The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1854-04-29

We have had frequent occasion within the
past two years, to speak in disapprobation Of
the course of the Government towards that de-
serving and enterprising class of our popula-
tion, the Lumbermen. Our readers will bear
witness that our remarks have not been confn-
ed to censuring alone the course of the present
Administration but while those of our own po-
litical faith were in power, we took occasion to
denounce the whole system as one based upon
wrong, and fraught with injustice to a large
and meritorious portion of our citizens. 1t is
true, we were then tainted with assertions, put
forth by the Democratic papers here, that lum-
ber-pirating by government officials, was a
Wing measure, and would be discountenanced
as soon as the new Democratic Administration
came into power but having higher duty to
serve than merely the unfolding of this or that
party policy, We have never swerved from at
tempting to fulfil that duty let the censure fall
where it might. And that is just what we are
going about this moment, and that too in very
plain and unmistakcable style of speaking.
1t is known, generally, all over the pine re-
gion Of the Northwest, that one Capt Estes, OF
somewhere in Wisconsin, claims to hold author
ity from the Department of the Interior at
Washington, as Timber Agent. If there be any
such Office by virtue o: law, it is very GER
tain that no man, possessed of the least particle
Of sclfrespect, would condescend to hold it I'M
der the circumstances that now exist and it is
equally certain, that no man acquainted with
the vast numbering interests of this country,
and especially no man from numbering State,
save just such groveling demagogue and
treacherous time-server as the present Secreta-
~ Of the Interior, would ever countenance and
uphold for moment any such system oflicens-
ed robbery as is being now practised by Capt.
Estes and his deputies"
Last year, Capt. Estes made several tours
among the lumbcrmcn of Wisconsin and Min
nesota, but whether at that time he "made it
pay" or not, we have no means at hand of
knowing. The great object of the Office appears
to be the supplying of the Captain, and a few
confirmed loafers about this country, with grog
change and "poker money" as it has been de-
fnitely ascertained that not one cent yet fich-
ed in this manner from the pockets Of the hardy
iumbermen, has ever found its way into the
public treasury. AS an instance of the charac-
ter Of the men who are selected to play the spy.
and aid Estes in his piratical excursions, we
will mention that the individual he selected in
this place last season as his deputy is pub
iicly acknowledged black-leg, and one at that
not recognized among the fraternity as very
honorable member. No; we should think not .
We would not insult many gamblers we know
ofby presuming that any one among them who
claims to be a gentleman, would even disgrace
himself by stepping into Capt Estes shoes
much less by undertaking to do the dirty work
set on foot by that individual. At all events,
we are not afraid to assert, that the Captains
deputy is a man of notorious idle and vicious
habits, who had no apparent means of support,
until thus taken in and done for, save billiard
and card playing. The reason why he was Sc
lected is now very apparent No man of the
least iota of responsibility would have anything
to do with any such plundcrng operation. All
decent and reputable men in this country re-
gard the transactions now being carried on by
Capt. Estes, per order, no doubt, of the Honor
csle Robert McCleland, Secretary of the Inte-
rlor, as no less degrading and rcprchcnsibc
than stealing mems money would be by other
process, and without the apparent protection
OF the law. Hence, such creatures as the one
described must needs be paid to assist the chief
depredator in his spoliations or nothing could
be done. We understand that last winter this
deputy visited some of the lumbcrmen's quar-
tiers in the woods, keeping his real business a
secret from them-which was to act the Spy
but nevertheless, while he remained, sponging
MS subsistence from their stores, and sleeping
In their shanties. By-and-by he Was "smoked,' y
and sent off by the "red shirts' with very
meaning admonition not to return. Is this the
way, and such the men and means, the "Great
Republic employs to carry on her internal af-
f-lrs OF government? We blush to be called
citizens of her'sif it be So We feel it duty
thus to notice the office and the officer. not the
person out of any Importance of his own and
tor this reason hope to be excused for paving
so much attention to one, individually, of nc
consequence whatever.
But the last move of Capt. Estes far outstrips
oil Others in bold audacity and daring outrage
upon individual right. He has procured 6
small steamer, the Berlin, and with her i.
cruising, in the most approved buccaneer style
upon the waters of the Mississippi, below Lake
Pepin, capturing, or attempting to capture eve
~ raft that may pass. 1t makes no difference
to him whether the timber has been cut from
private or public lands, the raft must be seized
and the required tribute paid, or it is delayed
and the owners put to great loss of time and
money also. Says the Dubuque Herald, q
strong Democratic supporter Of the present Ad.
ministrat;on -
=, Captain Estes, the Government Agent for
the seizure of stolen timber, is creating a great
deal dissatisfaction ndcausing much unneces
sary annoyance among rattsmen, if we NAV be.
!leve those who have been subjected to his in
terference. 1t appears to us that those who come
by their lumber honestly need not suffer with
1mpunity from his unwarrantable or arbitrarv
exercise of authority. There are various means
TO be rid Of such annOyances, and the Accent