The emigrant aid journal of Minnesota. [volume] (Nininger City, Minn. Terr. [i.e. Minn.]) 1856-1858, 1858-05-05
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The Faith Of eur Settlers.

The Faith Of eur Settlers.
There is much in the varied advantages possessed by
Minnesota to attract the intelligent eastern man--its
soil, its climate, abundant timber, and clear streams
and lakes-are potent to bis mind, and are not ques.
tiosed in the remotest degree. But the sense Of GOLD
which is indicated by the length and severity Of our
winters casts a dresry shade over that portion Of our
year, which taken in comparison with the mellow tiats
that rest over more southern districts, in all its months,
makes it lose in his esteem by the contrast. Thousands
arc thus drawn away into other localities, to suffer and
perhaps die, who might have enjoyed a long and happy
life in this healthful State.
We have met hundreds, in our short residence in
Minnesota who e~migrated from other Western States,
and some from Kansas, on account Of the sickness there,
have assured US. 1t is apparent to US, therefore, that
the one great fear that restraints 80 many from seeking
homes in the West-sickness-need not deter them
from coming here.
1t il alse certain that our winter weather would not
prove 80 unpleasant to those whose fancy connects it
with many dreary hsrdships. Last winter season was
one that had many drawbacks to it, owing to the hard
times for money, and yet there could not have been
found in the entire Union as cheerful and happy a class
as were our people. As the spring approached, We saw
the mechanics in every town preparing themselves
homes, or improving those they had they are ~invatia.
bly, found setting their stakes deeper and deeper, and
extending their lines more and more, as a determination
that here will they abide. Those who went East in the
fall, were on the drst boats this spring, their confidence
strengthened in the superior excellence of their adopted
State. Wherever our settlers travel, unlike residents
elsewhere, their testimony is invariably commendatory
Of its character as a bountiful land, and every way fitted
to make those happy who settle here.
All we should ask Of those who are undecided, or
decided against Minnesota from some misapprehension
would be to have them pass through our towns and
cities and see the evidence Of this faith among our best
classes, in the substantial worth and certain prosperity
Of the country then to 90 out into the country among
the farmers, where the sturdy sons of toll are " digging
deep to find the gold" Satisfaction would be found
eulivening every face, and unloosening every ton que in
praise Of she land of lakes. At St. Paul they would
End all hands busily employed in building up the COM
mercial emporium Of the north. wes:, undeterred by any
skeptIc feeling Of its magnificent futnre BY reason Of
the temporary embarrassment in the world of trade.
At St. Anthony and Minneapolis immense works will
be found under way or projected for immediate opening,
along the immense water power between these twin
cities, which is second to nothing but that at Niagara,
Lowell and Manchester are here united in the faith
Of its intelligent, far. seeing, and indomitable citizens.
Their artizans, mechanics and laborers are dotting the
country round for miles with tasteful cottages and fne
edi6ces, to be ready to take their posts az the works Of
manufacture are set agoing. The factors and capitalists
are identifying the towns with splendid mansions, spa.
cious hotels, grand public buildings, churches, and halls
Of learning; parks and grounds are being laid out and
o~rpamented to adorp and beautify these lovely spots as
nature every laid out for the ~habitation of man,
Along every river bank, and through every valley
the works Of man are being multiplied new lands are
being broken, houses built, and fences put up, and set.
Elements are extending back of the old boundaries.
There is no ebb and TOW, either, as in most new coun.
tries-the tide is rapid and steady, like the current Of
the streams, but in an opposite direction.
to be broken, are chains to bind the purposes designed,
| and perfect the calculations so faithfully and energeti.
cally being carried out in every department of life.
Their effect in increasing the wonderful progress already
made in population and material. wealth would lie open
to the most careless observer, and would carry the mind
onward instinctively, until the stupendous results seen
in . few years would be startling.
These various works of faith and confidence shown
by those who have weathered the storms and Difficult
ties Of a wilderness life, from the earliest history of this
Territory, should outweigh every vague surmise and
act wisely in seeking a home in the West. Hardship
will have to be overcome, p~rivations endured, and dis
appointments met, wherever the wanderer gees, but
never should he allow himself, after overcoming all
these, to be found in a spot where bis heart may
not be entwined around it with happy and pleasant asso
Citations. What we have seen and know makes u
willing to assure him of this in Minnesota, slmcst in
any portion Of it. He must judge if any other part o
the Weat is as capable of doing this.