The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-05-01

Navigation, as ChlcagO, and we cannot doubt
this will soon become one of the great leading
thoroughfares of the Northwest.
Our soil and climate seems remarkably
adapted for great variety of agricultural
products. We raise in great perfection wheat
oats, the Dent corn, potatoes, and all kinds of
vegetables and vines. Flax grows very well,
and may become an important staple. Apples,
and fruit generally, give promise of doing finely,
unless the peach should prove an exception.
Inc native grasses are unusually rich and nu-
tritious, and grow with great luxuriance. Prac
teal stockraisers say that Southern Minnesota
is unsurpassed as stockraising and wool
growing country. The natural meadows are
numerous and excellent. Stock is said to come
out IN the spring in better condition than in the
windy, damp, and changeable climate south of
us. The interior of Southern Minnesota, and
especially the country drained by the Straight
river, is generally conceded to occupy the first
rank for fertility, and the excellent supply of
wood and water. The large crops of all kinds
indicate productiveness equal to that of ANY
section of the country.
The steamboat arrivals at st. Paul last sea-
son numbered $50. The year previous there
were 245. Large numbers of the emigrants
enter the Territory from Wisconsin and Iowa
especially at Prairie La Crosse, and up the val
ley of the Red Cedar river of Iowa. Last year,
Southern Minnesota (south of the Minnesota
river) was the region most rapidly settled up.
In less than year, extensive settlements have
been made, and towns have sprung up, and the
lone prairie has suddenly been TRANSPORTED
from the hunting ground of the Red Man to ,he
blossoming fields, waving harvests, and hf9py
abodes of civilization. There is great de-
mand for all kinds of mechanic labor, espec' ally
in the new settlements and towns that are
ca1~ Al II
of all kinds is called for at rates probably fifty
per cent. higher than in the old States.
Our navigable rivers afford us unequalley IA
cilities for commerce. Still, we are much in
need of railroads, especially in sections Of the
country back from the rivers, which are bow
being settled up the most rapidly. We are con-
fdent roads built as soon as practicable would
pay us an investment; and the emporium of
trade, which will thus secure channel through
Minnesota, and render her trade contrbutory,
will, in return, have added to her resources the
elements of vast wealth.
We have but little wind, especially in wiater;
not often over fifteen inches of snow, which al aost
invariably remains till spring opens; making
the finest of roads all winter. The almost acre
is dry, and highly electrical-brilliantly clear
and sunny, with very few cloudy days.. In
winter, we occasionally have severely cold rays,
UuI SILL duu luc SeHcfdi EXPIRE elOn
is, that the cold of our winters is as easily
States; much pleasanter travelling, and bt'ght,
beautiful days, for their many windy, cl1ddy,
and stormy ones.
The health, strength, and energy, which all
feel, and the disposition it imparts to exc else
and labor, and to foster enterprise, will htye
powerful influence in our development III the,
future. Our population is of an unusual in;
telligent and high character, mostly me d of
considerable means, and with dispositico to:
establish all the valued institutions of society.
Our geographical position is significant. We,
are in the centre of the North American Con.
tinent The Red River of the North for as a
bond Of union with Hudson's Bay, the q rctes
Sea, and the vast Empire at our back. On our
right flows the mighty Missouri On our left.
we encircle the head of the largest of Inland
seas; and from our midst flows the majestic
"Father of Waters" the beautiful Minnesota
and the bright waters of the St. Crox yielding
him their tribute-then on, two thousand miles,
through the most magnificent valley in the
world, to the broad Atlantic. -
Where shall we find combined so many G,t4E
so important elements of varied growth; of flu
ture material wealth, as State; of advanced
civilization of empire over the world Of matter
and of mind q? LIZA.
EXTRACT OF Il LETTER DATED Lon.
DON, ENGLAND, APRIL 10, 1855.
The Times has written several bitter articles,
during the last week, in reference to American
affairs, and especially the Champion case and
the Clayton-B ulwer treaty. There is rnmory
too, that the English and French navies are.
uniting in the Gulf of Mexico, for visit to, Cen.
trail America. What does this all meant In
my opinion, nothing at all. The Times talks
severely, perhaps because, conscious that it has;
the worst of the argument perhaps to iptimis
date But one thing is certain-people here de-
not dream of war between the two countries.
The education question is now very promi
nenty before the people. What shall be dong
to educate the ignorant masses of BritSin
Lord John Russels bill, which is under the con.
sideration of Parliament is opposed in its Seele
ings to the voluntary system, and, indeed, pos
sesses some compulsory sections. This bgl il
opposed vehemently by the great body of dis-en6
ers. So opposed are they to the Establilhe&
Church, that they cannot bear the thought CT,
State education. But what has been the result
of the Voluntary system? Five-sixths of the
English people are in ignorance. Is not a State
system like ours in America necessary And
to make it effective in such country, where
the temptation to keep children at work is gAeat
are not compulsory measures needed to certaits
extent T? / notice that the Times of this p,orn7
ing inclines to the side of the Voluntaryists
which is an indication of popular feeling. = :
The Military Commission to inquire int the
conduct of certain officers in the Crimean .,rmy
has commenced its sittings at the Chelsea Hos
pital, and unpleasant disclosures are promis ID
among others, the fact that high commar ling
officer was quietly sleeping In his yatch, chile
the men he should have directed were br. vels
charging Russian bayonets.
There is little literary news. s, r. Wards
Autobiography of Fugitive Negro is selling
well, hear. 1t is dedicated, by permission, to
the Duchess of Sutherland, who, by the why, j,
visiting the Earl of Carlisle, at Dublin.
A horrible hanging case took place at. tn
Old Bailey, on Monday. A man by the name 81
Brunefeld was executed for the murder q wig
and children. He was so weak or frightened
or feigned it, that he was carried in high ehais
to the gallows, and, after the bolt was dfawn
three times, continued to plant his feet upon .
portion of the scaffolding, and as many ttpes
they were pulled away by the officers, and II
was only by securing his legs that he was exc
cuted. The affair has sent thrill of b9rrer
through the whole country, and it has oeea
brought up even in Parliament
The weather, for the last few weeks, has oeeh
delightfully."- clear for England, but the raina are
now setting in. Truly, yours, AMERICAN
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED
STATES. (
GREAT BEND, Pa, March 81, 1885,.
As Republican Associations are now icing
formed for disseminating free principle, 81
would Recommend to every association toscob-
tribute money sufficient to purchase one cory
of Thomas Jefferson's Notes on Virginia, 20 We
placed in every township library. The paope
are now beginning to sindY the science of g 81.