The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1856-06-04
EditorAal Correspondcnce.

DEAR ASSOCIATES - am 0t last Wf1tlnR
from the capital of Minnesota. But before
| say anything about this noted town, let me
60 back a little way, and say few words
about two or three other points that We pass
ed on Saturday.
Point Prescott lies on the Wisconsin side
Of the Mississippi, at the point where the St.
Croix debouches into it. think it is deci-
dcdly the handsomest location between here
and Dubuque; and it seems to me to occupy
decidedly the best natural position for BUSH
ness Importance. 1t is about four years old,
and has healthy but flor this country not a
remarkable growth. 1t contains 800 or logo
inhabitants, and publishes q newspaper
From this point up, the Mississippi washes
none but Minnesota shores.
Point Douglass lies opposite Point Pres
colt, from the northwest side, on the tongue
Of land between the junction of the St. Croix
and Mississippi Almost ell the houses are
very neat and good. should think there
were not more than from 100 to 200 people
there, but fair business seems to be driven.
Growing somewhat. These two towns lie
respectively 33 and 81 miles below St. Paul.
Hastings. two or three miles above Point
Douglass, cn the west side Of the river, ex-
hibits the most remarkable evidence Of rapid
grswsh that have ever witnessed, even in
this growing country. 1t is situated on per-
fectly level ground, but little raised above the
river, though far enough TO be beyond the
highest water. Last year, on the LIST of June,
there were only ten or twelve houses. Now
there are 800 people, with . number of good
solid stone business houses, and many very
creditabe private residences eligible lots
sell for $1,000, and the first number Of the
Dacotdh Journal issues thence to-day
There. If you know any ''faster" place
than that, please tell me where it is.
Perhaps you think me suffering under a
.pro.ractei Il: Of rhapsody, that | find so
much to be pleased with and so little to be
displeased on my journey. But | do not
think it is 50. feel pleasant ana enjoy the
trip, it is true, but it seems to me that LOOK
at things through considerable eyes. 1t up.
pears to me that the IN IN must be- sour and
cynical indeed who can find anything to be
uispleasei with up in this rich and beautiful
Acountry, ind if you ever come up here in q
favorable season you will understand my
my mood, and feel and Judge as do.
But concerning St. Paul. thought as |
went up from the levee that was not going
to like this town much more than did Ca
lena. \ street graded from the ievec up
from TIE point where landed. is 40 ragged
and unsightiy that one does not get favora-
bic frst-impression. But rs rose the height
and walked around the front street, my opin-
ion underwent rapid change. have been
pretty thoroughly over the city, and without
hesitation can say tina, it appears to me un-
surpassed, II not unmatched, by any city
site that have We, seen in all this western
country. and have seen all the towns of any
reputation in the northwestern region. 1t is
situated upon an abrupt bluff, so feet above
the river. The principal part of the town is
perfectly level, and the river front, in the
centre, is quite straight. The high land from
either end Of this straight line curves in
ward. seemingly with the regularity Of the
arc Of a circle. Then, back of the town,
Just within convenient distance for build
ing private residences, a moderate bluff rises
gently up and sweeps around the whole CITY,
in the form Of q semi-circle, touching the
river above and below. Now, if yon can i'm.
prove upon that design for beautiful CITY,
I should be glad to inspec. the plan. Thi.
encircling swell, Of n nearly uniform hcigh,
Of course oyerlooks the whole town and sur.
rounding country from every point. Upon
have been erected many fine houses, aud i,
1 time il will doubtless be covered with such
Its whole extent in length must be six 0
eight mics.
II am disappointed IN the beauty OF tn
Of the town, by finding it so far to exec
my an'icipations, ! am disappointed il
the other direction in the character Of it,
business houses. Mos. Of them are cheal
and common, few are good, and none de
cidedly fine. ! do not know why this is, 70
ST. Paul has had - much time for con
strucsing good buildings Of that class q
Keokaks FOR the substantial growth Of Keo
kuk began at about m even date with 3,
Paul. The Capitol, even, is o very inferio
building, for one dedicated to such uses.
il : long, plain brick building, with strue
turs In the centre Of the roof, half dome m
half cnpola, poor, bald, aud distasteful /
! xorn. The private houses are better, fo
~ aany a them are decidedly hands ONE
snd 10y VIII assraGe rs we'll as in any tow
~ ~ - hat I know OF. In fronteof tn
&nrves shDse and bsiow the principal part .
xt.trevr th> Lard = Low (the river line bein