Tolland County press., 1883-02-01
LETTER FROM MINNESOTA.
Clearwater, Minn., Jan. 17,


 The body of snow hereabouts is now about sixteen inches on the level, and we have fair prospect of more. We have had good sleighing for about two months in this part of the state but in the south ern part, where used to live, the fall of snow has been much less, and there was I not much sledding before the holidays. Here, also, the temperature has been very low and uniform, ranging from twen- ty to thirty degrees below zero for many days together. Fortunately we have had but very little wind, and that makes great difference with our storms. When. 8 strong wind drives the snow it is not possible to stand before it. Railroads are less blocked in this part of the state than in the southwestern and 1t may be be- cause there is less open country for the winds to sweep the snow over into the cuts.
 The season is considered quite favor able for the cutting of logs, as the amount of snow in the camps is favorable to the hauling of the logs to the streams for transformation, and Is not enough to inter- fere with the choppers but it is feaIel that if much more snow falls this industry will suffer, as it will be difficult to handle the logs in the deep snow.
 We have had one perfect day this winter and it was the day of all the year which all would be of one mind to have perfect if called upon to express their preference. Christmas-day was lovely. The sun arose in clear sky, and shone brightly and warmly all day. There was stiffness throughout all the atmosphere. The snow melted from the roofs of buildings from the ninth hour until the sixth. The roads were in fine condition and travel enjoy able. It is seldom we have such an ideal day, especially in mid winter. It came as a greeting to the festive occasion, and was the prophecy of what Nature could do when in the right mood. We are hop ing that i'll the future she will be often in that mood Although we have had con- siderable snow, and low temperature, we cannot say that our winter has been unpleasant. It has been far from it. To be delivered from alternating ice, slush and mud is no slight matter of thanksgiv- ing, and we have been saved from all this ill our getting about. As for the low tenn perature we take it all cheerfully, because we can modify 1t ill spots, at least, by free use of fuel, which is plenty and cheap.
 Our state has been marching on to pros perity the past year. Perhaps it never has enjoyed greater material prosperity in any one year. The various industries of the state have done well. There has been great activity in railroad matters, which is likely to continue. New lines have been built, others projected in various parts of the state upon which work will commence as soon as the season opens. Many of the older roads have been extended west, north and south. Railroads do not wait for the country to settle and develop, but themselves push ahead, and bring into the country through which they run the settlements that finally make 8 populous and wealthy land.
 We notice one marked change in the mode of farming the past year. Less and less attention Is given to wheat raising and more to cattle, hogs and dairying Minnesota sends great many hogs and cattle to the markets, east and north west, and she will greatly increase her ship ments in the future. Wheat lands wear out. One of two things, and possibly both, will have to be done before the wheat crop will increase among the older settlements. Fertilizers will have to be used and the seed changed. Land wears out and seed degenerates. The husband man must give to the land as we'll as take from it. On new land wheat will be the principal crop in the future as it has been in the past. Corn, however, is a better paying crop than wheat. The yield is usually good and the uses manifold.
 The taxable property in the state has increased over ffty-three million dollars in two years.
 Our legislature meets this year and is now in session. It may be remembered that our state capitol was burnt March l, 1881. The new building is so far towards completion that it is occupied by the pres ent legislature. One hundred eighty-four thousand dollars have been appropriated for this building, and it is estimated that it will take one hundred twenty thousand dollars more to complete 1t.
 The principal political interest has center ed around the senatorial question, and the matter has been very warmly can vassed for some months At this writing the question is before the house, and may be settled before this communication gets out of the state.
 Mir. Dunnell, who has been repre- sentative for twelve years, was defeated for that position at the last election, and aspires to the senate but MT. Windom, whose term soon expires, is candidate for reelection, and is by far the best man we have for the position. MT. Dunnell, however, is doing all he can to defeat him. His motives are largely personal, and his methods very questionable. A vote has just been taken by the legislature, MT. Dunnell receiving five votes, and Mir. Windom lacking but three of majority. We sincerely hope, ere this reaches you, Mir. Windom will secure the election.
 Politics are very greatly in need of con- version. The methods of political parties are bad, very bad. O. P. CHANPLIN.
 N. Y. Herald Sir Joseph Porter, K. Q. B.-of unhappy memory-has found b1s m match in tha Hon Mir Somahodv (xxe