davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

The Paris Unruers has started a curious
controversy as to the causes which impel the
British and French governments to 60 to war
with China. According TO that journal, all
that France desires is the liberty OF the
Catholic Missionaries in China. ." But"
continues the editor, the principal and i'm.
mediate object which England proposes to
herself in China is to extend there the con.
sumption Of opium, which she cultivates in
India. This traffic produces her some hun
dred millions Of francs yearly. She burned
Canton, and we alas assisted in burning il,
in order to force the gates Of the empire,
obstinately closed against the Anglo Indian
poison. That is our ally's motive for the
war-a seizure OF opium struggled into the
country; a seizure as regular as would have
been that Of Ailsop and Bernard's machines
by the custom house officers on the frontiers
Of Belgium. Such is the grievance for
which England requires satisfaction. So
true is it that the English plenipotentinry,
himself confessed his difficulty in preparing
the demand forwarded to Pekin, at the same
time envying the French plenipotentiary,
who merely demanded what was just and
honorable-the liberty Of the Catholic Mis-
sionaries. Now, England cannot suffer US
TO obtain our just and honorable demand,
because opium is interested in the question"
This is rather a singular explanation of the
cause Of the quarrel, and it will scarcely be
accepted as correct by the other party of
the Anglo-French alliance. The paragraph,
however, possesses interest, AZ calculated to
show the unkind relations which are grad
ually growing up between England and
! France.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

MoRE CHANGEs.-It will be perceived
from the report Of yesterdays proceedings
Of the Senate in the Star to-day, that Mr.
Harlan undertook to become the mouth
piece of various maliciously disposed per
sons around Fort Des MONIES, who aim to
asperse the character of the Hon. Henry NJ.
Rice, Of Minnesota, upon an allegation dis
proved on the spot. As several of his fel.
low Senators explained, there is no man Of
higher personal character in the councils Of
the nation than Senatar Rice, nor any 9TH
er more universally respected and esteemed
here.
Under all the circumstances Of the case II
illustrates capitally the truth of what we
have SO often alleged with reference e the
character of the current charges" Of the
times against public men and Others brought
to the notice of the country through the
proceedings Of Congress. In that way only
can cowardly sneaks, actuated by disap-
pointment and revenge, asperse the charac'
iers OF respectable gentlemen with impuni-
ty. AS whenever otherwise essayed the courts
OF law held them to due individual respou>i-
Washington Star.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
WASHINGTON, Jan. Is, 1858,

Sin In accordance with your instructions
Of oath October last, have investigated the
title Of the claimants to the Fort Crawford
reservation as closely a. circumstances would
permit. obtained all the papers that could
lie reached. The claimants have possession,
given them by the court nearly two years
ago, and in my opinion, have legal claim
to part Of said property, and tn the balance
their claim has been much strengthened by
inattention on the part Of the attorney Of the
United States. The buildings are nearly
oil destroyed, or so nearly 30 as to soon be
come valuelsss Several hundred citizens
are interested in having the title settled, the
reservation being so situated as to divide
the town. A long continuance OF the suit
now pending can but work injury to all par
ties. would therefore respectfully recon-
mend that the matter be settled in the most
speedy manner by compromise with the
parties now in possession Of said property.
have the honor to be your obedient SER
want. HENRY NJ. RICE.
Hon. JONI II, FLoyp,
Secretary of War, Washington, ID. O.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

had paid los lots 2 and 3, which returned
10 him upon bis surendering the certificate.
From inquiries which ] afterwards made,
became satisfied that the said Wadsworth
had no claim TO the land. One hundred
dollars was offered 10 one Of my clerks il he
would procure and deliver up the paper
signed by Wsdsworth transferring bis right
TO lot No. /. This lot sold TO the person
who delivered me the transfer, but when
found that dispute would probably arise ]
withheld the certificate, but have the
money in my hands. trust that Wads-
worth will not be permitted TO purchase any
part Of the said land at any rate until all Of
the facts can b. elected, which / have taken
steps to have done, and forwarded 10 me !;
when received the standing Of the case will
be shown.
He is not entitled to lot No. !, for be sold
the claim TO it before my arrival at the Pfal-
RTE.
lie is not entitled to lots and 3, for he
asked 10 have his money returned AMI his
certificate cancelled, which requests were
granted.
am inclined to think he had not improv-
ed either f; that he was not an actual settler,
and consequently was not entitled to any
part Of said land, but that he was pushed
forward by another for whose interest be Was
acting
have the honor to be your obedieut ser
want, HENRY n. RICE,
Late Special Agent.
Hon J, Il. FLoyp,
Secretary Of War.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

Dispatches from Washington to Chicago
papers give an account OF most disgrace
fal assault lately committed on the person Of
the President Of the United States. AS
the story goes, an oflice-seeker from Illinois
having been at the Capitol for long time,
and after repeated opportunities, been re-
fused an appointment on the ground of in-
competency, walked into the White House,
and seized the venerable Chief Magistrate
Of the United States by the collar and at
tempted to strike him in the face. The ruff
fan was however seized by the by-standers
and elected from the room before be had &C
compished his purpose.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

CONVICTION AND EScArE-A few months
ago gang Of eount.rfeittrs was broken up
in Indiana. One Of them pr, RoGgRs,
was tried this week at New Castle, Henry
county, the trial closing on Wednesday.
When the jury came into court with their
verdict, Wednesday afternoon, RoGyRs vas
standing in door upon the opposite side Of
the street. ard as soon ss the verdict Of gull
~ was announced in court, probably az
signal given by an accompiice. he ran
through an alley leading int another street
aud jumping into a wagon 10 which two
fast horses we're attached. made his ESCAPE.
The whole plan Of escape had BEEN PR
viously arranged aud was very successfully
carried out.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

II is said that the debts Of LAxARrISE
amount TO 100000 francs. This gifted
and accomplished French writer is. perhaps,
one Of the most extravagant men OF the age.
He is always in debt, and yet he appears to
pay no attention to his financial affairs.
Again and again he has been assisted by bis
friends until many Of them become Disguised,
and are indispossd 10 aid him further. LOUIS
NAPOLEON, however, still adheres TO him,
and intends. it is said. TO apply To the Legis-
lature to assist in extrieatng him from his
monetary dfliulticS.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

HEAVY LOss-We learn from the Mis-
souri, Republican, that Felix Coste had a
cave near that city for the deposit Of lager
beer. in which be had stored away about
5000 barrels of the same. An immensc
body OF water having accumulated in the
vicinity hy the late rains, the city aathori
ties gave it an outlet and the whole was
prccipitated into Mr. COsts's cave. The
barrels Of lager commenced floating, the
bungs never driven very firmly, came out,
and the whole, valued at 10000, was to-
tai loss
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

them that had been, and still are, granted to
pre-emptors.
/ also send herewith copy Of the notice
I caused TO be given. The sale took place
a. the time and place specified in the no.
tice.
Hoping soon 10 receive the instructions to
~II the balance Of the said reservation,
have the honor 10 be, your obedient
eryant, HESEY N. RICE,
Special Agent.
Hon. Jons b. FLoYD, 6ec'y Of War.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

The increase Of railroads in this country,
up to 1856, was certainly the most rapid ad-
vancement, in the way Of public improve
ments, that the world has ever seen. For
this advantage to the public-though, in
some instances, involving pecuniary loss to
the stOckholders-two main reasons may
be assigned {: one, the immense extent Of our
territory, ard the other the enterprising
spirit Of the American people. Since the
period above named, the progress Of the
iron highway has been slower, owing, no
doubt, to the fact that all the lines between
the great cities, from Portland TO New Or
leans, and from the Atlantic TO Chicago and
st. Louis, are completed, or nearly 20. Ac-
cording to DR.. FISHER, in Dinsmo,e's GUIDE,
and other sources Of Information, who makes
some comparative tables Of the present con-
dition Of railroads in the United States, the
number Of roads and miles opened in this
country on the list Of January, 1855 as
stated in the Railroad Record, were as fol.
lows:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

Cues PLAYISG.-PArIsES, the chess
prodigy, is engaged at Chicago in playing
ten games ci once, blindfoded. such mem
Dry as he possesses might be better employ
ed, though perhaps it could give no better
evidence Of ia strength. The method Of
playing Is quite simple. fAursES announc-
IS his move. and his representative at each
Of the ten tables who conveys the chess.
man" to his place On the board, and informs
PAUisgS the counter-moye.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

Ius aggrcgaie wealth oi the United
states amounts 10 81 800 600 600, and the
population Is "a 100000 The wealth d.
y'ded by the pol a.a,,op, gives $500 10 each
person, young and Cd ard counting a'e
psrscus To each family. j, would give ,hc
handsome h,tl, fr,are Of GO 500 10 every
AInIly OF ,hc repgoic, Do, excluding slaves
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

The following correspondence fully ex-
poses the grounde@nsss Of the chrages pre-
ferrcd by HARLAN, Of Iowa, against Senator
RICE.
Report Of the Secretary u War, cOmmun,.
cat,ng aa ans,cy to a resotut,ou Of Tie Sen
ate, information IN relation 10 the sal. n
The military yt'opat'oa at Fort C,auford.
Presented 10 The Senate AprH II, 1853
Referred 10 the COMMITTEE IN Military II
fairs and he Militia, md ordered 10 be
PRINTED.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
WAR UgPARrvEsT,
Huntington, Dee. 8, 1851.

Harrington, Dee. D, 1881.
SIR: Agreeably TO the recommendation
contained in your report to this department
Of the 10Th Of June last, you are hereby al.
thorized and instructed TO sell to the actual
se,,Iers on tina, part Of tbs military reserve
at Fort Crawford, lying west Of the Missis-
sipp river, and also that part on the Wis
consin river ussd IA cattle yard, the num-
ber Of acres they respectively claim at one
dollar and twenty five cents per acre.
That portion Of the reservation which Is
in dispute, you will, Of course, not sll, but
report upon ~ heretofore requested.
Very respectfully, your obd't svt,
Jomx Is. FLoYD, Secy Of War
Hon. HgxaY N. RIcR BIT. Paul, Min.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
amount at par, $4,000; +. Moseley, No
OF bonds I, amount ut psr 81 600.

amount At par, SlO,OOO; r.. Moseiey, NO
OF bonds !, amount at pal, 81 900.
The following persons, who were not mem-
bers Of the Legislature, State officers, or Of
fcers Of either the Senate or Assembly, in
1856, also received bonds a. follows.
A. Mitchell, No. Of bonds 10, amount TO
$4,000; Levi Hubbel, DO. 10, amount TO
$4,000; Il. Cramer, DO. 10, do. $1,000;
Rufus King, do. 10, do. $4,000; j. X.
Sh rptsin, do. |, do. 81 900; w. b. Hib
bard, do. -, do. $4,000; +. II. Goodrich,
do. 2j, do. $4,000; Moses Kneeland do.
rs, do. s25O00; g. Il. jenkins, do. %, do.
$4,000; Byron KilbOurn, do. %, do. 1885,
600; N. n. Strong, do. Is, do. $4,000
james Ludington, do. 10. do. 800, 600; ii.
L. Palmer, do. l, do. 81 900; Isaac Woodle,
do 10, do. $40 900, Samuel Hale, do. 10,
do. $4,000; n. X. Norton, do. 2, do. 3d.
600; II. I. Saundus, do. 5. do. $4,000; g.
c. Sholes, do. 8, do. $1,000; In q. Sim
mons, OF KenOsha, do 5, do, $1,000; ID.
Thayer, do l, do. 81 900; |. ID. Raymond,
do. 1, DO. 81 600; Daniel Wells, Jr. do. 10,
do. $4,000 4. l.. DimOck. do. 5, do. 49,
600. In addition to this, s. ID. Carpenter
received $4,000 from the company, and NJ.
Shelter, OF the Milwaukee Banner, &c., 900.
The remaining portion Of the reports show
that $4,000 in bonds were paid to Gov.
Bashford.
The public will look for the full details
of the report Of the committee with much
interest. According 10 our footing up Of
the above statements, the amounts paid
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

THE San jose tribune estimates the pop
ulation Of California at $4,000, The sstl-
mate : based upon the returns OF the local
assessors. OF this population. 532 $50 are
Americans, s. 500 Chimes. 1900 French,
$1,000 Mexicans, 10000 lrsb. 1000 Eng
l-sh, ard about 1900 eo.Cred persons.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

ST. Fan, Minnesota, June 10. 1857.
STA tudcr your Instructions of the I'D
April last, sold at auction, after due no.
ticc, IN 10 acre tructs two o! them con
tanned 81 30-l00 acres each live hundred
and seven acres oi the military reservation
opposite Fort Crawford. none at which was
occupied or claimed by actual settlers. Tx.
hib!t A shows the number OF tracts. acres
the price i, sold for per acre, the name and
residence Of each purchaser; also, the total
amour, OF the purchase money paid
issued triplicato certificates Of purchase
TO each purchaser gave one copy one
herewith cniold; the other | keep would
respectfully recommend that patents or
deeds may be at once executed by the Hon
Secretary Of War, and ssst To me, which
will deliver to the purchasers and redeem
the certificates they now hold. In regard
To that part OF the reservation claimed by
actual settlers. west Of the Mississippi river
~ WILL AS the one on the Wisconsin river.
have TO report that, in lst3, Il think J the
commanding officer at Fort Crawford ceased
to exercise any control over said rsserva
lions, and the impression became general
that they would be subject TO presumption ;
consequently, citizens settled upon and i'm
proved the same, This was done with the
full knowledge Of the commanding officers
who have been stationed there from lsl3
until the fort was abandoned. some two
years since. Their claims have BEEN made
under such variety OF circumstances, tina,
separate report would he r,la,rrd in each
10 give full history Of the eases. They
claim from torty to one hundred aud
sixty acres each some have bC,n upon the
reservations Continuously for FOURTEEN YEARS
No claim tha, WAS made after the date Of
your Instructions 10 me was recognized.
The claimants. without exception, are poor
men, and there can be 40 doabt but they
should be allowed 10 purchase the lands they
have improved at one dollar and iwcuty. five
cents per acre, II would however, be- right
Tor them to pay pto rG'a AL cNpenscs incur
nd, ~ they viii Dc saved the usual !cVS paid
TO land ciliccrs. Ia, land Is generally bro
Aen, aud iar below in value the auds 10 the
vicinity, and would he c,aS=si as lh,ul rate
Al The .alc there were ab,u, hour bgndrtd
Isrsous ircaeW gu',t Was pns,r,,l. anal |
gave the actual .ct,l,r. 20 understand that
tho same privilege, wvali he accorl,d IA
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

TIE Cleveland Pam Dose, states On
lnd1ab,el authority tia, lie Prs.d,nt in-
tends making Il Western tour this summer.
after Congress shall have adjourned.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
southern Minnesota Il. Il. Election.

At a meeting of the Directors OF the 8.
NJ r. X. Co, held in Hokah, on the 18th
inst, the following Directors and Officers
were elected:
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
Total. ......... S9S9,900

This amount Of bonds was given to secure
the passage OF the bill, and it will strike the
public very strongly that it must be prof
table thing TO hold oiIice-in Wisconsin.
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
War DEPARTMENT,

Washington, Od. -, 1857.
Sta: The sales made by you on the 9th
May last, OF 507 acres Of the military reser-
walton opposite TO Fort Crawford are con.
lirInsd and deeds will he at once issued
in the names Of the purchasers.
| herewith enclose, for your consideration,
copies # the repor, Of X. W. Hughes Esq,
the counsel employed by this department to
investigate the title Of claimants TO certain
portions Of that reservation, and OF letter
addressed TO the Secretary Of War by the
Attorney General on the same subject. |
desire you TO investigate this matter very
closely in connection with the papers just
referred TO, and 10 report your opinion a. to
the proper course to be adopted by this de-
partment in the premises.
Very respectfully, your obdt SIT,
w. X. DRNKARD,
Acting Secretary Of War
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27
War DEPARTMENT,


washington, dPfH -, lcot
SIs You are requested TO visit, in person.
the military reserve made by the Executive
on the west Of the Mississippi, opposite Fort
Crawford. for 6rcwood and timber for the
usc u the post, and also 10 the reserve made
on the Wisconsin river, and examine and
ASCERTAIN how far these reservations have
been made valuable by government improve
meats.
You will ascertain whether there are any
actual bona fde settlers upon these reserves
who have made valuable improvements
thereon, and who settled there with the OK
pectation, supcrinduccd by the action Of the
government agents. Of having the pre- emp
ton right extended to them and whether,
under all the circumstances, they should be
allowed to purchase not exceeding one hun.
drsd and sixty acres each, covering their i'm
provements, at the government price Of one
dollar and twenty two cents per acre
You will sell that part of The reservations
not improved, and no, included IN any tract
to which an actual settler may have just
claim, ut public auction and IN tracts not
exceeding forty acres each, SO "a TO invite
eompsition by giving persons Of small means
nn opportunity TO bid
Should combination be formed TO proven,
open and fair bidding, you will sell the lots
either at public auction or by private con.
tract. ~ In your Judgment may seem best :,
but IN neither mode for less than two dollars
and iiity cents per acre.
The Fort Crawford reservation, being
now in possession Of private citizens. by viz.
tue OF decree Of the supreme court OF Wiz
consin the buildings there being represented
NJ going to decay, and the reservation a. OF
great injury TO the citizens Of the place. in
consequence OF its being 50 located as to d.
vido the town into two villages, il IL impor.
tant that the question OF ttic lie speedily
settled, Therefore, II gentleman Of high
legal attainments will be sent with a view
TO collect oil the facts in the case, and with
direction to report 20 you and should be-
find that tho United States have rcasona-
Bile title, you will take such steps "a, accord
ing TO your Judgment. will best enable you
to sell the same at II fair price, Hut should
the attorney find that thu parties in posse
sion have a reasonable title TO part or ALL
yoa arr authorized 10 compromise the mat,
ter on the best Pc sibIo practicable terms
You viii. however, not act without frat oh
tanning ia writing the opinion ot the attor.
aey who may be sent to investigate the
title,
Very respectfully, your che / ssrvt.
JouS u. tLoyn. Sec'y Of War.
Hon II NJ, Ricr. Washington, u. {,
The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-05-27

Middle states f5) .bAJJ
Southern states t5). ...............32l6
Southwestern States 90 ........... 964
NOfthweN ).....................6 30S
Ia January, 1858, according to the state
msnt Of Dnmore's Guide, the number was
as follows:
Number Of Companies, 4?l
Number Of Miles topen). ........... 23,965i
The Rdtiroad Record, however, regards
this estimate a. too low. In the North
west there are perhaps, one hundred miles
more than is here given: but, assuming its
accuracy, which is quite sufficient to the
purpose, we frd the increase in number Of
miles open, to be 7l20 miles. In three
years, then, Of great depression, in railroad
affairs, we find the aggregate number of
miles to increase, by 240O miles per annum
If such be the case, then, under all the adj
verse circumstances in which railroad enter
prises have been placed, may we not assume
that they will increase in the future at
much more rapid rate? The increase last
year was about 20O0 miles. But what will
it be when Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota,
Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, shall be
traversed by the iron horse? The great
question OF financial results; the question
"Will they pay is very nearly solved. and
that, too, favorably to Railroads. This is
no doubt, contrary to the general opinion
but it is true. We take the general facts
az furnished by the American Railroad
Journal. They are thus
Cost OF Railroads open. .......... 1920 600, 900
Gross receipts. ................... l200 900, 900
Net profts mn mn
per cent. ....:......... 5per cent.
Now, II in the very beginning and COM
paratively unorganized state of most of our
roads, they pay u net profit Of five per cent,
! may it not be safely assumed that they win
pay over ak per cent. permanently! We
sec no reason to doubt, that in the end the
railroads OF the United States will pay as
much as the government Of the United
States, and the stocks of most roads be as
safe.
The question Of cost in different sections
Of the country is an interesting one. The
proportions of cost in different sed.o,S have
been as follows -
In New England, 10000 per mile
In Middle states, ........,.... 4l,0O0
In Southern. $4,000
In southwestern. ..........'. 4o,ooo
d In Northwestern. ............ J3,uOU
I The RGiroad Rccord declares that the
reason Of these differences will be obvious to
those who understand the surface and char
acter Of the several sections Of country. The
cost OF the roads has been greatest in the
Middle States, because there the great lines
cross the mountain chains. On the whole it
is not safe 70 estimate the original cost OF q
railroad at less than 100000 per mile, any
where. A road of 900 miles in length over
tolerably level country, may be made for
100000 of dollars and then another mil
lion should be added for equipment and con,
tingcncies, Such are the general railroad
results in the United States.