POPULATION OF ST. PAUL
SCHOOLS IN 1886
Number of school houses, 26; valuation, $816,650; number of teachers, 246; number of scholars, 9,600.
STATISTICS OF BUILDINGS COSTING $100,000 AND OVER
MAYORS OF ST. PAUL
MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS
WEST ST. PAUL
The flourishing suburb of West St. Paul is rapidly approaching metropolitan dimensions. The original settlement took place almost simultaneously with that of St. Paul, but its growth until late years has not been rapid. It was originally within the limits of Dakota county, but that portion included in its plat has been annexed to Ramsey county, and West St. Paul has become a part of St. Paul and has been placed under the municipal government of that city. The city is connected with St. Paul by two free bridges for carriages and pedestrians and by several railroad bridges.
TOWNS OF RAMSEY COUNTY
After the state organization in 1858, Ramsey county was subdivided into the following towns: Little Canada, McLean, Mounds View, Reserve, Rose, St. Paul, and White Bear. From year to year the city of St. Paul has made encroachments upon the towns adjacent – Little Canada, McLean, Reserve, and Rose – until they have been in part or wholly absorbed. Of the remaining towns we shall refer only to White Bear, which, owing to the beauty of its lake scenery and its attractiveness as a place of popular resort, deserves special mention.
WHITE BEAR
White Bear, the northeastern township of Ramsey county, contains thirty-six sections. Its surface is agreeably diversified with lakes. About six sections in all are occupied by these lakes, of which there are several large and beautiful ones, among which may be mentioned White Bear, Bald Eagle, Pleasant, Lambert's, Vadnais, Birch, Goose, Otter, etc. The surface is undulating, and in no place actually hilly, while there is much level and very desirable land. Extensive meadows border some of the lakes, and are found in most of the intervales watered by running streams. These produce enormous crops of hay. Portions of these marshy localities are thickly grown with tamaracks, which were invaluable to the early settler, furnishing him with a supply of logs and poles for his improvements. The timber consists principally of red, white and black oak, sugar maple, tamarack, poplar, elm, elder, and ash.
The township derives its name from White Bear lake. This lake was so named, it is asserted, by the Dakota Indians, a tradition existing amongst them that a grizzly bear once made its appearance on the island, with which one of their bravest hunters engaged in mortal conflict, each slaying the other. The Indians called this a grizzly, polar or white bear, and named an adjacent locality "Mah-to-me-di" or (M'de), i. e., Mahto, gray polar bear, and M'de, lake. It is not probable, however, that a polar bear ever reached this spot, and a visit from a grizzly is nearly as improbable. Indian legends are very frequently made to order by those who succeed them as owners of the soil.
Not much is known of White Bear prior to 1851. No human habitations, save those of Indians, were to be seen. There were no roads to this region, and none nearer than Little Canada. The lake itself seems to have been little known to white men.
J. Fletcher Williams, in a sketch contributed to the Pioneer, and to which we are indebted for many of our statements, says that Hugh I. Vance, a typo employed in the Pioneer office at that time, was probably about the first settler of White Bear; that in the spring of 1851 he wended his way to this region in search of a claim, selected a piece of land on Bald Eagle lake, erected a cabin, resided here with his family several years, and was probably the first man to drive a plowshare in this locality. Mr. Vance joined the Union Army in 1861, and with his two sons was killed in Missouri the year following. In the spring of 1851 V. B. Barnum selected a tract on the south shore of White Bear lake, and hired Geo. O. Nichols to run out the lines. Mr. Barnum entered one hundred and seventy-five acres. On this land he built a cabin near the present Leip House, which burned down in 1857. Jas. B. Clewett, one of the pioneers of St. Paul as early as 1840, drove his stakes at White Bear in the spring of 1851. He afterward built a house on the island, where he yet resides, a mile north of the lake. Soon after Wm. Freeborn and B. F. Hoyt entered a tract of land in sections 13 and 14. Isaac Banta built a cabin on it, near the point by the island, resided there three or four years, and moved to Forest Lake. This land was afterward bought by the Murray family. Thomas Milner came in about the same time. Daniel Getty came and located on the east side of the lake at a later day, becoming a resident of the village proper, of which he is now postmaster, superintendent of the Sunday-school, elder in the church, school trustee, etc.
Mr. Barnum opened a hotel, which he kept till 1856, and then sold out to John M. Lamb. In 1855 James F. Murray, his three sons and O. R. Stratton settled at White Bear. W. W. Webber, John Aubery, Joseph Freeman, Ross Wilkinson, Frank Perfect, Fred Whittaker, George Starbuck, Duncan Ross, Charlie A. Morgan, and others came here in 1857. The early settlers were much disturbed by roving bands of Chippewa and Sioux Indians. White Bear being debatable ground, and sometimes a battlefield between hostile parties. The Sioux claimed the right, under the treaty of 1851, to hunt, fish and gather berries and rice in that region. In the fall of 1855 a party of Sioux from Kaposia went by the lake on a hunting expedition. Near Oneka lake, a few miles above, they fell in with some Chippewas, one of whom they killed and scalped, but had two of their own number mortally wounded. Returning, they camped on Goose lake, just about where St. John's church was first built, and had a scalp dance, lasting two days and nights. It was from time immemorial a grand battle field for them. Hardly a foot of the soil around the lake but what has been ensanguined with the blood of the hereditary foes. Many are the tales told of their encounters. "Spirit Island" seems to have been the hardest fought spot, and to this day it is honeycombed with the remains of rifle pits, redoubts and earth works made by the contending parties, while innumerable bodies of the slain have enriched its soil. It is a perfect Golgotha – an island cemetery. If but a fraction of these savage combats and sieges were truly narrated, no romance could equal it in thrilling interest. These fierce combats continued as late as 1855.
Miss Mary Stiles, daughter of William Stiles, was the first white child born at White Bear. Miss Mary E. Barnum was married to Richard McLagan – being the first wedding which occurred at White Bear. 'Squire Jacob J. Noah, justice of the peace of St. Paul, tied the knot.
The first death was that of Clara Murray, aged four years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Murray, in July, 1856. J. G. Riheldaffer preached at the funeral service at Mr. Murray's house the first sermon in the settlement.
A lay Methodist named Hoffman held services on the Sabbath several times at Barnum's hotel.
A Baptist clergyman from Diamond Bluff, Wisconsin, named Messer, also occasionally held services in the early days, at the school house, a log house built in 1857.
The Episcopal church of St. John in the Wilderness was built in 1861 and consecrated in August of the same year. It was located at the lower end of the lake, but in 1874 was moved to its present site on Clarke avenue.
The Presbyterian church was organized May 28, 1864, with eight members, two of whom were elected ruling elders, James F. Murray and Daniel Getty. The corner stone of the present church edifice was laid Nov. 8, 1871, and the foundation laid in the following spring. The church was completed in 1872.
A Catholic church was built in 1879, on a block between First and Second streets and Bald Eagle avenue, in which services are held every two weeks.
The post office of White Bear was established in November, 1859, and J. C. Murray appointed postmaster.
The township of White Bear was organized May 11, 1858, with the following officers: Clerk, G. Schnabel; supervisor, J. F. Murray; assessor, V. B. Barnum; justices of the peace, J. R. Clewett and Alex. Pepin.
The village is easy of access, and abundantly supplied with railroad facilities. The St. Paul & Duluth Railroad Company has built a double track to St. Paul. This company built a road to Stillwater known as the Stillwater & White Bear railroad. There is in addition to this road an extension to Minneapolis known as the Minneapolis & White Bear railroad. The Sault Ste. Marie passes through the north part of the village.
WHITE BEAR LAKE
Is one of the most famous pleasure resorts in the vicinity of St. Paul. Its clear waters, gently sloping wooded shores, and the entire absence of marsh or swamp lands adjoining, render the situation at once pleasant and salubrious. It has an extreme length of 6-1/2 miles, and a width of 2-3/4. It has, according to survey meanders, a shore line of over 20 miles, and its area is 3,940 acres, or 62 square miles.
Beautiful parks surround the lake. Prominent among these are Wildwood Park and Mahtomedi, the latter renowned as a camp ground, and later as the site of a summer school, modeled after that at Chautauqua, and one of a system of schools of which the Chautauqua school is the principal and central institution. Spirit island, connected with the mainland by a bridge, is also a charming resort.
The lake shore is crowded with hotels and cottages for the use of summer visitors. Among these the Leip House is especially worthy of mention, the proprietor having beautified the grounds and built around the hotel a small village of cottages for excursionists. Other houses are the Ramaley, the Williams, the Chateaugay, the Dellwood, etc., with pleasant surroundings. The appearance of this resort during the summer months is one of great animation. Tourists and summer visitors crowd the hotel, or gather in groups along the lake shore, while the lake is dotted with their sailing vessels. A small steamer makes regular trips to points of interest about the lake.
White Bear Lake village was incorporated by the legislature in 1881, the following being chosen as the first officers under their charter: Daniel Getty, chairman of council; James C. Murray, Luke H. Bacon, Abel E. Leaman, and Fred W. Benson, councilmen; B. E. McGurk, recorder; H. K. Getty, treasurer; Wm. Clark, village justice; Reuben Clewett, marshal.
Daniel Getty was born in the north of Ireland in 1826. His ancestors were Scotch-Irish. He came with his parents to Philadelphia in 1832; was educated in the common schools, and learned the trade of a cabinet maker. He came to White Bear in 1855, and opened the first store in the place. He has four sons associated with him in business. He has done much to promote the prosperity of White Bear, and by enterprise and close attention to business, both as a merchant and a dealer in real estate, he has been successful.
SOUTH ST. PAUL
Is located in the northeastern corner of Dakota county, four and a half miles below St. Paul, the site of the Presbyterian and Methodist missions of old Kaposia. It is situated on a plateau considerably above high water mark, in the rear of which the grounds rise gradually to a rich agricultural plain. It is connected with St. Paul by an hourly motor line of cars. It has communication with St. Paul by the Chicago, St. Paul & Kansas City railway, and also has communication by water.
The famous St. Paul Union Stockyards are located here, and occupy two hundred acres of land. This great enterprise was founded by A. B. Stickney and Ansel Oppenheim, president of the company. W. M. Littell is general superintendent; Arnold Kalman, secretary and treasurer. The stockyards were located here in 1886, and now (1888) possess a capital of $1,500,000 in grounds and necessary buildings pertaining to such an enterprise. There are eight miles of railroad track upon the grounds. The stock is brought from Montana, Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa by railroad.
The city was organized in 1887, with the following board of officers; Joseph H. Lawrence, mayor; George W. Wentworth, Philip Crowley, J. W. McGrath, and Irwin Marshall, aldermen.
A post office was established in 1888, of which H. M. Littell is postmaster.
The city embraces South Park, and there are five churches, English and German Methodist, a Congregational and two Baptist churches.
An electric motor line is being established. The city of South St. Paul has about 6,000 inhabitants. Its progress is upward.
NORTH ST. PAUL
This rapidly growing suburb of St. Paul is situated on the shores of Silver lake, a lovely sheet of water lying six miles northeast of the court house. The grounds about the lake were converted into farms soon after the settlement of St. Paul. In 1886 the Wisconsin Central Railroad Company extended their St. Paul branch through the neighborhood. Capt. H. A. Castle established suburban residences near the lake. In March, 1887, the North St. Paul Land Company was formed for the purpose of encouraging manufactures and furnishing homes and facilities for business. Their plant was located on the farm of Capt. Castle. The company consists of H. A. Castle, Lane K. Stone, Frederick Driscoll, W. S. Morton, and George A. Sexias. The capital stock of the company was fixed at $1,000,000. Under their enterprising management twenty miles of street has been graded, a boulevard extended around the lake, five miles of sidewalk completed and numerous cottages erected. A railroad depot has been built at a cost of $8,000; two hotels and fifteen manufacturing establishments have been erected. There are (in May, 1888) 3,000 inhabitants, with eight church organizations and six buildings, and a school house, built at a cost of $11,000. The growth of this village since its commencement in 1887 has been remarkable.
New, populous and important suburbs of St. Paul are Merriam Park, St. Anthony Park, and St. Paul Park in Washington county.
The following table gives the population of St. Paul from 1838 to May, 1888.
POST OFFICE
The following figures will show the amount of business transacted at the post office, St. Paul, Minnesota, for the year ending Dec. 31, 1887, as compared with the year 1886:
GENERAL BUSINESS
MONEY ORDER BUSINESS
POST OFFICE HISTORY
The names and date of the commission of the postmasters of St. Paul are as follows: Henry Jackson, April 7, 1846; Jacob W. Bass, July 5, 1849; Wm. H. Forbes, March 18, 1853; Chas. S. Cave, March 11, 1856; Wm. M. Corcoran, March 12, 1860; Chas. Nichols, April 2, 1861; Jacob H. Stewart, March 14, 1865; Jos. A. Wheelock, March 4, 1870; David Day, July 1, 1875.
Net yearly income, being balance on quarterly returns from its establishment to the present time:
Gross yearly income of the St. Paul post office from 1875 to 1887:
CHAPTER XXI.
BIOGRAPHICAL
Henry Hastings Sibley. – The father of Gen. Sibley, Judge Solomon Sibley, of Massachusetts, was a well known pioneer of the Northwest. He settled in Ohio in 1795, but two years later removed to Michigan, which he represented as delegate to Congress in 1800. In 1799 he served as member of the first legislature of the Northwest Territory. He was judge of the supreme court from 1824 to 1836, and died in 1846, universally lamented. The mother of Gen. Sibley was the daughter of Col. Ebenezer Sproat, and a granddaughter of Commodore Whipple of the American Navy. She was a cultured lady, of unusual personal beauty and of rare accomplishments. She was married to Judge Sibley in 1802, and died at Detroit Jan. 22, 1851. Henry H. Sibley was born in Detroit, Michigan, Feb. 20, 1811. He received an academic education, and two years' tuition in the classics. In 1828 he came to the Sault Ste. Marie and secured employment as a clerk. In 1829 he entered the service of the American Fur Company at Mackinaw. In 1834 he came to the mouth of St. Peter's river, to the post afterward known as Mendota, as the agent of the American Fur Company. He made the journey from Prairie du Chien, a distance of nearly three hundred miles, on horseback. At that time there was but a single civilized habitation on the way. In 1836 he built a stone house at Mendota, the first in Minnesota, in which he resided twenty-four years. This house is still standing. He continued to act as agent for the American Fur Company until called to act as delegate to Congress for Wisconsin Territory west of the St. Croix, in 1848. Mr. Sibley, when elected, was a citizen of Mendota, Clayton county, Iowa, but the question of citizenship was not raised. He was recognized as the ablest and best representative that could be chosen for the difficult task of securing the organization of Minnesota Territory. In this he was successful. In the fall of 1849 he was re-elected as a delegate from the new territory he had been instrumental in forming, and served in that capacity until March 4, 1853, rendering the Territory important services. In 1855 he was elected a member of the Minnesota territorial legislature from Dakota county, and in 1857 was a member and president of the Democratic wing of the constitutional convention. On the admission of Minnesota as a state he was elected governor, taking his seat May 24, 1858. His term expired Jan. 1, 1860. Aug. 19, 1862, his successor, Gov. Ramsey, appointed him commander of the forces sent to quell the Sioux outbreak. He marched with his command in pursuit of the Indians, defeating them in several skirmishes and battles, releasing 250 captives held by them and capturing about 2,000 prisoners, over 400 of whom were tried by court martial and sentenced to be hanged. Of this number thirty-eight were executed at Mankato, Dec. 26, 1862, President Lincoln having pardoned the remainder. Col. Sibley was commissioned brigadier general for his gallant services, and retained in command of the frontier. In 1863 he led another expedition into the Indian country, driving the hostiles across the Missouri river, and returning to Fort Snelling in September. The years 1864 and 1865 were employed in securing the defense of the frontier. Nov. 29, 1865, Gen. Sibley was commissioned major general for efficient and meritorious services. He continued in the service until August, 1866, when he was relieved of his command and detailed as a member of the commission to negotiate treaties with the hostile Sioux and other bands on the Upper Missouri river.
In 1871 Gen. Sibley was elected to represent the Fifth ward, St. Paul, in the legislature. He became a resident of St. Paul in 1862, but, in company with Louis Robert and A. L. Larpenteur, had entered land for the town site there as early as 1854.
Gen. Sibley has been for several years president of the Gas Company, director of the First National Bank, director of the Sioux City railway, etc. He has at different times filled other responsible positions; has been park commissioner, president of the Historical Society, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and was once the candidate of his party for Congress, but unsuccessful. He has contributed many valuable papers to the State Historical Society and has written much on topics relating to the welfare of the State, of which, with the exception of his personal friend, W. T. Boutwell, he is now the oldest resident.
Gen. Sibley, for his integrity, persistent devotion to the welfare of the State, for his indomitable persistence in upbuilding its interests, has won a lasting place in the confidence and respect of the people. His history is inseparably interwoven with the history of the State, and he is justly regarded as one of its first and best citizens. The town and county of Sibley bear his name.
He was married May 2, 1843, to Sarah J., sister of Frank Steele. Mrs. Sibley died May 21, 1869, much respected for her many virtues and rare accomplishments.
Alexander Ramsey, the first territorial governor of Minnesota, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Sept. 8, 1815. His paternal ancestors were Scotch-Irish. His mother was of German descent. His parents were Thomas and Elisabeth (Kelker) Ramsey. His father was an officer in the war of 1812, and died when the son was but ten years old. Frederic Kelker, an uncle, assisted in the education of the son, who in turn assisted as salesman in the store of his uncle. At the age of eighteen he entered Lafayette College; at Easton, Pennsylvania; attended college but a short time, when he commenced the study of law with Hon. Hamilton Alricks, of Harrisburg, graduating afterward in the law school at Carlisle, and commenced the practice of law in 1839. He commenced his political life in 1840, the year of the Harrison campaign, and was made secretary of the electoral college. In 1841 he was appointed clerk of the Pennsylvania house of representatives. He was in the lower house of Congress from 1843 to 1846, and was renominated for a third term, but declined. In 1848 he was made chairman of the Whig state central committee, and the following year was appointed governor of the newly formed territory of Minnesota by President Taylor. He entered upon his duties as governor in May, 1849. The territorial government was organized in June, and the governor issued his proclamation establishing three judicial districts, and providing for the election of members of the first legislature. He served as governor four years. In 1855 he was elected mayor of St. Paul. In 1857 he was candidate for governor of the State, but was not elected. He was elected to that office in 1859, and re-elected in 1861. In 1863, before the expiration of his second term, he was elected to the United States senate, and re-elected in 1869. March 4, 1875, he accepted the position of secretary of war in the cabinet of President Hayes, and for a time was acting secretary of the navy. In 1883 he was appointed chairman of the Utah commission under the Edmunds bill.
In the various departments of public service to which he has been called, Gov. Ramsey has acquitted himself well, displaying rare qualities of statesmanship. He is remarkable for his caution, which leads him sometimes almost into conservatism, but results have generally proved the sagacity of his apparently tardy movements. He is a master in the exercise of a wise caution in the conduct of public affairs. He has, in fact, great political sagacity. He has made several favorable treaties with the Indians, being empowered during his term as governor to act also as superintendent of Indian affairs.
During his two terms as state governor, he rendered the country great service by his prompt response to the calls for volunteers and his decisive and unwavering support of the general government. He also acted with great promptness and resolution in the suppression of the Indian outbreak. As a senator he supported all measures for the prosecution of the war for the preservation of the Union; advocated the abolition of the franking privilege and assisted in procuring aid for the building of the Northern Pacific railroad, favoring the project of three trunk lines between the Mississippi and the Pacific States and the general plan of aiding these roads by the donation of alternate sections of public land, and was also active in promoting the improvement of the Upper Mississippi and navigable tributaries.
In person Gov. Ramsey is a hale, hearty, and well preserved gentleman, who is passing gracefully into what with many is the season of the sere and yellow leaf. He is genial and pleasant in his manners, and would impress the ordinary observer as one whose "lines have fallen in pleasant places," and who is the happy possessor of a good digestion, a serene temper and a clear conscience.
On Sept. 10, 1845, he was married to Anna Earl Jenks, daughter of Hon. Michael H. Jenks, for many years judge of Bucks county, Pennsylvania, a lady of rare accomplishments, and in every way fitted to shine in the society into which she was introduced as the wife of a governor, senator and cabinet officer. In private life she was not less noted for her kindness of heart, amiability and christian virtues. This estimable lady died in 1883, leaving a daughter, Marion, the wife of Charles Elliott Furness, of Philadelphia.
Maj. Wm. H. Forbes was born on Montreal island, Canada, Nov. 3, 1815. His father was a Scotchman by birth, and was a member of the Hudson Bay Company as early as 1785. Maj. Forbes was educated at Montreal, where he also served an apprenticeship at the hardware business, and afterward became junior partner in the same establishment. At that time Montreal was the chief depot of supplies for the Indian trade of the Northwest, and the reports which continually came to him of that romantic region, together with the sight of the Indians and voyageurs returning with their furs, so excited his love of adventure that he resigned his position as partner in the hardware business and accepted a clerkship with the American Fur Company. John Jacob Astor was then president. The conditions were that the clerk should speak and write the French language, which Mr. Forbes could do with facility. Having engaged as clerk, his outfit was conveyed in bark canoes from Montreal, in charge of fifty men enlisted for a three years' cruise. Their route lay by way of the lakes to La Pointe, on Lake Superior, and up the Brule river, from which the canoes and baggage were carried across to the waters of the St. Croix, and descended thence to the Mississippi. From the Sault Ste. Marie to La Pointe they were transported on one of the company's schooners. They arrived at Mendota in 1837. Gen. Sibley was then in charge at Mendota. Mr. Forbes clerked for him ten years, and in 1847 took charge of an establishment belonging to the company (called the St. Paul Outfit), and became a resident of St. Paul until his death, twenty-eight years later. Mr. Forbes was a member from St. Paul of the first territorial council, and served four terms. In March, 1853, he was appointed postmaster at St. Paul by President Pierce, and held the office three years. In 1853 he also formed a business partnership with Norman W. Kittson for the general supplying of the Indian trade. In 1858 Mr. Kittson retired from the firm, but the business was continued by Maj. Forbes until 1862, when the Indian outbreak put an end to the trade. During the campaign he served as a member of Gen. Sibley's staff, and acted as provost marshal at the trial of the three hundred Indians condemned to death. At the close of this campaign he was commissioned by President Lincoln commissary of subsistence in the volunteer service with the rank of captain. He was elected auditor of Ramsey county in 1863, and served two years, though sometimes absent on military duty. In 1864 he was ordered to the district of Northern Missouri as chief commissary, remained two years and was breveted major. In 1871 he was appointed Indian agent at Devil's Lake reservation, which position he held at the time of his death, July 20, 1875.
Maj. Forbes was twice married; first in 1846, to Miss Agnes, daughter of Alexander Faribault, by whom he had one daughter, the wife of Capt. J. H. Patterson, United States Army; again in 1854, to Miss A. B. Cory, of Cooperstown, New York, by whom he had four children, three of whom are living.
Henry M. Rice. – The family of Mr. Rice came originally from Hertfordshire, England, to Sudbury, Massachusetts, in 1638. Members of the family figured conspicuously in the struggle for American independence. His parents were Edmund and Ellen Durkee Rice. His grandfather Durkee was in the French war of 1755. Mr. Rice was born in Waitsfield, Vermont, Nov. 29, 1816; attended common school three months in the year and a private school and academy in Burlington. He went to Detroit, Michigan Territory, in 1835; was engaged in making the first survey of the Sault Ste. Marie canal, made by the state of Michigan in 1837, and went to Fort Snelling in 1839. He was post sutler in 1840, United States Army, Fort Atkinson, Iowa Territory, and was connected with the old fur company for several years. He was elected delegate to Congress in 1853 for Minnesota Territory and re-elected in 1855. He was elected first United States senator for Minnesota, in 1857, admitted to his seat May 11, 1858, and served until March 3, 1863. In 1860 he was a member of the senate special committee of thirteen on the condition of the country. During his term in the senate he was a member of the following standing committees: Indian affairs, post office and post roads, public lands, military, finance. He was on the last four named committees at the expiration of the term of March 3, 1863.
In 1865 he was nominated for governor but was defeated by Gen. W. R. Marshall. In 1866 he was delegate to the Philadelphia Union convention. He also served in the following various capacities: United States commissioner in making several Indian treaties; as a member of the board of regents of the University of Minnesota; as president of the Minnesota State Historical Society; as president of the St. Paul Board of Public Works; and as treasurer of Ramsey county, Minnesota. He is the author of the law extending the right of pre-emption over unsurveyed lands in Minnesota. He has obtained land grants for numerous railroads in Minnesota, and, with the assistance of Senator Douglas, framed the act authorizing Minnesota to form a state constitution preparatory to admission, fixing boundary, etc.
As a public man Mr. Rice has pursued a policy at once independent and outspoken, not hesitating to express his convictions on the great national questions of the day, and to place himself upon a national rather than a party platform. During the war he upheld the administration in a vigorous prosecution of the war, as the speediest and most honorable means of obtaining peace. His letter to the St. Paul Press of Nov. 1, 1864, contains sentiments that must commend themselves to every true lover of his country. We quote a few extracts: