Vermont Phœnix

VERMONT PHOENIX

Published Every Friday Morning, By

WM. E. RYTHER.

Letters From The West

Howell, Liv. Co. Michigan,

Feb. 28, 1839.

Mr. Ryther.—I come now to speak of Michigan, or more particularly with regard to her inhabitants, her system of education, of internal improvements and other subjects connected therewith. And in the first place, that you may realize something of the rapidity with which the settlement of the garden of America—the great west, is progressing, I will give you the population of this state at different periods. The first settlement of Michigan, was commenced about the year 1720, by the French at Detroit, but it was nothing more than a sort of military trading post for a number of years, and no census of the population was taken until 1810. The number of inhabitants at that period was 4,528, of which only 1,547, were females. In 1820, it had increased to 9,048. In 1830, to 32,538. In 1834, to 87,278, and in 1837, to 175,000. At this present time there cannot be less than 250,000 inhabitants in the state. Whether, within a few years past, the population of Michigan has increased more rapidly than that of the other western states, I have not at hand the means of determining. I notice however, from statistics of the public land sales in '36, that there was nearly 1,000,000 acres more taken in this state than any other in the Union; the amount being 4,189,823 acres.

As is the case with all the western states, the people are of different nations. It was first settled by the French, and there are probably 12,000 of that nation in the state, mostly in and about Detroit and Monroe. The other foreigners are nearly all German, Scotch, and Irish. But the greater portion estimated by good judges at two-thirds of the entire white population—are from New England and western New York—a large share from the latter, so you will observe, that, inasmuch as the enterprising and hardy sons of New England were the pioneers in the settlement of the eastern part of the state of New York, we may safely claim, that a majority of the people even of this state, are justly entitled to the proud and honorable name of Yankees. That they are in fact the lineal descendants of the Puritans. Of this fact, I find the people of the state are justly proud, and there can be no doubt, I think, that in this particular, as in many others, Michigan is much to be preferred to any of the other western states; true, the state of society is yet far different from that at the east. The social and friendly ties growing out of long acquaintance, and the exercise of the kinder feelings of our natures, which there so strongly unites communities together, and exerts such an influence upon society, is yet, as it were, unfelt here. It must be, however soon, and it can hardly fail of producing a desirable result, society must be moulded agreeable to the tastes of the majority, and that majority you may rest assured, are too proud of their ancestry to admit of any material innovations. Not so with some of the other states. A much greater proportion of the population being foreign, frequently—the refuse of European cities; they bring with them habits and vices that are any thing but desirable; and besides, the native population has emanated more from the scion which was planted at Jamestown, than from that which was planted upon the seabeaten rock of Plymouth. The contrast I need not point out. To prove that the people of Michigan are what I have represented them, and that they are not surpassed by any people in public spirit, I need but to refer you to the noble plan of public instruction, and the stupendous project of internal improvements, both brought forth during the very first year of their political existence as a sovereign state, for it must be admitted, that, although the state has been, thus far, under the control of the Loco-focos—and notwithstanding some very serious blunders have been committed, yet, many excellent laws have been passed. The outlines of the plan of education are as follows:

In the first place, Uncle Sam gave to the state 72 sections of land, (each of 640 acres) for the support of a State University; the lands were selected, and are worth upon an average $10 per acre, which is the minimum price at which they are sold. At this price they will establish a permanent fund of $921,000. the annual interest of which is to be appropriated for the support of the University. Ten branches of the institution have already been established. The parent institution is located at Ann Arbor, and will probably go into operation the present year; it is to consist of 4 departments, viz: of Literature, science and the arts; of Law; of Medicine, and of Agriculture, and it is to be open to all residents of the state without charge of tuition.

The primary school fund however, and the law regulating the same, is of far the most consequence—or this affects the great mass of community. The same liberal Uncle before spoken of, (who you know has plenty of land and who seems to be quite partial to his young heirs,) has given one section of land in each township to the state, for the support of schools. This amounts to more than 1,000,000 of acres —and will probably establish a fund of 5,000,000. The interest of which together with an equal amount raised by tax, is to go for the support of common schools. This will carry the means of education to every child within the state.

The University and school lands are under the supervision of the "superintendant of public instruction," who is appointed by the Gov. by and with the advice and consent of the legislature for two years, and who is required to report annually, to the legislature. Each town chooses, annually, three "school inspectors," whose duty it is to examine teachers, define the boundaries of school districts, &c. Each district is required to report annually, the time a school has been kept, and the number of scholars in the district, and to have a school at least 3 months or forfeit its amount of money arising from the interest of the school fund.

With regard to our system of internal improvements, I perceive that I have only room to notice briefly, a few of its most important features; suffice it therefore to say, that the state has commenced the construction of from 600 to 800 miles of Railroad and Canal. Three Railroads and 1 Canal through the state, from east to west. The first called "the Southern Railroad," commences at the navigable waters of the river Raisin, & passes thro the southern tier of counties (by way) of Monroe, Adrian, Constantine, and Adamsville— terminating at New Buffalo. The second, called the "Central Railroad," commences at Detroit and passes through the second tier of counties, viz: Washtenaw, Jackson, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Van Buren, and Berrien, terminating at the village of St. Joseph. This is completed as far as Ypsilanti, nearly so to Jacksonborough, 80 miles. The third is called the "Northern R. Road." it commences near the outlet of Lake Huron, and terminates at the village of Grand Rapids, or the navigable waters of the Grand River. This road I suppose is in the route of the contemplated "Great Western Railroad," from Boston through Massachusetts, New York, Canada, Michigan and Wisconsin, to the Mississippi. Our great Canal (in embryo) is called "the Clinton and Kalamazoo Canal." It commences at Mt. Clemens in Macomb county, and passes thro' Oakland, Livingston, Ingham, Eaton, Barry, and Allegan, terminating at the mouth of the Kalamazoo river.

Besides these, many other important works are going on, but my sheet is full and I must draw to a close. If any of your readers are disposed to believe that, in these brief sketches, I have only been showing the fair side of the picture without saying any thing about the disadvantages and difficulties to be met with in a new country, and if any of them are of opinion that after all Michigan "a'nt what its cracked up to be," I have but to say to them "come and see."

Yours,

E. F. B.

P. S. I mentioned in my last that our legislature had difficulty with regard to the election of U. S. Senator, and I have now to add, that after several trials in joint ballot with no prospect of success, the subject has been indefinitely postponed. Our Locos are in trouble—two more of their Banks have suspended; viz: the Detroit city (Wild Cat,) and the "Michigan State Bank." (chartered.) The latter is the state pet,—has $600,000 of the people's money which will probably be lost. Huzza for the hard money party. E. F. B.