her domain which of late is styled the State of Illinois. Following the cession of this territory to the United States by the French, the claims of the Quebec seminary have been in question. Of late the seminary has decided to officially cede its claim to the lands in question, following guarantees on the part of the U.S. government with regard to religion, among others. Find out more on the history of French settlement in Illinois at www.diobelle.org. The colony of New France once extended into what is now Minnesota as well) 155 Years Ago THE HASTINGS GAZETTE Edited by Todd & Stebbins Saturday, February 9, 1867 Minnesota News Goodhue County A correspondent of THE GOODHUE COUNTY REPUBLICAN says that Mr. J. S. Archibald, of Dundas, has purchased the water power of Mr Hostetter, on the little Cannon, two miles above Cannon Falls, and is about to build a flouring mill at that point. The unequaled reputation of the Archibalds at Dundas are a guarantee that this enterprise will be a success. The vast water powers of the Cannon River are just beginning to be appreciated. Miscellaneous Items The Hon. Ignatius Donnelly has introduced in the House a resolution to print 5,000 copies of Ge. Warren’s report of the surveys of the Upper Mississippi and its tributaries. It will be a very lengthy and valuable document. Music. What is music? The science of harmonic sounds so modulated as to please the ear, or any continuation of simultaneous sounds in accordance or harmony. England rings with the songs of Dibdin, to inspiring strains. In Ireland what cot but echos with its ballads that rehearse deeds of ancient prowess. Our own American songs promise to be as full of inspiring melody as those of any country in Europe. We must cherish and cultivate all that is native with a fondness worthy of the theme—andmusic. Upriver and just east of Spring Lake 164 Years Ago The EMIGRANT AID AND JOURNAL City of Nininger, Dakota County, Minnesota Territory January 27, 1858 The Vicissitudes of Life An Essay, delivered before the Nininger Lyceum, By Henry Caleff, Esq. Shakespeare, with a comprehensive view hardly surpassed by that of the divinely inspired prophet of old, pronounced, ‘the world a stage, and all the men and women merely players: having their exits and their entrances— and one man, in his time, playing many parts,’ which every individual presentmust acknowledge as an unquestionable declaration. The business of life is serious, not ludicrous: no order of beings, especially of rational, was brought into existence wholly for pleasure or amusement, but to fill some useful place and answer some important end in the extensive scheme of the beneficient Creator. It is therefore evidently the interest, the wisdom, and the perfection of man to look to it, that he perform properly the duty of his appointed station—and in that he will inthe end find his glory and his happiness. Editorial: Are we a Territory or a State? We were one of those who from the first steps taken by the people of Minnesota under the schedule of the Constitution, argued that they were placing themselves in a false position. The Constitution is now very generally agreed to be a defensive one in many material points, and late news form the East goes to prove that the action of Congress will probably place us in the light of a people without any legitimate government. In this country there are but two forms of government, viz., State and Territorial. The original colonies became independent States by the successful termination of the Revolution, and combining together formed the United States. They then made provision for the organization of settlers on their lands as Territories, and for the admission of those Territories when they attained a certain population in their own ranks as states. There is therefore no middle point of existence. The creature is either fish or frog—there is no tadpole about it. It must either be one thing or the other;—either the dependent Territory—an offshoot of the General Government—a sort of self-created colony —or it must be the State recognized as a part of that General Government—a brother in thebrotherhood. What is necessary to the change from a Territory to a State? First, an acquiescence by the people of the Territory; secondly, an acquiescence by the Congress of the United States. The applicant for membership must first express his desire to join, and next the members of the Society must vote for his admission. Then Enabling Act of Minnesota was nothing more or less than a direction to the people of this Territory to say whether they would become one of the United States, and by the vote on the Constitution they have said they were willing so to do. The second step has, however, not yet been taken. ‘Barkis is willing,’ but what does the Congress of the United States say? So far, nothing. In the meantime the applicant is assuming all the rights and duties of membership. He is wearing the regalia and giving the countersign. The Legislature of the State of Minnesota, as one fo the Sovereign States of the Union, is busily engaged atSt. Paul passing laws intended to be binding. Suddenly comes the news from Washington that a long and fierce contest is about to ensure in Congress in regard to the admission of Kansas, and that the South will oppose the admission of Minnesota. The former Territory comes before the government with two Constitutions—the first, the Lecompton Constitution adopted on the 21st December last, containing a Pro-Slavery clause; the second, the Topeka Constitution adopted on the 4th inst., and containing an Anti Slavery clause and both Constitutions claimed by their respective advocates to represent the majority of the people of Kansas. At the same time come up Minnesota and Oregon, both Free States, and claim admission, The South enters the arena in her last battle for power. If three Free States are to be crowded upon her at once, and six Senators added to her present opponents in the higher House, her prestige and her influence are gone forever. It is now neck or nothing with her. And who can doubt—looking at the history of former contests, that the struggle will be a long and bitter one—one of life and death. Territorial Dispatches 166 Years Ago DAKOTAWEEKLY JOURNAL Editors H. G. Bailly and James C. Dow Hastings, Minnesota Territory, June 24, 1856 The Saw Mill at the upper end of town has been sold for six thousand. We hope the present owner will turn the saw and engine out; and the building into a warehouse. The landing at that place can be made as good as any on the river. Some business and other ads: Hastings Real Estate Office R. B. Allison dealer in real estate. Hastings, M. T. will buy and sell lands, locate land warrants, enter Government land, Collect, Pay taxes, and attend to all business appertaining to his profession. Logans negotiated for Capitalists, upon unexceptionable Real Estate security, yielding from 30 to 60 percent. FOR SALE One corner lot. Two blocks from the Levee, with a good dwelling house upon it. A good hotel stand in the business part of town. Very low. A business lot, with a store upon it on the principal business street. Two lots, beautifully situated on a corner. Price $200 each. One lot, handsomely located for a dwelling. Lee and Day* Contractors and builders. Shop, corner of Vermillion and 2nd Streets, Hastings, M. T. *William Lee and A. E. Day