The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1855-04-07
Items from the Winona Argus.

MENDOZA AND WABAsHAw RoAD.-The con-
tract for construction of portions Of this road
has been awarded to c. L. Reed, Esq, Of Reed S
Landing. Mir. Il. is 4 man OF enterprise and
energy, and we feel assured that this matter
has been entrusted to competent hands.
WINONA LAND OFFICE.-It will be gratifying,
no doubt to our settlers, to know that they can
file their dcciaratOry statements and at the
same time pay for their claims, and receive
deeds for the same. This beneficial arrange
ment on the part Of our Land Officers, shows
praiseworthy disposition to smooth away all
difficulties III the way of our pioneer groups.
1t will save them an extra journey, and we
think that many will gladly avail tie mselyes Of
the opportunity thus kindly offered to become
at once lords Of the fertile soil, on which they
have driven down their stakes.
We understand that our officers for the Wine
ma Land District are very liberal to pre-emp
ton claimants, and are not combining them so
much to the exact shape in which - Uncle SAM
formerly obliged them to pre-empt. Settlers
can now pre-empt in the shape of 7 and l., or
four torties in four different sections, or two
eighties mile long. either by north aud south
or east and west line, provided the same is q
compact body. This will be gratifying intclli-
gcncc to the hardy settlers in this district who
have labOred under great deal of difficulty
before, on account oil the peculiar shape Of their
claims made so, by going on to unsurveyed
lands. and the nature OF some parts of the c0ull-
try, but we advise our settlers to file their de-
claratory statemt hts in Cue time. We shall be
duly advised by our worthy Register. Of all adj
ditionai plats as they are received at the Land
Office.
WoRsIIP.-We have seldom listened to u
more tOuchngly beautiful discourse than Elder
Hamilton's last Sunday forenoon. He was
deeply affected at one part Of it. ard several OF
the congregation Shed tears at his mention OF
bereavement in the family circle. Many, no
doubt, recalled the forms of the departed-the
sunny smiles that checred their fire sides once
now lost to them on earth forever.
=" And some who sit in sadness here,
Shall shudder they reach the door.
Where who made their dwelling dear,
Its lowcr--ts lisht--is seen no m;re.''
Our Sabbath assemblies are attended will,
but one regret, that we are compelled to sit
cramped and uneasy, for want of sufficient
room. 1t is great drawback to the pleasures
and even benefits, which we derive from the re-
ligious teachings of our worry minister. Many
no doubt, are prevented from attending church
at all, solely on this account. DO not let us
longer have this stigma resting upon our town
We hope to see this important measure agita-
ted at once, and the good work progressing to.
wards the erection of q church capacioua
enough for the ample accommodation Of the
church-going people of this place, though it
should lack the architectural beauty and adorn-
ments worthy Of the Intelligence, taste and
wealth Of our community.
ass5~ The steamer Black Hawk is being fitted
up for the Upper Minnesota trade during the
coming season. Pending the .fuN opening of
navigation. she will convey passengers from.
the head Of Lake Pepin, connecting by stage
with the nearest boat 6eIosc the Lake. This
will be q great accommodation to the "earIy
birds" in the spring. and rebounds to the credit
of the energetic aud most deservedly popular
commander of the Black Hawk, O. II. MAN
WE'LL ESQ