The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-11-20


there was in Richmond last Saturday,
when the inhabitants were obliged to make
Their dinners upon bread alone. We await
with interest the solution of this question,
and hope that will be the speedy collapse
OF the Confederacy.
Senator E2aInsey's Liberality and
Public Spirit.
First and last, we have more than once in
timated that Senator RAMSEY wasn't partic-
ulaTly distinguished for his Hberality and
public spirit. AID it has been a trihing
noticeable, that, while his name is inva-
riably found on, and generally heading,
papers circulating about the community
which involve no pecuniary response, it's
like looking for a ghost in the daytime to
find "a. RAMSEY " attached to any docu-
ment, furthecing public or private enter
pr Sc or charity, where such signature ne
cessitates Inoneyed disbursement We
know, however, of recent instance ofthe
latter sort, and hasten to give the Sena-
tor full credit for if.
We have had for several years two rival
libraries in st. Paul. Both were doing
something, but neither much, in the way
of gathering together such collection of
books as the intellectual necessities of our
people required. They were rather in
each others way the field was largo
enough for Ole good library, but not la &c
enough for two. So it was conceived that
the two ought to be consolidated, and, with
the basis for a good library which that
would furnish, it was proposed to make an
appeal to our citizens who could afford it
to contribute a considerable fund, sufficient
to enlarge it at once to proper dimensions.
Such consolidation has been made, and
subscription papers have benin circulation
for several days back. The project has
generally met with the most generous sup
port. All along the street cur business
men ana firms lave subscribed from five
to twenty-five shares apiece; making-as
the shares are fer five dollars each-such
contributions range from twenty five to o
hundred and twenty-five dollars. As the
largest real estate holder and the wealth.
est man in St. Paul, holding the high and
profitable Office of United States Senator,
the subscription paper was presented to
ALEXANDER RAMSEY, with the expectation
th0t, for SO creditable public enterprise,
his contribution would be munifcent one.
And, for him, we feel bound to say it was.
He gave five dollars! The document is
adorned by the following, in the Senator's
proper handwriting:
\. Ramsey. ..................O One share.
Looking at this contribution, and then at
the broad-framed Senator himself, isn't his
little soul to be pitied? Mustn't it get
mOurntully lonesome as it wanders about
in SO large body?
Rebel View Of the situation at Chat
tanOOga.
The Richmond E:raminer of the 9Th
inst, contains the following leading article
on the condition of affairs at Chattanooga:
Movements of the enemy at Chattanooga
are still uncertain. Whether the occupation
of Lookout Mountain indicates an advance,
or is like the crossing of the Rappahannock
at Fredericksburg, by Sedgwicks corps,
merely feint to cover q retreat, has not
yet TRANSFERRED; but when considered in con-
nection with the reported retreat from Lou
md Nv f,roo
inclined to believe that Grant is preparing
a change of base from East Tennessee to
some point more accessible for sup
plies. This supposition becomes more
probable when it is remembered that from
Lookout Valley to Bridgeport, his retreat
could be more expeditiOusly made from
Chattanooga; but whether for advance or re-
treat, this occupation of Lookout Valley is of
Importance. If for the former, it demonstrates
that the enemy have recovered from their de-
feat at Chlckamauga and taken the initiative,
always one OF Importance in military move
ments. 1t may be useless to inquire why the
enemy were permitted to gain strength morale
ana organization, and begin offensive move.
ments IN our immediate front, under the very
nose of General Bragg, how the vanquished
anu nyinS enemy, whom General Bragg re-
ported to be pursued by our forces, could have
turnea upon their pursuers, and have occupied
a position upon the flank of the victors. The
enemy were out-fought at Chickamauga. thanks
10 the army, but the present position of affairs
looks IS If we were out-generaled at Chatta- |
nooga We hope, then that our apprehensions |
may turn out groundless, and that the strategy
OF General Bragg may prove effectual to the
prowess and gallantry of his army, but we |
must confess that the country will be as much
surprised as pleased, should success attend our
arms at Chattanooga.
If the occupation of the Lookout Valley by
the enemy, has been made to covtr retreat.
an opportunity for energy and perseverance
will be offered Gen. Bragg, which, if prompt.
ly embraced and efficiently pursued, viii do
much to reinstate him in the confidence of
the army and country. As this risk is to he
taken under Gen. Bragg, we hope that every
officer and private will exert his utmost ended.
vors to aid that General in overwhelming the
enemy. ,H ~
Whether Grant is preparing to advance Or
Is preparing to retreat from Chattanooga he
must be defeated either on the south side of
the Tennessee river or on his retreat to Mash
vile. Approaching winter warns both armies
that their present position may be their mutual
destruction, and the spring Of 1864 open on the
wasted and ruined remnants of both.
USE OAUTIoN.-In calling for that ex-
cellent Saleratus, DeLand & Co. q Chemical ba