Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1869-04-30

united SiSt6rhO0u. IL was aumitteu thto
the Union in May, 1858, and was, believe,
the thirty second State.
Its name originated from the Indian
words, Anime and Satah, .sky tinted
water" referring doubtless to the many
beautiful streams and lakes whose crystal
purity reflects so wildly the clear. blue
skies.
Along our route, we found the land
sufficiently rolling to secure drainage,
many portions being covered with u
dense growth ofhard wood, much oil which
WAS species of Oak olfen seen in clus.
lers standing with regularity resembling
that of an orchard, then again they are
more scattered and less formal, but bear
no small affinity to artificial lawns, being
even in winter covered with leaves.
Evidences of general prosperity were
everywhere manifest, and we can but
hope the time is not far distant when our
farmers will forever abolish the miserable.
slav ho vels now so universally used ,
and erect in their stead barns suitable
for the protection of their stock.
We have every reason to believe that
Minnesota has grown rs rapidly rs any
state in the Union, tho she has had many
obstacles to overcome. The Indian war
of 1862, one of the most fearful massacres
ever recorded, has not only seriously re-
tarted the growth of our western front
Ter but left an unwritten and feariulrcc-
ord indelibly eugraven on many hearts.
At Mendoza we had good view of Fort
Smelling. one of the oldest Notifications
in the State. but we trust these strongholds
will not be needed more, TO shelter the
pauic-stricken inhabitants, rs the Indians
are not only subdued, but sent out of the
county, 10 reservation beyond the Mis-
sour river.
This is one OF the best watered states
in the Union the falls of ST. Anthony,
where We stopped few days, are said
to afford an available hydraulic capacity
of l20,000 horse power. There are AZ
this place fourteen saw mills. which man
aiacturc an immense amount of lumber,
furnished abundantly by the vast pineries
in the northern parts of the state.
Minneapolis, opposite 81. Anthony, is
one of the most beautiful, and entcrpris
ing cities of the west, aud n We gazcd
enraptured on her broad streets, noble
structures and magnificent proportions,
the fact that the first framed house was
erected there but sixteen years ago.
seemed more like some legend of old,
than modern reality.
Thi, city seems To be favoriic resort
ior Maine people, and among them We
found some friend, OF former days. but
n Westward" was still our motto. We
reluctantly leit their beautiful homes for
our destination. sixty miles farther on.
Passing over the MINI. Valley L. X, to
Blakely We gladly exchanged the tire
some ears for ride in the stage through
the Big woods, forest 100 miles in
length aud 40 wide, lying west OF the
Mississippi, between it and the Minnesota.
and extending south of that stream.
The prevailing woods are oak, maple,
elm, ash. Eastwood, poplar, black walnut,
butjcrnur and hickory. Pine lumber is
procured wholly from the mills of St An
thony, n no cycrgrcens grow in, or west
Of the Big Woods.
AS we approached the open prairie,
the wind rose 10 a perfect gale, aud the
falling snow skinned over the vast ex-
panse. a. flies the feaihcry foam on odd
oceans raging bosom completely oblii-
Grating all traces of the unmarked road,
which was followed with uncrring sagac-
ity by the noble steeds that bore Us swift
Is on. The change from heated ears to
the piercing winds of Mimi, was so
great that with thankful hearts We beheld
just beyond the village of Glencoe, the
home where not only warmth, and rest,
would inyigorate our chilled, and weary
frames, bu, dear ones were anxiously
waiting to greet us with n hearty well
come
TO our many friends who take the
Democrat we would say, that here Moth
CT earth has put Of her snowy mantle
aud is arraying herself in robes of green,
and the busy farmers are vigorously pre-
pairing tlc ground for wheat, large guam
liyies 3t which vii be sowed the presen,
spring.
We do not intend 10 fatter your Editor,
but justice compels Us to say, that in our
opinion the paper has been greatly inn
proved, and we consider the descriptive
items from different towns. highly inter
csting, particularly to those who like us,
have wandered from their native state.
The last issue brought us sad tidings.
\ dear friend has departed, whose consist
ent life was well worthy of imitation.
May the hallowed influences of her
kind words, and loving deeds, ever, like
the gentle dews of Heaven descend
upon the family who mourn her loss.
G. A. X.