The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1855-06-16
Correspondence Of the Ainnesotian.
Dubuque neutrality-suspicious. Anniversaries-Ch
caee 90 Years Ass--Towns Along the Southern
Michigan Railroad Toledo Cfcveland- Parks

"a MESsRs EDfToRS:-One month has gone since
we rounded the point which cut off our earnest,
good bye gaze at our youthful city; and though
have been interested and delighted with eve
~ mile Of travel and in every place have Wis
tied, ye. the heart instinctively turns to st.
Paul, and more than ever do feel that there
is mo place like home" Natures broad gar
dens of Minnesota are richer, comeler far to
my eye than all the cultivated fields of the
East. Then there is another cheering aspect
The rush of immigration is thitherward Ev-
erywhere the inquiry is of our youthful Terri,
tory, and with our knowledge of what it was
few years since and what it is now; and claim
ing the public attention as it does-unsurpass
ed by any other portion OF earth in enterprise
and go-ahead-itive.n ness, we can but contem-
plate most glorious future. But will not
dwell on what you and all others know, but
pass to what have seen Of progress in the
States. My first tary vas at Dubuque, where
relative confidently assured me there was
more business done than any other place of its
size in the Union. A few days observation,
however, convinced me that were be citizen
| of ST. Paul, he would see through different col
ored glasses. 1t is a busy town. but cannot
perceive as it has changed in appearance since
I first saw it eight years ago, when our city was
only trading post of less than dozen cabins
is not to compare with ST. Paul. A college now
in process of erection and Female Seminary
of high order are attaching considerable i'm
portance to the place.
At Chicago. the Garden City," 1 passed
some ten days, while the Baptist Anniversaries
were in session. At these meetings all of the
Eastern, Middle, Wcsters, and some of the
Southern States were represented; and opine
that no event of greater practical moment to
the West has ever occurred. My opportunity
was favorable one for judging of the views,
feelings and opinions of casters men in refer
ence to the one idea which has long cngrossed
my soul-the WEST and its interests. Men of
profound learning and in high position admit
| ted that they opened their eyes in establishment
that new world, new impulses, new motives
and new and suddenly awakened energies were
before them. That hitherto, they had lived in
a prescribed circle, and that on those broad
prairies their souls had expanded, ready to leap
from the letters which bound them. Generous
invitations came in from the directors of vari-
Gus railroad companies, for Delegates to extend
their trip at half fare, on any of the several
routes to the Mississippi. and some were inqui-
ring their course to ST. Paul, with the determi
nation of visiting it, and have probably done
so before this; and there they have found that
the "hay had neuer been told lem"
Chicago is certainly wonderful city. Just
twenty years ago Charles Walker, Esq, COM
mepced business here and was actually the first
merchant of Chicago. Then there were less
than 300 inhabitants, (this he told me himself)
He has noted its increase, its progress and i'm.
provement from year to year until the present
time, when it numbers over 10000. lie says
St. Paul with its present population and bust
ness facilities is outstripping the first years of
his city. What has been done can and will be
done; and the New York of the West will n less
than 20 years be acknowledged in the little
town which. eight years ago, was told would
not find, and was kindly advised to retrace my
steps eastward. "as Pigs Eye was the only set
ment in that vicinity"
heard of no cholera and no sickness of any
kind after leaving the river, and so far as able
to learn, there has never been more healthy
season. One fact will not omit Vegetation
in northern Illinois is at least three weeks be-
hind Minnesota. This is not only my own but
the testimony of young man who had visited
and left our Territory. fascinated with its beau
ty, but in disgust with the high prices, and was
in consequence, returning to Michigan to locate
permanently.
From Chicago eastward, Twas honored with
the escort of exGov. Briggs, of Massachusetts,
of world wide fame; and never have met that
person whose Christian dignity and country's
iaurels were worn with such modesty and grace.
He is in the full vigOr of manhood and nought
but his locks would make one judge him TO be
perhaps 60 years of age. He presided over the
Missionary Union with meek dignity. and has
done so. for several successive years. and l
doubt whether. the nobleness of his character
has been more manifest amid his congressional
duties or in the chair of State, than as follow
er of him who said, HE that honoreth me, him
will my Father honor" in guiding this one in
terest of the many connected with the denomi-
ton Of which he is devoted member. "Breth-
rem" said he in his closing remarks to the Uni
on, II have one request to make. l ask in all
sincerity, that in using my name you will dis
pensc with that with which you usually precede
it, (meaning the Hon.) and simply let it be as
it is-George N. Briggs"
For the first time came through to Cleve-
land by the Northern Indiana and Southern
Michigan route. The entire distance l was
struck with the unwholasome appearance of the
country. Vegetation is luxurious, but stag
naut water on either hand followed the most
entire track. Mushroom towns have sprung
up all along this line, and few of older growth,
such as Coldwater, Jonesvills, Hllsdale, Hud-
son and Adrian are pleasant and thriving pla-
ces. Toledo most astonishes me. was there
six years since; then there were but 1000 in
habitan.s, and place was so glad to fee from
had never seen. Now, there are at least H.
600 people, and nowhere, save ST. Paul. is the
progressive system more manifest. Aud now,
after few days tarry with assiduous friends,
was as reluctant to leave as had been anx-
ieus on the former occasion. @
The Forest City still smiles in all its native
loneliness. and has extended on the right hand