The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-10-20

dence OF tho works at Fort Ridgey, doubtless ow-
ing to the ability displayed during his service at the
former Fort.
Less than one year ago we passed over the site
now occupied By Fort RidseIy. 1t was then drea-
ry waste. No human being was to be seen. Now,
the Backsmith's hammer, the Of the Carpenter
aud Joiner, the Teamster's whip, and the Mason's
cry. "Morc Mort, Pat" may be heard between the
"shriIl blasts Of the spirit stirring buge."
This change, however, is not confined to Fort
Eidse'y. II is characteristic Of the general change
which has taken place. within the last year, through
out the country recently purchased from the Sioux
Indians. Towns have been built, farms cultivated,
and roads constructed with rapdity that would have
as,onishcd the Magicians Of the "olden time"
DAKOTA CouNTY.-This is the parent county
West Of the Mississippi, and she has set example
in the election, worthy of imitation by her sis
ter counties throughout the Territory There has
been fair test Of the strength Of parties, and the
Democrats have elected every nominated on the
Democratic ticket, by very large majority There
recognition Of side questions, sectional dis
sentions in the party, in old Dakota She has
ic Banner County of the Territory. No mistake in
the Democracy Of that County.
MISSEsorA BoATs.-The steamers 10 the Min-
nesota trade have, previous to the past month been
extremely fortunate in the navigation of the Mssis-
sipp. No serious accidents have occurred on any
of them while engaged in this trade. Recently,
however, there has been succession of misforunes
attending Tie Boats in our trade, which will fall heav.
lily upon people.
First, the Greek Slave struck upon a rock in the
Upper Rapids. which required her to lay up some
time, for repairs. Then the connection pipe Of the
Clarion collapsed, seriously scalding some OF the
hands, while others were more less injured. No
lives were lost by the accident. Aud now
comes the report Of the sinking Of the West Newton,
below Lake repn, having broke in two on a snag
in the river.
At This time, these accidents peculiarly unfor.
tunate, because much OF freight is still below.
and fear portion cannot be brought up, owing to
deficiency in the means of transportation.
! We are informed that the steamer Black. Hawk, OF
Galena, will supply the place Of the West Newton.
sent trips in trade, we understand, was burnt a
short time since. The Golden Era was sunk on the
Lower Rapids, few days since.
RACING on THE MISSEsorA.-An animated
race came oil the past week between the steamer
:" lola, and the caorc propeller Bound to Try it.
The steamer having obtained a reputation as fast
boat" decidedly the fsyorte at starting and she
therefore Obtained most Of the passengers. She put
out 10 good style, hut got fast the bar below Men.
dota, which detained her some fifteen hours. during
which time the propeller put in her best licks Hav-
ing large amount Of freight to put out, and her
go OF freight for Henderson to complete at Shakopec,
she delayed until the steamer had got some two
hours the start The steamer, however, was detain-
ed by circumstances over which she had no con-
troll the rapids. Here the most exciting contest
took place. Both boats being under heavy pressure
The officers and of each, exhibited the mos,
uniring energy, in propeng their respective crafts.
The excitement was much increased by point OF
rocks shore which boldly entered nto the contest
and from its superior power, its friends for a
long time sanguine Of its ultimate success. During
ing their several positions, without any advantage
being percepbe in favor Of either Of the contestants
line, which kept the bow of the propeller in imme-
date communication 18th large cotton wood tree
snapped IN twain, and caused the propeller to fall
off, and both the steamer and the point OF rocks was
for a short period ahead sympathetic cord on the
steamer was touched about the same time and she
/ ais f,L nd Al, 4 1
vantage BY general consent they all soon after mad,
fast, the pon, Of rocks ahead and the propeller asern
to examine the machinery, and prepare for fresh
contest The steamer alone appeared to have suffered
Owing to arrangement Of her pumps, the steam was
low in the boilers although high in the "o6icc.''-
parations had been made the point Of rocks having
masnannously received portion of the cargo of the
propeller, fresh contest took place, in which the
propeller succeeded in reaching the slack water above
the rapids, while the and the point Of rocks
lay side BY side, about midway. The propeller now
feeling her superiority shipped her cargo from the
point Of rocks, and after drawing of steam from the
tea kettle, "pursued the even tenor of her way''-
The next morning the steamer, while under way
passed the point of rocks in good style and although
her lungs had been much affected, and she was fire.
quentiy compelled to ''pump up,'' yet the point OF
rocks was unable to follow, and final, gave up the
contest. All the energies Of the steamer were now
devoted to the task OF overtaking the propeller
Steam boilers being filed, and raised she puff
ed and bowed herself along until she became exhaust
ed, then she would stop, put the fires, and pump
up, this gave the propeller decided advantage
the passengers and board the steamer be.
gan to fear the boat getting seriously diseased
and that she in all probability would fail to overtake
her competitor.
| /" Perseverance will do much" is proverb that
was verified on board the steamer for after two DAVIS
perseverance, above the rapids, she finally
overlook, yes, and passed the propeller, under way
This feat. however, so thoroughly exhausted the
steamer, that she swooned away and fell gradually to
land, where she lay with her head resting on the
shore, ia state Of complete helplcssness, with