Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-08-21

NO GREAT -CREDIr---RICE AND SHELLEY.
Mr.. EDITOR in q recent number of the Demo-
crat, observed an article praising late dele
gate MIR. Rice, on account of the appropriations no
had obtained for public works in the Territory,
and comparing the amounts obtained with those
procured by MIR. Sibley.
The author of the article in question overlooks
some very important facts in the case. When
Mr.. Siblcy was delegate the Territory was yet
new the settlements were all concentrated around
st. Paul, and Saltwater. The Sioux purchase
had not vet been made. The public had not yet
seen the name of this territory in every paper |;
it was not mentioned in every conversation as it
now is. Then two boats week, Tor lcss) could
do the business of the country. The natural
growth of the Territory has demanded larger ap-
preparations from tAc public treasury. If there
had been 40 delegate in Washington, large sums
of money would have been appropriated for the
improvement of a country so rapidly filling up
with settlers. But let look little more at the
appropriations. Mr.. SiLley obtained the first
grant Of money for nearly all the works on which
MIR. Ricc's appropriations were bestowed. The
Mendoza and Big Sioux road, Mendoza and Wa
basha, 1T. Douglas and Fl. Ripley, PIT. Douglas
and st. Louis Road and others were Mr.. SIS pro-
jects. Government having begun these works, is
it any credit to Mr.. Rice that it fit to carry
them on, and therefore bcstow money?
by an examination Of tho late census, we find
the valley of the Minnesota contains over $4,000
people. The only scheme started by Mr.. Rice for
the convenience of this district, was tho Mime
apo.is and Fort Ridsloy road by way of Hender-
son, for which SIS, 900 were appropriated, and for
which Capt. Simpson has been so shamcfully
"abused'' Ly Mr.. Rcc's organ.
We are acquainted with this route and can give
Il few facts in regard to it. 1t starts from Min
neapolis, point some six or seven miles from
TT. Smelling, the point where the Government
Stores arc landed; runs west over some very
billy country to Minnctonka Mill !; then southwest
over some more hilly country, to Bavaria Lake |;
thence to Henderson, point on the Minnesota
several miles above uninterrupted navigation and
then west-north-wcst to TT. Ridglcy. The road
as laid out is not from the proper points for Tie
accomplishment Of the end proposed, the carry
ing of military stores, and is not made consistent
with the well-known policy of the Government,
that is, not to make roads to every mans house,
at the public expense.
Fort Smelling is the point from which the road
should start, because the Government stores are
landed there, and it is tho head of navigation on
the Mississippi river. Minneapolis is rot either.
Such road would he a greater accommodation
to greater number. The travel from the Min
ncsota country is to st. Paul, and needs good
road in that direction. Commissioners were APP
pointed last winter to lay road from ShOkapee
to Minneapolis, which would cross this road and
thus make a good thoroughafare to Minneapolis,
from Fit. Ridgley if it is needed. The road should
be made as straight as possible. AS the commits
sioncrs arc now. laying it, it is crooked, going to
points at distance from the proper course of the
road. Minnetonka Mill is some six or eight miles
north of the proper route; Henderson is more
than that distance south of it. BY taking the
road to Henderson, it is drawn away from fer
tile tract Of country lying on the south fork of
Crow River; which needs the road not having
the Minnesota river and the roads that necessarily
follow its course, which Henderson has. We
think the above facts show that Mr.. Rice was at
least careless, in procuring money for the Mime
sofa valley, the road proposed not being worthy
Of an appropriation: or that he wished to render
himself popular by favoring the plans of specala-
tors, by assisting in running Sc moonshne roads,
to their paper towns We are glad to learn that
the appropriation is forfeited, by the negligence
of the commissioners, as it gives an opportunity
for government to take the matter in hand and
build good, straight military road, from Fort
Smelling to Fort Ridgely.
Yours,
MINNEsOTIAx.