The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1856-03-15
From the Shakopee Independent.
Mime soto.

At the present time, forms the topic Of
many conversation, and in almost every
circle is discussed its merits and advanta-
ges and what few drawbacks it possesses,
are seized upon with the utmost avidity by
certain class OF croakers, who by long resi-
dence among the barren rocks, and fats and
swamps OF the eastern and middle States,
have become welded to its imperfections.
The Territory of Minnesota embraces a
region about four times as large as the State
of Ohio, and is six hundred and seyenty-6ve
miles in extent from its southeastern to its
northwestern borders-the whole comnris-
ing an area of &c., 600 square miles, or about
1O6,0OJ,0OO acres, almost the whole of
which is fine rolling prairie of rich soil. a
sandy loan, adapted to the short Summers
of the climate. The surface of the country.
excepting the Missouri plains, is interspersed
with beautiful lakes of fresh waterfall
Astounding with the finest fish, and their
banks covered with fine growth of wood
land. The land is about equally divided
between oak openings and prairie, the whole
well watered by numerous streams naviga-
ble for steamers.
The inhabitants now number about sixty
thousand. The astonishing rapidity with
which it has been settled Immediately after
its organization, is only eclipsed by that of
California, and that only by the attraction
that gold presented but in real agricultural
wealth, and in the contented and happy
character of an intelligent population, and in
all the elements which elevate the character
of people, and constitute the real greatness
of a State, Minnesota stands pre- eminently
high.
There is no doubt that the coming season
will bring rush of emigration unparalleled
in the history of Minnesota. The West is
beginning to be placed in its proper light
before the people, and the pulse of emigra-
ton is beating at d feverish rate.
A large portion of the inhabitants of the
States are weary of toiling with so little
prospect of remuneration to the emil
grant, no matter what his profession or ayo-
cation may be, Minnesota presents rare
inducements, and especially to the tiller of
the soil is opened vast field of attractions
which are no where else presented.
The cry Of "Westward, ho!" is being
reverberated throughout the land. 1t reach
es the ear of the ague-shaken denizen OF
Indiana and Illinois, and strange light il
Eliminates his eye, and new hope arises in
his toscm. Minnesota there is a cheer
ing sound in the very name, which falls
pleasantly on the ear. He ponders it in his
mind, and soon his determination is taken,
and he is on his way to his new home in the
West, where soon, with that energy and
economy with which he has labored in his
eastern home, he is restored to his vigorous
powers, and in possession of handsome
competency.
Minnesota The sound is waited across
the seas. 1t reaches the ear of the serf,
toilng under a despotic government, and
with the hopes of realizing that freedom he
had despaire of he seeks home in the
West.
Here no insolent motto stares him in the
face of "proscription to foreigners )" but
freedom to worship as the heart dictates.
Come there is room for all, and aid in
assisting Minnesota to that high position
which she is fast approaching-a bright star
in the galaxy of the States.