by great
desire to reform the many ultra nonsensicali-
ties of our day.
Last month was the reality of Hoods versi-
fication of - November No sun, no shine"
while heavy cloud Of unmistakeable coal
smoke hung threateningly over the city. In fact,
the rapidly increasing number of manufactO-
ries of various kinds in our midst, and the gen.
eral use, in dwellings, of nothing but the btu
minous products of Pittsburgh, Wheeling, &C.,
have begrimmed and besoiled the fair face of the
"Queen" to such an extent, that she might
easily be mistaken for her dingy sister here
first named. 1t is amusing to see the ladies
blowing the little black flakes into the air. as
they approach their faces, while prOmenading
Fourth street and wo to the unfortunate fair
one who attempts to wipe them ot-leaving
her visage blackencd. Indeed, so delcteriOus
is the coal-fllcd atmosphere to any fair color,
that would suggest the propriety of the citi-
zens wearing mourning, and advise the ladies
to paint their cheeks with darker hue.
On the opposite side Of the street from my
window is 4 little crimsoned-cheeked boy, with
golden curls--thc son of poor washerwOman-
wearing the unmstakcablc signs of poverty in
all his habilimcnts. He is gathering the long
slender stems of the alanthus tree, that have
fallen to the ground, chilled by the November
frost. Now his little arm is full and with his
cherry lips he mimics the wild notes of the joy
GUS Canary bird hanging from the window OF
the great stone house, to which he raises his
graceful head in wonder and admiration-won-
der at the vast fabric, that to him is a grand
Aladdin palace ; and admiration of the dark
eyed little GIRL who slyly peeps at him through
the latticed blind She is the fairy of the
realm!
Can we follow that little form through life
Can We imagine the slender figure bowed--the
little soft hands hardened by labor-the silver
voice of innocence rude and harsh from degra-
ding thoughts--thc heart grown callous from toe
many contacts with the hard edges of suffering
and evil example. Has the singing bird-the
fairy girl-no remembrance in his dark soul
to become to him an angel, pointing upwards
No, no! To the lowly born and carelessly rear
ed there is no happy future in life Toll is the
first sound that grccts their infant years. even
in the cradle. All toll around them for the
bread of life; they too, at an early age, COM
mcncc their share of toll, which is only to end
with life. All! but their work ends there.
Christ has said: Suffer little children to
come unto me- and forbid them not, for Of such
is the Kingdom of Heaven They have once
been little children; and through the weary
way of life lie has walked with them; and in
His home they are verifying the promise, that
"the last shall be first"
Now passes a lovely belle. How rich is her
attire! Silks. laccs. feathers, ribbons and furs
envc}op her 1.-THE form. She wraps the soft
cloak about her. and draws the lOunces of her
brocadc dress still closer from the contamina-
ting touch of the wondering boy. How daintl-
ly she steps! Her feet are scarcely covered
with the Cinderella slppers-but it is not rery
muddy Her head is graced with thick vel
vet bonnet, to keep it warm-perhaps her ideas
reouirc hot-house atmosphere. Her tiny
gloves will not accommodate her rings-they
are placed on the outside; and with their da
mond glitter act as a bribe upon her musta
chioed friends, TO ask for the hand they adorn
Her heart is not filled with childish delight al
the sweet songs of birds, or lost in admiration
of lovely face She sees only beauty in her
dressing glass, and the only melody she can
endure are notes of admiration!
JEANNE DEANS.
RUS,wAY SIAvEs.-Tbe Fugitive Slave Law
NAV be invaluable in stopping agitation but