Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-07-17
For the Times.
IMPRESSIONS OF ST. PAUL AND ST. ANTHONY.
SAINT PAUL, July IL, 1855.

IMpR EssiONs OF ST PAUL AMIDST. ANTHONY.
SAINT PAUL, July IL, 1855.
.NessrS Editors 1T has been my favored
lot to visit your great and flourishing city, and
from facts and knowledge gained while with
you, can premise that St. Paul must continue
TO improve rapidly. Its growth has been great,
but is based on good foundation. With such
an immense fine agricultural district all around
it; possessing so healthy climate; such en-
terprse, and situated at the head Of the great
Mississippi, nothing can prevent its becoming
one Of the great Western cities, and but few
years will elapsc before it will possess "a popu-
lation of $4,000.
Through the polite invitation Of one Of your
entcrprising merchants, visited St. Anthony
Falls, TIE bridge and .hc celebrated cave, thus
making quite a long circuit Of sightseeing.
| enjoyed it highly. The company was agree
able. My friends enthusiastic description and
extreme politcness added TO the pleasure, and
seldom have |, in one ride, witnessed such va
rie,y and grandeur Of sccnery-such glorious
views OF natures great works. Constantly new
scenes Of beauty opened upon us, and the
country in every direction, was charming.
How can any one fail to be pleased with it
and my wonder is that St. Paul Las not in
creased more rapidly. One thing alone must
prove draw back to St. Paul, and that is spec
ulaiion 1t will drive off the farmers, and
from them is derived Tic surcst basis Of pros
rerity and wealth. And who ever visited the
beautiful Falls Of St. Anthony hut to praise
and love them? There is so much wild and
picturesque beauy-thosc great monster rocks
scattered all around like fallen giants-thc
high banks winding in all manner of beautiful
curves along the river course-the little islands,
like gems Of living beauty, parting the angry
waters; and then the ever beautiful Mississippi
rushing gladly on and passing its waters over
and down in all manner of beautiful shapes
and varieties of grandeur--all these and the
scenes around, form one OF the most pleasing
panoramas possible to witness. To the lovers
OF nature this presents one of her happiest
efforts. Blu! could not linger here sufficiently
long to satate my eyes, and therefore crossed
the Wire Bridge to tie opposite bank. And
permit me TO say, that the bridge is credit to
Minnesota; st. Paul should feel proud of it, ii
it is at St. Anthony.
After pleasant ride along the banks, my
friend directed my attention to another scene
and for the first time looked upon sweet Min
ne-ha-lla. can never forget tia; sight. Such
quiet modest beauty, such miniature falls
From my first glance was d lover filled with
its cEarns, and could not half admire enough
of its gentle, bright gladstone nature. Its clear
water runs placidly along, just ripping and
gurgilng pleasantly as it approaches the brink
and then leaps gaily down in all manner Of
beautiful fancy forms into the basin beneath
Excuse my POOR description, NIcssrs. Editors
Tor l mean to praise sweet Minnc-ka-ha and
could not get enough Of its beauty, without be-
ing fully baptized in It's clear waters. Long
shall l remember that shower Baptism in tina,
pure EaptisInal lount with the laughing waters
Of Minne-ha -ha.
But from it | was again fastened, to supply
the inner mans wants at TIE St. Louis House.
After a rest we viewed the Notifications and
buildings at Fort Smelling. The location OF
the Fort cannot be surpassed, and it may have
been good friend, but mcthinks the day has
passed for It's service and now cornlielt.s and
good potaioc patches would better adorn Min
nesota.
The ferry man guided us safely across the
swift waters of the Mississippi, in his novel
craft, and a short ride brought us TO the Famous
Cave. After exploring all its wonders, quaf.
ing its clear cold water, and feeling our full
share Of admiration without expressing it in
initials On the beautiful sandy surface Of the
cave, we left it with our blessings, and was
once again dorliciled in the Winslow House,
feeling highly pleased and gratfed with our
ride, and our friends kindness in thus introdu-
cling us to St. Paul and the surrounding country.
May all her sons and the just fame of her fe-
male queens of beauty, long continue in the
ascendant, is the sincere wish of your Eastern
friend, SYLVANUS LYON,
New York