The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-10-06


dogs, squaws, and halfnaked chldren-(the
men were on q hunting -excursion.) On the
brow of the hill overlooking the village were a
number Of slight platforms high enough to pre-
vent the wolves from reaching the bodies of the
dead, which, wrapped in lighteolored blankets,
here reposed in grander state than any mon
arch Of the old world The Indians believe
that their deceased friends are interested in the
pursuits and amusements Of the living hence
the custom Of placing their bodies on some ele-
Walton where they can overlook the village or
hunting ground. They remain in this position
until the flesh decays; the bones are then bu-
ried in the earth With this belief, how i'm
pressive must be this daily teaching of the
dead! Ever at their post, at early dawn, at
noon, and at twilights pensive hour, they speak
most afeetingly, and to the senses of man 3
mortality. In the dark midnight, q mysterious
ave creeps over the dusky savage, as, peering
from his Sigwam door, he sees, by the light
nings flash, the bodies of the dead daguerreo-
typed upon a lurid sky, while the white flag
that ever floats over them trembles and fut-
tiers in the wind ike a living spirit
We pass u headland, and the city Of st Paul
is before us. lite white spires its warehouses
and stores, clustering around and above the
landing the many fine residences spring ing up,
indicative of growing wealth, together with its
imposing capitol and gstening dome, all con-
splre to form striking contrast with the saw
age lille and wilderness scenes through which
we have passed
In lSi9 this place was mere traders post !;
the land which now sells for building lots at
the rate Of $4,000 and $4,000 per acre, was
then cold for 1925 per acre. 1t presents an
imposing view from the river situated on
bluff eighty or ninety feet above the river, the
land back rises in benches, or terraces. was
somewhat disappointed in the place in walking
over 1T. Some parts were quite wet, and the
soil generally seemed thin and poor The popu.
lation is now probably 5000 1t is eight miles
by stage from ST. Paul to the town and Falls
of st. Anthony. Taking seat in one of the
fine coaches that ply between the two places,
we passed through fine farming country. AL.
though the season was backward, the crops OF
corn, oats, potatoes and grass, presented fine
appearance. The town Of st. Anthony is 10.
Gated On the east bank of the Mississippi
which at the Falls is half mile wide In lS49
there WAS but one hut there now it numbers
q population of 1000 souls. The different
denominations of Christians usually found in
a New England town are represented here.
The University building is finely located in an
oak grove, within hearing of the roar of the
Falls. Two newspapers of handsome size
flourish here the advertisements that fill their
columns will give one good idea OF the bust
ness of the place. The principal street follows
the river bank, which, below the Falls, are pre-
cipitous bluffs From the steamboat landing
below the Falls to the upper landing above, is
about two miles. From the elevated table
land in the lower town is presented most
magnificent view OF the river and falls, with the
rapids above and below, the wooded banks and
islands in the river, with green prairies stretch
ing away on either side of the river, and
bounded in the distance by rolling timber
lands 1t needs no prophets gift to foretel a
brilliant future for st. Anthony and Mime
apolis, City of Wsters the latter place grow
ing up rapidly directly opposite on the west
side Of the river Situated at the head Of
navigation, STEAMBOATS, now run regularly be.
tween these places and ST. Louis) with al i'm
mense water power, capable of turning an un
limited amount Of machinery, fine warm
soil, pure water, a healthy climate, free alik,
from aguc and consumptiOn--these advsnta
| beauty, point it out as the location Of grea
| *
But, aside from these advantages, st. AnthC
ny is the centre and depot Of the great agr
cultural and lumber region, extending ava
hundreds of miles above the falls IA steamboa
the Governor Ramsey, now runs some hundre
miles above the falls J it also commands tn
only carrying trade on the river. From tn
great pine forest, situated upon the hea,
waters of the Mississippi, are drawn supple
of lumber for this growing Territory; the sur
plus finds ready cash market down the river
There are ten saws in operation at the Falls
Minnesota river cmpties itself into the Mssis
sippi at Fort Smelling eight miles below thu
Falls Hennepin county (said to be the garder
of Minnesota lies in the fork Of these rivers
The soil is dark loan, with a mixture O
sand Corn, winter wheat, barley oats anC
especially all kinds of root crops, with proper
cultivation, grow in great luxuriance Thu
fertile and beautiful prairie, extending along
the west side of the river, from Minneapolis t.
Fort Smelling and back four or five miles, to {
chain of beautiful lakes, enclosed with forest
of hard wood, is part of military reserva
ton, but is coon to be surveyed, and in tht
market
| The length Of this communication reminds
me that | must reserve al account Of trip t.
the largest of these lakes, until some future
time With few general remarks, as the min
listers say ! will bring these rambling serb
blngs to close
And, first, in regard to the inducements Of
fered to New England farmers and mechanics
to emigratc West | am free to confess, from
the imperfect knowledge gained by passing OBJ
servatiOns and conversations with Others that
TO my mind, Minnesota presents greater induce
ments than many of the Western States. In
seeking n home in new country, health II
the first consideration. Minnesota offers al
healthy climate as can be found on this cont
nent The pure dry atmosphere, the absence
OF sudden change in the weather. IN connec
ton with good water from the gushing spring
the running streams and pearly lakes, which
everywhere abound, oil combine TO make it 30
Agne, consumption, and epidemics are exotics
Although situated in higher atitudes than the
Eastern States, yet it is said, by those who have
had experience, that the winters Of Minnesota
are less severe than on the Atlantic coast.
The second consideration is, the character Of
the people with whom We must associate; are
they moral, intelligent temperate In these
respects, the present population of Minnesota
| think, can safely challenge comparison with
that of any part Of New England. The SOUND
Of the church going bell mingles with the roar
OF the waterfalls and, 80 far as could learn
wherever a colony is established, there the in
situations Of religion are sustained. 10 every
township, land is reserved for the support OF
schools; and it is the glory Of Minnesota, that
she was the first to follow in the footsteps o.
Maine, in adopting the provisions Of her pro
hibitory liquor law Hitherto the emigrakl6r
to this growing Territory has been mostly from
the New England States. The soil is surpass
ingly fertile. One peculiar feature Of the
country is the natural meadows, which produce
three tons Of excellent hay to the acre. II il
good stock.raising country, generally rolling
and uneven, and diversified with prairies, oak
openings, lakes, and forests Of oak, elm, maple
and bass wood. In the northern sections pine
forests abound. The numbering business, in
it, various forms, employs large proportion
Of the population those are profitable class
Of consumers for the farmer TO feed. All