The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-02-10

1850 ''Ss' "s" os~ okWot suo WWset tsss
there -" Ia the summer OF 1855, q ANAL
spot was cleared, at the old establishment,
which is situated on bank thirty tcet above
the level OF the river, and was sown with
turnips, carrots, and parsnips. The fret
grew ,oa large size. and tho others thrived
very well. An experiment was also made
with potatoes aud cabbagcs. tho former Of
which WAS successful: bat for want of care
the latter failed" There is not the
least doubt but that the soil would be very
productive il proper attention was given to
Ms preparation. In the fall Of the year
1857, when first arrived at Athabasea
1000 miles northwest Of the Saskatchewan
MIR, Pond was settled ON the banks Of the
Elk river where he remained for three years,
and had formed AS tine kitchen garden ~
ever saw in Canada Voyage, &c. I.ond.
ed. p, l29.) Continuing his voyage early In
May, Tho west side OF Peace River" be-
says, displayed succession Of the most
beautiful scenery had ever behed." aud the
whole country exhibited an exuberant yer
durc. As far north even ~ where tho sun
is visible ut midnight, (if shall not be
proving too much,) he found the ground
covered with grass and flowers aud wild
fruit abundant. To those who have hut
lately had their attention called 10 tho
resources OF Western British America, II
may seem surprising that the subject did
not excite general interest hong ngo hut
the reason for this 10 apparent. The FIRST
explorers ofthc territory were searching sole
y for channels Of navigation. They travel.
I'd by water, and seldom thought about the
soil or stopped TO examine H. More than
that, tho territory was known 10 be under
the jurisdiction Of trading company, and
excluded from settlement At least 10 lar Il
was without u representative or free govern
meat.
You say the Canadians arc asking
,ss,sSs,.Tsss 4: Gin We have west ~ valua.
bic 70 us ms lllinois has pro ed 10 have been
10 New York y" and that they answer
this question In tho Affirmative, " insisting
that tho Rcd River. the Swan, the Assini.
boin, aud the Saskatchewan. have prairies
on their banks M fertile NJ any on the Mis-.
sissippi and Missouri" think their cs,i
mate OF the value Of thu territory alluded to
10 not exaggerated though the routes Of
travel which are to be established will de-
torminc what markets Il will be tributary
TO. II that territory had been opened 10
settlement son,e years ago II would already
exhibit something Of its influence on com.
merce. After II begins 10 bc settled II
cannot, short OF ten years, export any Of tn
products II, when II Ia opened 10 settle, ~
liberal policy ID pursued In dlsposinu OF
land 10 settlers az obtains under the laws Of
the United States, II will be- settled rapidly,
and tho novel spectacle might be presented
Of Americans cmlgrntiDg into British tori
tory. Under our federal pre- empiion law
any head OF n family. or citizen Of the sge
Of FL, may cutrr upon the public lands, even
before tho public surveys, and sc4,uirp tho
right 10 purchase m absolute title " lCO
acrca, at 81 25pe acre, by erecting dwell.
Ing.houAe On the same, and inhahiting and
improving II 10 good faith. II often hap
pens that settlers have lived long enough on
the land 10 farm from II the amount Of tho
purchase money before they ARE called on 10
make payment or to pay tax.
But ths point 10 which wished especial.
ly To call your attention " tho route by
which the Canadians ind Others arc 10
reach The territory 10 question, assuming IL
20 be open TO settlement. The railroad
route through Michigan, Illinois and Wis.
consin seems now 10 be the natural contn-
uation Of the Grand Trunk route A nd a
the Minnesota aud Pacific rsiIroad (which
Ia being rapidly built connects with that
road aud extends 10 the Red River, our
people have reason TO hope that the Cans
dians will, for a time, adopt this a. the route
10 their west. IIt the same comfy and 70.
ciprocty be hers exhibited that 10 seen In
the constant patronage by Americans Of the
Great Western Railroad from kiagars 70
Detroit. II IL claimed that this route will
be desirable 70 the Canadians because the
region north Of Lake Superior, which sep
aratfr them from the territory IN question,
ID not very well adapted TO colonization or
TO the building Of railroad. We desire
them u adopt IL because IL will contribute
to the success Of the northern route 10 tho
Pacific Ocean. From where the Minnesota
and Pacific I.ailroad will leave our border IL
will doubtless be found advisable 10 construct
ii part Vi the way over british Territory
and thus Il will become practically, M we'll
az IN theory. an international route.
might here mention that Congress has
made provision for a northern mail route 10
the Pacific, which the Post Office Depart-
Inent ia now engaged IN pattine into opera
ton. The numerous stations Of such q
route cannot fail 70 form the nsu,ie, of con.
iinuous settlements.
The favorable influence upon civilization
which will result from tie colonization of
Western British Amsrics, Sustained A. We
may expect il will he by the conservatism
and free institutions peculiar 10 northern
climes and the advantage which will nat.
ursiiy accrue 10 this region, by means
the Northern Pacific Railroad. connecting
as j, will With the 0pulebt aud ines i,anst-
ible commerce II the Eastern world, are
pleasing and fruitful topics Of discussion
The possible destiny says Coeridge. "of
tie United States Of Amcpca. "a q nation
Of hundred millions Of frsemep, stretching
IRON the Atlantic 10 the Pacific, living IN
der The Iass Of Alfred, and speaking the