The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-01-14

Railroads in Minnesota--W ooI-growimg.
NoRruFIELp, Mn, Dec. 20, 1868.

NogTIIFIEID, MIN, Dec. 20, 1868.
II may seem surprising that Railroad build
ing in new country can go forward in such
times as these, but that is the fact in this
state. The road from Iowa line TO Mime
apolis and ST. Paul was much of 1t graded
four years ago, but that company broke down.
Other men have now taken the work in hand
and are advancing it with energy. The grad
ing is to be completed from the Falls of st.
Anthony to this place and Faribanth and the
ties delivered this winter, and the road finish
ed as far next season-aboul go miles. The
other part OF the road will follow and be met
below by roads competing for the connection,
and communication thus be opened with all
parts OF the country. The necessity for this
road has been peculiarly felt this year because
of the remarkably low stage of water in the
Mississippi. Vast quantities of wheat are
stored along the river because it could not be
shipped.
Another road is in active progress from st.
Paul up the Mississippi. Cars are running
now to Anoka, q miles. The road will be ex-
tended to ST Cloud at an early day, some 80
miles further up the Mississippi, aiming for
the Pacific. That route is much the shortest
and easiest that exists. The Rocky Noun
tains subside, timber and water are sufficient,
and along the whole belt of the continent.
snow falls to but light depth. Over much
Of the distance the country is shown to be
capable of large production.
A transit road is actively going forward
from Winona westward, crossing the main
line alluded to at right angles and penetra-
ting the western parts Of the state. This will
connect with the La Crosse road 40 miles
below in so me way.
The most prominent and important railroad
in the state not yet undertaken, is one to
reach the head of Lake Superior. 1t is agreed
by all that such a road must be built The
mining interests must have it, and the agri-
culture of the state will find them Il large
home market. The people of st. Paul are
making strenuous efforts to have the route
direct to that city, instead OF dlverging from
the Mississippi at some higher point. 1t is
rare to fad pair of st. Paul's eyes which do
not see st. Paul and Minnesota to be about
the same thing.
We have one great Erie Canal which cost
nothing, 1.-THE Mississippi and with railroads
added this rich, healthful and noble state viii
feel new life now little perceived. A large
immigration reaches it every year from the
north of Europe - Industrious, hardy and
growing rich And when the war closes this
will be the place for those who return not
ruined.
Wool growing is as rapidly becoming a
leading business here as means will allow. Per-
haps half a million sheep have been brought
into the state within year. Every condition
of success is here. The winters are usually
dry and feed is eheaply provided-native hay
roots, corn, beans, &C., for winter, and the
ocean of prairie grass in summer. Much cap
ital is brought here particularly for invest
ment in this business, and it is not readily
seen how it can be more probably used
The item in late eastern papers stating that
| snow fell about the goth Oct. in Minnesota G
to 10 inches deep is entirely untrue. There
might have been half an inch, which soon
disappeared. Recently plenty has fallen.
A. w.