The Portland daily press., 1878-10-21
A Minnesota Letter.
neIeo roloa oaicaI-The Great FaIr-The
New Washbnrne Miils-The Grswth OF
Minneapolis-PoIitic
MrNNEAPoLIs, Oct. Is, 1873.

MNNEAPoLIs, Oct. Is, 1878.
To the Editor of the Press:
During the last month the elements at the
appropriate time marked the passage of the
Equinox, and during the past week we have
been tasting the pleasures of Indian Summer.
1 do not know as Webster tells just when and
where by any infallible rule that delightful
period of the year may be found, and in Minne-
sofa we are apt to exclaim at the passage Of
each period of mild temperature sandwiched
between the colder ones, ''his is surely the
Indian Summer" and so on until Boreas has
taken firm hold upon Us and forcibly assured
us by his icy touches upon the kingdom Of veg
citation of the advent of Winter.
But aside with light things. Since our COM
ing hither, within half decade, the general
average of Minnesota weather in the period Of
winter is quite unlike what ii was for the FIVE
years previous. Then the skies wore q cloud
less aspect for months in succession. the snow
falls were light aud infrequent and chiefly by
night, and clear, crisp ard 'real Minnesota
weather." (as the early settlers used to say)
reigned supreme. Latterly changes from cold
to warm accompanied with dampness, and
from warm to cold, were the general rule
were close at anchor near q Casco- Bsy-fog-
bank. Scientists say thai the passage Of the
rails for the iron-horse has to do with electric
currents and the change OF climates, others
say that the great influx Of yankees into the
Far West, following out the advice Of the
eccentric yet generally accorded sound-minded
and late lamented II T. Greeley, when appssled
to for advice and aid in getting situations in
the crowded metropolis) has much to do with
these changes bat we will allow each one to
solve the problem to bis own satisfaction.
Since our last we have had the State enthused
from end to end by the holding OF the two
greatest stock exhibitions that have ever been
in Minnesota. The State Fair convened its
wonders Of art and agriculture at the st. Paul
Driving Park near the State Reform School,
whilst the other organization, the Minnesota
Agricultural and Mechanical Association held
its first meeting at the feir grounds Of this
city.
The display OF cereal products in the exhibit
OF the first named society was accorded the best,
but in all other respects we think We quote
common and faithful testimony when we say
that as usual Minneapolis was far ahead. Per-
haps we have not yet learned tue full secret Of
Western brag accorded 90 Chicago and some
points not as far from US as that, (that have the
luxury of morning paper owned and printed
within its own precincts but we do claim to
know how to organize and carry to successful
issue fair, and that too, on a colossal scale.
New Jersey, Kentucky, California, Missouri,
Illinois and localities nearer to hand sent Us
troiting marvels, aud the world is ere this
aware of the achievements of Rarus, Hopeful
and a score of other sons OF the turf who may
yet be further heard from.
Your honored Mr.. Blaine graced the occasion
OF the opening address with his manly presence
and stirring words, aud dnring the fair Presi-
dent Hayes aud bis distinguished retinue fay-
ored us with call and kindly words
As to the growth of our manufactures ana
able to say that the Washburne b Mill has at.
tanned to Its external completeness and 1t wolli