Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-06-12
A FEW MORE WORDS ABOUT THAT BLUFF.

We cannot let the present occasion pass with
out entering our protest against building on the
Bluff in ST. Anthony street. We insist that the
matter should receive the serious consideration
of our citizens, for it is in which all have
deep interest, and one Of great Importance to
the future of ST. Paul. Shall we let this oppor-
tunity escape, (the only one probably we shall
ever have, of adding to the beauty Of our city?
Shall few dollars and cents prevent us from
making St. Paul one Of the most pleasing pla-
ces of resort in the North -West2 We certain
ly cannot think such spirit actuates our citi-
zens, but unless something is done to prevent
the Disagreement of that Bluff, persons from
abroad will make the charge of penuriousness,
and sustain it with considerable show of truth.
We will suppose that the city buys the Bluff,
and improves it. That three years have elaps-
ed. What do we see? Walks laid out-young
trees lifting their vigorous heads to the sky and
host of strangers, who, having left the dusty
thoroughfares, are lettering on the bank of the
noble Mississippi, enjoying the delicious shade
and the hospitality of the citizens of St. Paul
Just under the Bluff, back of the Post Office,
a fine bath house invites the weary wanderer,
while an Ice Cream Saloon further on, induces
soiourners to loiter and cool their thirst Car
riage roads lead to these places of resort, and
benches enable pedestrians to pause and rest,
while their eyes feast upon the scenery around,
and before them. Above, in St. Antho-
ny st., the promenade is delightful. The trees,
flowers and sllrubbery below, send up their
sweet perfume, and the breeze from off the
Mississippi watts it onward through the city
The boats come and go, and land at our Levee
the children laugh and sport on the green
sward below-as a matter Of course henmed
in by good railing-loyers talk low as they
wander in the moonlight and all the beauties
and the fond associations Of the Rhine, are
brought to the very doors of our citizens. Let
us draw another picture:-A long line Of brick
buildings, mostly occupied as rum-shops or
gambling saloons, whose stencil is sufficient to
breed the Cholera, line the street. The hot sun
pours dowa on the head Of the wanderer, and
he longs in vain for snuff of free ART can't
be had even for money, so disguised with city
life, he pitches his tent at ST. Anthony Or some
other place where Nature brcathcs Geer, and
the pure air is not bottled up for speculation
purposes. There he advises his friends to 60,
and there they do go, and our city loses just SO
much money which might be left here. ..
Now what can we say Or do, to prevent that
Bluff being built upon! But says one 'some
portions are already built upon" Very well;
grant it is, is that any reason why the other por-
ton should be? If we cannot save the whole,
let us save the hali--say from tic Post Office
to the junction Of St. Anthony and Spring street,
running into Eagle. This is worth contending
for, and those WHO allow it to be built upon, will
most assuredly regret the day. The mere ac-
cumulaton of wealth should not be the ultima
trm of a mans lfc-hc should do more-hc
should leave to his children something which is
beautiful in nature or in art, and if he cannot
do this, he had better leave them poor:
In view of what has already been said, we
propose to save the Bluff for the benefit of our
city, by submitting the following proposition,
viz: that the city buy the property of the pres
cnt owners, whom we presume would be willing
to sell it at a small advance from cost, and that
those of our citizens who feel an interest in the
matter, (and who does not? contribute towards
such purchase. Much of the property now
lies in the hands Of the original owners, and al
though It's present value may be estimated at
thousands, yet we think it can be bought for
hundreds, with no loss to any one, but great
gain to the city. VIII our City Authorities in
terest themselves in this matter? Will our Re-
al estate owners consult their own interests and
the interests of the city, by coming promptly for
ward and rescuing the golden apple? We will
do or part and though our means are limited,
yet we will cheerlully contribute 5000 towards
an enterprise which appeals earnestly and di-
rectly to the comfort and well-being of every
citizen. sie a-
CAPITALISTS IN A QUANDARy.-The New
York Evening Post ofTuesday evening says:-
"Wall street is becoming very dull place for
business. The transactions in money and stock
are getting less daily. Money rates are low,
and the amount of money available is far be-
yond the small wants of trade and speculation
Bills for discount are scarce. The bank receipts
are indeed not so large as they were, and
will be less in June, usually dull month, but
the surplus funds held by these institutions cam
not be employed. rCanyassing is active for op-