The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1854-01-12

vet exists only In name, but the time
has come when substantial reality may
and should be created, 10 which that
name may be permanently attached.
The provisions made in the Statutes
for the establishment of University
lat or near the Falls of ST. Anthony, =
and the appropriation of two townships
of land by Congress for its endowment,
arc most wise and liberal
The inhabitants of this Territory Will
soon need such an institution full grown;
and they very much need some of Its
departments now. Could department
Of agricultural chemistry be opened,
with facilities for Analysing the different
soils in the Territory and giving instruc-
ton upon the various branches of agri-
culture, the department of industry upon
which the prosperity OF the Territory
mus, mainly depend, it must and would
result in ines,lmabIe benefit to this rising
and rapidly growing country. Such a
department of practical knowledge
would tend directly and Immediately TO
increase the interest in the cultivation
Of the soil, and place in the hands OF
the people the means Of obtaining the
richest and most abundant productions
! of which it is capable. Much need not
be said to enforce the necessity OF ad-
ding every facility and encouragement
for the pursuit Of agriculture, which an
enlightened people and wise legislation
can invent.
/ Of lob
enterprise will more naturally be pro-
NOTED and sustained, agriculture, from
its complex nature and unparalleled I'M
portance, as well as the tendency Of all
classes from the safe and the sure to the
speculative pursuits, needs more .atten-
ton and encouragement from legislative
/ influence
1t is highly desirable that some steps
he taken to have the two townships OF
land granted to the Territory for the
purposes of the University, selected and
made available at as early day as pos
sible. With this view, some action will
be necessary by the Legislature. Aud
allow me to hope that it will not be de-
laycd longer than proper elaboration
can be had.
1t would not embarrass our resources
in my Judgment, if small loan was eli,
fected to erect a building and establish
one or two Protessorships and prepar-
/ atory department. Such loan to be
based upon the two townships of land
appropriated for the sole use of this in
stitutlon.
Its present location at the Falls of
St. Anthony, is eminently eligible. This
point must ere long attract the attention
Of the Southern people as Il summer re-
treat, and delightful watering place. Its
beautiful scenery, aud surrounded as ii
is by an unsurpas fertility of soil
and roaring by its side the grand cata-
ract of the king Of rivers, make it a
most fitting point for the seat Of Iitera-
ture and science.
Upon the subject of Common Schools
full report will be made, and more
definite Information given by the Super
intendent.
1t gives me pleasure in being able to
say, that our school system, although it
is susceptible of improvement, is work.
ing well. Provision for the general
diffusion of knowledge, for which the
people Of this Republic generally are
SO Justly celebrated, has not been neg
lected in Minnesota. Our common
schools are sustained with the ability
and usefulness Of those in older sections
of the country.
In these schools the means Of mental
culture arc provided for the young,
withost distinction, and there the found
alton is laid for their future usefulness
These schools are the more important
from the, fact that in them a large num-
Der receive their entire education. Eli
Their from want of means or disposition
to avail themselves of the advantages
Of schools of a higher grade, a great
portion of the young Of this Territory
will never 90 beyondthe common schools
for that education which is to qualify
them to act as citizens and useful mem
bers of society. While schools of high
er order should not be neglected, the
common schools should share largely in
the interests Of the people, and govern
ment should most vigilantly foster, and
sustain these colleges Of the people.
The number of schools the last year
has considerably increased in the Ter
ritory, and every new settlement is soon
christened with school house. 1t
should be the policy of the citizens to
bear with them or create wherever they
go, the means of educating their child
rem. If government could provide the
means and point the way, the people
would be induced wisely to avail them
selves of the benefit of its provisions.
The gradual increase of the Terrific
rial Library is highly desirable. The
liberal'y of Congress would no doubt,
promptly respond to a request on your
part for such purpose. And it would be
appropriate, in my judgment, should the
Legislature add a small sum for such
purpose from the Territorial Treasury.
The Territorial prison at Saltwater
has hpen pea rly com nletpd and ic no, dy