Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1856-07-05

Il has always seemed to mo that they were some-
what ahead of the time. Still, after careful
observation of three years am satisfied they
will never be less, but on the contrary continue
to advance, though more slowly, at a profitable
percentage. Croakcrs have always been predict
ing a reaction. This they did three years ago
when prices appeared as high as now since then
the size of the town and amou 1t of business has
more than trebled. Then some Of our colony
went back carrying their parcels of one hundred
dollars with them, feeling they might as we'll
throw it away as to invest it at such rates but
had they have ventured they might now come
here and return as soon as then, carrying with
them in gold, one thousand dollars for every one
hundred thus invested.
Eastern men como here to invest money in real
estate. They suppose in territory whore mil
lions of acres stand priced at one dollar and
quarter per acre, that building lots in st. Paul
can be bought for a mere triae. Some strike COL
ors at once and return. Others after looking on
for six mouths or year, begin to invest eagerly
at an advance of twenty five, fifty, and even a
higher per cent.
Monicd and business men here, we'll posted in
these matters, no longer hesitate to invest any
amount in lots, and buildings, and business
which they have ut command. And certain it is
that no place Of its age shert of some modern
Eldorado can compare with it.in its rapid growth,
its real wealth, its active enterprise and amount
of business. And still the tide rolls on with
ceaseless, never tiring activity. Fsrty stores
now in progress Of building, and all engaged for
occupancy as soon AS completed, while more pro-
jected and costly improvements, of gas works,
extending wharves, erecting public buildings, land
opening streets, than ever are to be carried out
this coming season.
As much as these matters may seem to absorb
the public mind, still other things pertaining to
the welfare of the social compact are not wholly
wanting. see it stated that no community of
its size receives through the post Office a great
er amount Of reading matter than do the people
of st. Paul. In addition to this our own press
es furnish US with FIVE weekly and four daily pa.
pers. An Historical Society is progressing pros
perously, and furnishes the community with able
weekly lectures. A benevolent society actively
canvasses the entire town giving effective aid to
the needy.
We can also point to nine church ediices of
very respectable size and finish; and this number
is soon to be increased by the erection Of several
others. There are two Catholic Qrish and Ger
man, an Episcopal, two Presbyterian (Old and
New SchooD, Baptist, and three Methodist
Episcopal american, German, and Scandina-
vian). The three Methodist societies arc con-
nectcd with our Annual Conference. The first
is proceeding to erect another church with the
design of forming fourth society. A lot has
been purchased for three thousand dollars, and
a building will soon be erected at a cost of about
fifteen thousand dollars. And all this will be
done and paid for, trust, without sending an
agent ssdown East'' to beg. School privileges
are abundant, and Of respectable character.
Common schools are kept in operation, and are
supplied with suitable buildings for the purpose.
There are some fine select schools, some of which
will rank with any of tho kind elsewhere. There
is also the Baldwin Seminary, supplied with am
pie means Of instruction. The building is of
brick, quite ornamental, and fronting a public
square. This institution is under the patronage
Of gentleman Of Philadelphia, whose name it
bears, and whose liberality towards it is ndi-
Gated in his injunction to the trustees, 'Let it be
second to no institution Of its knd.'' 1t il doing
well. St. Paul College has a preparatory de-
partment commenced, and is pushing forward its
arrangements for building. May continued sue
cess attend these good enterprises.
Affectionately, L. C. COLLINS.