The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-01-29


les and villages, that in this vicinity deco
rate the borders of the noblest river of
our country. t.
The policy which. has been pursued in
the application of the several appropria-
tions made for the construction of roads
in Minnesota, by act Of Congress Of July
Is, 1850, has been-firstly, to make the
surveys, and prepare maps and estimates
for the use of the Department at Wash
ington having control Of the appropria-
tions-secondly, to apply the unexpended
balances to the construction, as far as pos
sible, of the roads.
The surveys of the several roads have
been completed, with the exception of
the contemplated one from MENDOZA to
the mouth Of the Big Sioux river. The
appropriation for this improvement is con-
sidered inadequate to the work, and an
additional appropriation is required before
the survey will be entered upon.
The road from Wabashaw to MENDOZA
has been surveyed, but the unexpended
balance of the appropriation is insufficient
to justify the commencement Of opera
tions in its construction.
The road from Point Douglas to Fort
Ripley has been rendered available at all
seasons Of the year and bridges, with
suitable approaches, have been built over
Coon creek, Elk river and Rock creek
This road is military and commercial
thoroughfare, by which the Chippewa and
Winnebago Indians, the troops at Fort
Ripley, and the traders at Pembina and
Selkirk receive their supplies.
The road from the Mississippi river tc
Long Prairie, heretofore almost impassi-
BILE in seasons Of high water, has been
much improved; and bridges have been
built at the two crossings Of Swan river
Twenty-four miles of the Point Doug
las and St.Louis river road have been con-
structed, opening from Saltwater north
ward, for that distance, good highway
The extension of this road is required tc
bring into market the extensive and rich
ly-wooded, but inaccessible region, lying
north of the Marine Mills, and open te
settlement and the enterprise of our lum.
bermen tracts of valuable land now lying
waste for want of means of conimunica.
ton with them.
At the last session of Congress bill
passed the House of Representatives, ma.
king further appropriations for these vari.
GUS works, but it was not reached in the
Senate. Late advices, however, from
Washington, bring the welcome informa.
tion of its passage at the present session
in that body.
The circumstances by which we ar.
disappointed in the occupancy of thu
Capitol this winter are much to be re-
GREETED. The Commissioners, both of tn,
old and new boards, have used every ef
fort to hasten the completion of the build
ing; and inasmuch as money has at al
times been in hand applicable to the pay.
ment Of the work as it progressed, there
should have been no avoidable delay.
The contractors for the erection of the
territorial prison at Saltwater, have full
filled their contract; and as far as exami
nation has been had Of the work, it ap
pears highly creditable to them.
There has been drawn from the capito
fund, in payment of work upon the build
ing and salary of commissioners, secre
tary, &c., the sum of $l7, 1886 80; leav
ing balance of $2,063 l8 in the hand.
Of the present treasurer.
From the prison fund there has beer
expended, in purchase of site, construc
tion of building, and expenses Of com
missioners, the sum Of $l7 1888 IS, show,
ing in the hands of the present treasures
a balance of $2,lll 25.
Inclosing the prison ground, filling W
the low land between the front wall ant
the lake, erecting few necessary work
shops, and constructing some half-doze,
more cells, will require an additional ap
preparation of eight or ten thousand dol
lars. To complete the Capitol according
to the original plan, and inclose and orna
ment with trees the surrounding grounds
will also require further appropriation
of ten thousand dollars. These sums i
was the generous purpose Of Congress t
appropriate at its late session. A bill
for this purpose passed the House Of Rep
resentatives, but from mere want of time
it is believed, was cot acted on by tn
Senate.
The report of the board of buildin,
commissioners will soon be laid befor
you. l respectfully refer you to it 70
more detailed information in regard to tn
expenditure of the funds and the condi
tion of the buildings.
The reports of the Auditor and Treas
urer will present you full statement o
the financial condition of the Territory
Returns from the entire Territory are a
yet incomplete; but the following tabl
sufficiently indicates the increase in the as
sessment of 1852 over that of the pre-
ceeding year:
Counties Txble prop Fax'ble prop Teri Tax, ,Teri Ia
1891. 1852. 1851. 1862.
Ramsey, $751; lib OO$ ,O6O, $40 O0 $752 II O6O
Benton, 64,T75 00i lO3,l70 0oi 81 7Si ina i
wash 'gtonl 335,l72 00l 343,76O OOI 335 i'll a4a7 !
Chsago, (new CO. 46,S9O O0l A6s