Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1854-08-01

present century shall have closed This is not
land of myths or NEUROLOGICAL fables, but of
stern realities and miraculous facts. The en-
blcms of barbarianism are rapidly vanishing, while
the wonders of a new and emancipated civliza-
ton are marching in quick procession before our
eyes. Where shall the end be?
According to the present rate of increase, it
has been estimated that the United States in six
ty years will contain no less than one hundred
and twenty millions of inhabitants. Where are
this inconsderabe swarm to dwell? Is it rea-
sonable to presume that they will settle along
the arid coast Of the Atlantic where constant i'm
migration renders the wages of labor low, and
where land is so expensive that the poor mmi-
grant cannot buy? Would they not rather direct
their wandering footsteps to the west, where
''mess Of pottage" will procure for them birth
right and farm-where labor is respected, and
industry certain of reward-where society is lib
eral and man is free and God is good? Yes, the
vast surplus will move to the west, there to To-
cate themselves along the shores of the great
lakes, or upon the fertile banks of the king of
streams. An immense body too will cross the
continent and erect along the Pacific line of
States, not inferior in wealth and power and in
fucnce to their sister commonwealth upon the
Atlantic. But it is in the valley of the MISSISSIPPI
pi, according to De Tocqueville, that "the true
elements of the great people to whom the future
control Of the continent belongs, are secretly
springing up" The region Of Minnesota and the
lakes will, within quarter of a century, contain
an exceedingly numerous population. The great
sun, as it rises in the splendor of immortal youth,
hn firSt IF ppytc hn-
hold an unparalleled scene Of development, such
as was never witnessed on earth before. MINES
ota will then have become an imposing state-a
city rivalling Chicago in size will stand at the
head of Lake Superior, imparting the life and en-
ergy Of commerce to the vast country which will
be tributary to it ON every side-magnifcent
steamers will float like animated palaces upon the
broad surface of the lakes-the east and west
| will shake hands over the waters and peacefully
exchange the products Of their different climes.-
Industry and art will fell the giant forests, drain
every swamp and decorate these now wild and
rugged shores, with noble cities and cheerful
towns-with beautiful gardens and cultivated
farms, and many stately temple to the living
God.
Romantic and exaggerated as such language
may seem to those who are unacquainted with the
wonderful development of the west, yet we believe
it to be strictly within the bounds of reason and
| of truth. We judge the future by the past. In
| 1910 the territory of Wisconsin contained only
about thirty thousand inhabitants; ten years af
forwards its population multiplied by ten, had in
crease to over three hundred thousand. Why
may We not calculate upon as equally rapid
| fo, Il e., 40
than Wisconsin was in lS40-has finer climate
| is exempt from the fever and ague scoursc-is
more advantageously situated for commerce
possesses equally fertile SOIL while its prairies
are more extcnsive-its water power more avail
able and universal, and its mineral resources as
varied and as great. In 1880 the territory of
Michigan contained only thirty-one thousand in
habitants; in 1850 the population of the State
had reached to nearly four hundred thousand
In 1850 the State of Illinois had population
of about ffty-fve thousand. In 1850 it contain
ed within its limits more than eight hundred and
| fifty thousand human beings, while Indiana, which
in 1920 had only one hundred and forty-seven
thousand inhabitants, possessed in 1850 popu-
laton of nearly million. The cnterprising ed
itor Of the Saint Paul Pioneer, in abiding to the
different railroad charters which were granted by
the legislature of Minnesota during the session
of 1858, shrewdly remarked, owe are aware that
these charters are looked upon by many as CHI
mcrica, but cannot recognize anything as
chmcrcal in the settlement of the great valley of
the Mississippi. Our long residence in the west
has enabled us to Observe the rapid progress of
civilization. The anticipations of the most san
guine have been so far surpassed that we cannot
| at this time concede the power of imagination to
get beyond reality in western improvement and
western progress. We were at one time one of
the only three ,rhite men residing within the linn
its Of the present State Of Iowa, which now con-
tains population of over three hundred thou
sand. We hope yet, with the blessings of God,
to travel in railroad car, on continuous route
from st. Paul to New Orleans, and very proba-
bly, to San Francisco"
The organization of Minnesota as a territory,
took place on the Sd of March, 1S49. The popu-
lation at present is about twenty five thousand,
of which number St. Paul (the site of which was
purchased of government in 1913 for one dollar
| and quarter per acre) contains scarcely less
than onc-ffth. more superb situation for a
great metropolis was never created, than that up
ON which the city Of st. Paul has so recently
sprung into being. 1t stands high upon majest-
ic plateau, overlooking the valley for many miles,
with its islands and forest scenery and its mag
nifcent winding stream Sloping back from the
river, the land rises gradually by series of nat
ural terraces to a commanding height. In few
years these picturesque eminences will be embel-
lished with elegant residences, superb villas and
rural homes. Art and nature combined, will
eventually render st. Paul in its appearance one
of the most imposing cities in the west. Its
greatness is dccreed-chance was not its founder
neither is its growth the result of accidental
circumstances. The voice of commerce sounde.
far and wide over these spreading praries, and
the city came forth at the bidding Of that resist
less voice, armed and equipped for the battle of
civilization and of life. Wherever the interests
of commerce require the existence of great city,
there great city will be built. The voice of the
lakes called upon Chicago to arise, and lo like
the queen of the waters she arose. Fourteen
years ago Chicago was no larger than st. Paul is
now. In 1910 it contained les. than FIVE thou
sand inhabitants, while at present it comprises
population of over sixty thousand. 1t is still in
its early youth, and scarcely a limit can be as
signed for it's future increase and development.
The same necessity which is creating this stupen-