Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, May 6, 1910, Page 1

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v THE BEMIDJI DAILY o b s e g Iiisté:rical Society. “TIA o~ PIONEE VOLUME 8. NUMBER 16. DISTRICT JUDGE CONDEMNS THE STATE LAND POLICY Judge Stanton Denounces Method, Time and Place of Selling Minne- sota’s Public Domain. CONTRARY TO GOOD BUSINESS, NOT SQUARE DEAL WITH U.S. Koochiching County Losing Popula- tion—Development Association at Big Falls Today. Big Falls, May 6.—The fact that population of Koochiching county is steadily decreasing and the homesteaders are leaving this part of the country was made the sub- ject of one of the strongest denun- ciations ever uttered against Min- nssota’s state land policy by C. W. Stanton of Bemidji. judge of Fifteenth district, this afternoon before a meeting of the Koochi- ching County Development Asso- ciation at Big Falls. A move- mernt was started by the judge's speech which, it was predicted by members of the Northern Minne- sota Development association, will materially effect the resolu- tions to be adopted by the devel- opment congress at Crookston, June 1, 2 and 3, and the legisla- tion to be enacted by the state law makers next winter. Judge Stanton did not mince mat- ters in openly speaking of the losing population of this couuty, declaring that he believed it better to face the _ssue than to indulge in flattering remarks. The judge laid the lack of roads, schools, churches and so- ciety to the policy of the state in holding its lands, half of the county being state land. until the settlers make their improvements; thus re- fusing to share the burden of the pioneers while later reaping the benefit of an increased land value. The method, time, and price de- manded in selling state lands were strongly condemned by the speaker as being against sound business and moral policies. The substance of Judge Stanton’s address follows. Introducing his speech with a statement that the Koochiching County Development association has exceptional condi- tions to meet and yet that an honest effort to better conditions will be aided by the southern part of the state, the judge said: “Koochichiug County is an em- pire in area; it is blessed with a soil that is surprisingly fertile; its cli- matic conditions are exceptionally healthful; its natural wealth of tim- ber is enormous; the beauty of its scenery is unsurpassed; it possesses the greatest water powers in the northwest; it is fortunate in its in- dustrious and enterprizing citizen- ship. And yet it is a stubborn fact that its population, except in the villages, is constantly decreasing. Despite the fact that it contains approximately 1,500,000 acres of unoccupied lands, nearly every acre of which is richly productive, and notwithstanding the inviting natural conditions which I have enumerated, the tide of immigration constantly passes by and the homeseeker finds a domicile in far less attractive lo- calities, “Even the homesteaders of -the Sincerity Clothes It is hard to talk a different kind of clothes to the man who has one good Sincerity suit on his back and another good Sincerity suit still hanging up in his wardrobe. Stucerity Clothes | became so well known because they have kept the friends they have made. now sold all over the United States. style perfect and the workmanship is good. Try a Sincerity suit this Spring. request. Oxfords that are made for style and durability. We specialize the famous Packard Oxford in lace or button, black, tan, grey and oxblood, at $4 and $5. Union Suits for spring and summer style, at $1 and up. The Sincerity Shop Model Clothing Store Sincerity clothes are They are Style book free upon wear. Regular athletic BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, FRIDAY. EVENING, MAY 6, 1910. county, many of them who braved the perils and bardships of the for- est before the advent of railroads, have in recent months, after secur- ing their government 1 title, aban- doned their homestead tracts and sought homes elsewhere. This state of affairs, though deplorable, is true, and at a gathering of this kind it seems to me that it is better to con- sider and discuss the hard facts,— confront ourselves with the situa- tion as it really exists,—rather than to endeavor to smooth things over by indulging in pleasing flattery or ex- aggerated statements of the boom variety. “The pertinent question is: why are the hardy, courageous settlers who came here five years and more ago for the express purpose of ac- quiring homes, and who have since experienced the hardships of pio- neers—why are they locking .their cabin doors and seétking homes in far less attractive localities? “The answer is plain to one at all familiar with the real situation. No roads, no schools, no churches, no society. Here lies the fault. De- prived of these essential adjuncts of development because so much of the land surrounding that occupied by settlers is owned ' by the state, and the state refuses to join with the settlers in sharing the burdens of frontier development. In other words, because the state has adop- ted the policy of holding its lands until the settlers shall construct the roads, drain the wet lands, provide the needs of civilization, and thus make the lands valuable and salable, without cost or effort on the part of the state. The theory of the state seems to be to hold on to all it has and to part with nothing, in the hope and expectation that after a few gengrations this course will prove theé-most profitable. “As to the manner of disposition of the school lands,—about 186,000 acres in this county,—the state is restricted. - These lands were granted to the state in trust, for the explicit purpose of being applied to the use of the schools of the state, and by its constitution the state solemnly covenanted with ‘the United States “‘SHAKESPEARE'S MISFOR- TUNE” AT THE BRINKMAN Dancing Singers and Musioian ~ Pro- vided Much Pleasure for Audience Last Night. Brinkman’s Family theater was the scene of considerable enjoyment on the part of many Bemidji people last evening, owing to the excellent program which Manager Brinkman has secured for this half of the week. “Shakespeare’s Misfortune’’ brought forth unusual mirth from the audience, Young and Phelps playing their parts remarkably well. The character of “‘James Waycraft Shake- speare” and of “Untle Bob,” a banker, - were taken by Charles Young, and Miss Maud Phelps exe- cuted the part of “Mabel Barr,” Uncle Bob’s neice. The comical situations introduced in this scene are the source of much laughter. Miller and Leslie, comedians, are amusing with their jokes, sing- ing and dancing. and.their hum- orous boxing match, in which the blows are struck to the ‘tune of “rag time” on the piano, The act is finished with a knock-out blow on one of the participants, Eddie Badger, the musician, plays four different instruments and keeps the crowd interested to so apply them, and prohibited their sale except at public sale. “The state was not required, though, to make these lands undesir- able and unsought by settlers by enacting that before being offered for sale they shall be stripped of all timber. You know . the law pro- vides that ‘Where land valuable for agricultural purposes contains only small quantities of pine,; tlmnnck.' or other timber, the land commis- sioner may in' his discretion, either sell the timber separately, or he may sell the land asagricultural land and as first cash payment the value of the timber, in addition to the 15 per cent on the land.’ Neither was it required to reserve all mineral rights, which-it has done. “But as to swamp lands, — of which Koochiching county contains about 700,000 acres,~~the condi- tions of the grant to the state are altogether different. of this grant to the state by the United Statés, as expressed on the face of the the act, was to enable the state to construct the necessary levees and drains to reclaim them. The language of the grant is that the proceeds of said lands, whether from sale or direct appropriation in kind, shall be applied, exclusively, as far as necessary, to the purpose of reclaiming said lands by means of the levees and drains aforesaid. So it became and is the moral duty of the state to use these lands for the purpose for which the Unite_d States gave them. Butthe United States Supreme . Court has held _that it is not the legal duty of the state to fulfill this moral obligation. That court said, in an opinion written by Justice Bradly ip» 1882: “Upon farther consideration . of the whole subject, ‘we are" convinced that the application of the proceeds of these lands to the purposes of the grant rests upon the good faith of the state, and that the state may exercise its discretion as require the purchaser to pay down |« The purpose | throughout his entire act. Manager Brinkman, in an inter- view this morning, expressed him- self ‘well pleased with the patron- age which has been accorded him by the Bemidji public. Mr. Brinkman enjoys friendly criti- cisms of his entertainments and is endeavoring to provide the best to be'secured in both vaudeyille -and - moving pictures, GATHERING OF NATIONAL FARMERS AT ST. LOUIS Manager of Southern Commercial Con- gress Tells of Work ‘of the South. —Many Delegates. St. Louls, May 6.—The Farmers’ Educational and Co- -operative Union of America opened its annual session in the ¢ity today, with delegates - present from all parts of the Umted Sm:es. ‘The pnnciple address of the day was delivered by G Grosvenor Dawe, managing director of the Southern Commercial - congress ‘at Washington, D. C., who spoke on “The Constructivc Forces of the South as Affecting the Nation.” In this speech’ Mr. Dawe told of the immense progress effected by the southern states in their rise from the blow of the Civil War, and of its future prospects. ELKS INITIATE BIG GLASS. Elks of Bemidji and their visiting brothers held a big meeting last evening, at which ten- residents of Bemidji were “put through.,” This was the largest class initiated at one time for several months, and the members of the Bemidji lodge de- rived considerable enjoyment from the antics of the little fawns, But all of the fawns were not: small, either. Two brewers, T. R. Symons of the Golden Grain Belt variety and Fred Eberlein of the Bemidji company’s Pilsener, headed the list and were the first to receive horns. They were foilowed by A. J. Mandt, W. Roy Lindsey, George Anderson, William Blocker, A. A. Melges, V. L. Ellis, J. J. Doran and Owen Dailey., The new: Elks wore a tired but happy expression on their faces this morning. * Aanouncement. I will be a candidate for the re- publican nomination for state sena-| tor for this legislative dlstuct at the | cominu primary election, I will | make known at some later date the | ‘platform upon which I will solicit ‘to the disposal of them, It.is a matter between. two sove- {the support of the voters of the dis- trict. Ada, Minn,, May 3rd,, 1910. As L. Hanson. " ; Count the Moving Out People. Census enumerator Smith today landed nine big ones for the roll on Bemidji’s .population. of nine people were just packing up to leave the city and should be -| counted-as part of Bemidji’s inhabi- tants. If any body knows of people who contemplate leaving the city during the next fifteen days, they should promptly report the same to the enumerators or the Pioneer office. In order that everybody be counted, every citizen should make it his business that everybody he knows has been listed. When you pass the time of day, why not in this manner; “good morning, have you seen the census man?” Keep this on the go all the time, because it all belps the census man. Gun Shoot Today. A demonstration of the use of Peter’s cartridges was ‘held by ]J. H. Stair of Crookston at the Be- midji Gun club’s grounds between Lakes Irvine and Bemidji this afternoon. Several members of the club were present and enjoyed a specia] practice on the pigeons thrown out by their new machine. President T. R. Symons and a committee sre preparing an excel- lent'program for the state gun meet at Bemidji June 17 and 18, GEO. SMITH TO SUGGEED H. W. BAILEY, RESIGNED As County Agent for Soldiers’ Reliet Fund of Beltrami County:—Ap- pointment Official. George Smith of Bemidji has been appointed. .county -agent’ for the Soldiers’ - Relief Fund to succeed Comrade H.'W. Bailey. Mr. Bailey resigned on account of illness, and suggested Mr. Smith asa suitable person for his successor. Mr. Smith ‘received from state secretary W. H. Harries the follow- ing letter making his appumtment official: Mr. Geo. Smith, Bemidji, Minn. Dear Comrade:—Comrade H, W. Bailey has resigned as’ county agent for the Soldiers’ Relief Fund of Beltrami county, on account of illness, and he suggests your name as a suitable person for his successor. You are therefore ap- pointed’in his place, You will receive from him what- ever blanks he may have on hand, and whatever you may need that we can furnish,we will do so when notified of your wants, Yours truly, W. H, Harries; Secretary. The Bemidj For Saturday only, 25¢ can Muscat Grapes... -20 1bs Choice Prunes.. It Never Disappoints.” wonderful bread maker, the best of satisfaction. 304 Tlllrd 8 A family| . FOR SATURDAY SALE Phone 33, Provision Co. SCHROEDER & MARIN the following goods at “special prices: 1 doz. Sunkist Oranges...... 3 pkgs. Quaker Corn Flakes 3 1bs. Choice Dry Peaches.. - 3 cans Hand Packed Tomatoes 3 cans Fancy Sweet Corn..... 3 cans Extra Fancy June Peas.. 25¢ can Green Gage Plums. 25c can Lemon Cling Peaches... 1 qt. glass jar Queen Olives.... 8 full-sized bars Laundry Soap Fresh Strawberries, Radlshes, Lettuce, .Tomatoes, Pineapples, Celery, Cucumbets, Rhubarb, Bannas, Oranges and Apples: For Health and Pure Food use our Mascot Flour— We are sole agents for this the full price, paid for. every sack that does ‘not glve The BeMIdjl Prowsmn Co. FLOWERS IN PROFUSION AT STEWART FUNERAL Many Friends Follow Body of Mrs. J. W. Stewart to Final Resting Place at Greenwood. One of the largest funerals ever beld in Bemidji was that conducted over the remains .of Mrs. J. W. Stewart yesterday at the Presbyter- ‘ian church. The body of the wife and mother who died of heart failure a few days ago lay in state at the church from 1 o’clock until 3, when the services were commenced. A large number of people took a last look at the earthly remains of a devoted friend. The floral decorations were beau- tiful, the alter being covered with carnations and roses, the last tribute which could be payed the departed woman by mourning friends. The profusion of floral gifts was re- peated at the grave, which was vir- tually a bank of beautiful plants and cut flowers. The church * was packed at 3 o’clock, when the services began, the Royal Neighbors attending ina body. - Rev. S. E. P. White opened the ' services by reading from the ninetieth psalm. This was followed by song and prayer, and the com- forting remarks from the pastor to the father ‘and five children who survive Mrs. Stewart. From the church, the procession moved to Greedwood cemetery, where, amid the loving tributes of her friends and husband, the mortal remains were laid at rest. Imrovamni League To Meet. Ladiegof +K Bemldll Improve- ‘ment league will-follow their - recent talks on tuberculosis and sanitation at a meeting of the league in . the Carnegie library next Tuesday at 3 p. m. special speakers will be se- cured. The ladies expect to have the director of thé state sanitorium at Walker address them at some meeting in the near future. The members of league will prob- ably take steps at Tuesday’s meet- ing to have the parks and' lake 'shore cleaned up. |The Bemidji Imprové- TEN CENTS PER WEEK. IT'S UP TO BEMIDJI T0 “MAKE 600D” Twin City People Making Every Effort to Show Big Increase.—Why Not Bemidji? HUNDREDS IN BOARDING HOUSES HOTELS, AND ABSENT FROM CITY Is Everyone Going to Be Counted? Crookston and Cass Lake Working Hard. “Bemidji can learn much from the Twin Cities in taking the census,” said F. S. Lycan, who returned from Minneapolis ~ yesterday. “Every business man in Minneapolis and St. Paul has been working as hard as possible for the last two weeks to ‘make good’ in the enumeration of their cities’ population. Every employer is personally seeing that the men under him are being counted in the census. “This is the biggest chance to ‘bogst’ Bemidji we have had in several years, and the Commercial club will meet either this evening or tomorrow to give the enumerators every possible aid during the last few days left in which we can get names on the census rolls. Every name on that list is a valuable asset to Bemidji. “All these boarding houses and hotels are filled with people, most of whom are living here for several months at least. . If Bemidji is their home at present, they should be counted as part of the population. Crookston is making a strong effort, in which every business man- is doing his duty, to get every resident’s name on the census rolls. “Unless we can show a substantial increase in population from the cen- sus taken by the Elks about four years ago, when'the enumeration was 5,200, we cannot make good our ‘boasts to outside people of the growth of Bemidji, and its wonder- ful advantages. We have simply ment league desires ‘chairs, rugs and tables to furnish their rooms in the basement of the library and will gladly receive 1id from local citizens. Next Sunday Is Mother’s Day. Everybody :'should wear a white carnation in honor to her memory, and if she is living see that she has a bunch of carnations on that day. white Carnations are adapted for this purpose because they denote purity. : A good supply.at the Greenhouse. Phone 166. or call at we'are ofiermg you Onions, and will cheerfully refund TR ; i Phono “ got touse every hour of the few days left to ‘make good.” Let every man see that he is counted and that every friend, especially those who are absent at present, are enlisted by the enumerators.” It is through comparison of our population with that of towns like Cass Lake and Crookston, which are straining every nerve to show a large increase over the last census, that Bemidji will lose when the govern- ment’s big wérk is completed. Some of the guide and hotel books give Bemidji’s population now as only 2,000. -Every such guide book printed from now until the next census, probably 10 years hence, will publish Bemidji’s population as itis returned by the enumerators in’ the next few days. If you have any loyalty for this ‘beautiful little city in the pines of northern Minnesota, if you want to increase Bemidji’s population, if you are the “booster” for whose work Bemidji has gained a state-wide reputation, GET BUSY and: DO IT NOw. - Commitment Confirmed. The commitment of George Win- terstein, a 14.year-old boy who opened several boxes in the Bemidji postoffice and confessed to breaking into houses, to ‘the state training school at Red Wing by Judge Pen- dergast of the municipal court was confirmed by Judge ,Stanton in the district court yesterday. Deputy Sheriff Andrew Johnson left for Red Wing last evening with the lad m cum;dy. Eagles Challenge City Team. The Bemidji lodge of Eagles chal- lenges the city team to a game of ‘baseball to be played at the fair ‘grounds Saturd:y afternoon. Jack Malloy, Carl Mitchell, Mlmgers. Our. apecml for Sunday will be Pineapple sherbet. The Model MINNESQTA H\STGRICAL ® SociETy. | et e

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