The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1859-11-16
Minncsota Correspondence.

ALBERT LEA, Oct. 18th, 1899.
Dear Col. Never distrusting the ability
of your magnanimous soul, to welcome the
casual jottings of an humble scribe, whose
dereliction to promptness, scarcely deserves
the title Of an occasional correspondent, |
am sure, after such protracted absence from
the columns of the Times, you will noe
allow me my regular deal. Since my last
communication, the worthy people of this
magnificent interior country, have been
blessed with the cultivation, growth and
successful harvest of an abundant CROP
Our farmers are most agreeably flattered,
and some even surprised at the huge pro-
ductions, the present prolific seasons has
inflicted upon their unquestionable wants.
AS have before remarked, this was the
last hope for Minnesota, and, thank God,
the realization of that hope is complete.
While other countries have suffered severe
ly from the effects of unusual frosts and the
drouth, we have no cause of complaint a.
gainst the latter scourge, and for our provi-
dental escape from the former, except in
certain localities, we can appreciate abun-
dant reasons for rejoicing. 1t is nova we'll
settled fact that our climate is not only salu-
brious and pleasant, but is extremely appli-
cable to the interests and success of agri-
culture. Again it is as well understood by
all practical men, that the undeveloped re-
sources Of Minnesota, possess more inherent
clements Of manufacturing, mineral, and
agricultural character, than any other equal
area of territory in the United States. In
proof of this, look upon the great Missis-
sippi, with her unparallel advantages to
commercial and mechanical tradvpcoursing
through and along three hundred miles Of
the State, atfording an outlet of unequaled
facility to the immense products Of her
mighty forests and extensive fields. Then
take view Of the superior Of Lakes, bound
ing miles Of our north h-aestern border inter-
sperscd with beds of iron and copper Of un-
told richness and extent, and presenting,
with her great natural harbors for the ship
ment and transfer of merchandise, unparal-
leled advantages for sustaining our COM
merclal relations with the world. Now, to
the westward, some two or three hundred
miles, over inland lakes, dense forests,
boundless prairies, and innumerable tribu-
River of the North" memorable in name,
but yet unknown in its true value and i'm
portance to the scientific developments await
ing our future wealth and greatness. Altho'
bounding the State upon the west with 100
miles of navigable water, and being noted
thoroughfare for fur companies during the
last half century, yet for the first time a
steamboat was launched thereon the pres
ent season, under the auspices of the in
domitable Anson Northrop. Likewise, in
further proof Of our assertion, we call your
attention southwark to Big Stone Lake, the
source of the snake-like Minnesota, which
winds its way for two hundred and fifty
miles eastward, through the heart of mag
nidcent agricultural district, located in the
central portion Of the State. The Mime
sofa is capable of navigation for one hun
dred and fifty miles, giving life and yigor
to the embryo cities dotted along its banks
and springing into notoriety with remarka-
blc rapidity. Now, reader, have you not a
succinct idea Of basis for one young COM
monwealth, which is worthy of universal
remark! We submit to the emigrant from
the barren hills of New England, and the
frosty regions Of the middle States, our SUI
perior claims upon his immediate attention