Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1878-07-01
Continued from Fourth Page.

they argue that by and by the territory that
is to be transformed into state must center
about their doors, and they and theirs
become the rock k.rooted hub of the
common wealth OF prosperous days. These
may not be idle dreams. Every man who
owns town lots holds fast to that which is
his
The chalk rock common to this portion
OF Dakota is found in abundance along the
Jim and it is material easily shaped and
durable enough to outlast the ages. At
Milltown discovery of coal has been made
which promises something, but no develop.
ment of the supposed fuel deposit has been
made. The coal, a superior quality oflig-
mite, was found in the bed of Twelve Mile
creek, with foot or two Of water flowing
over it, This has prevented extended in
vestigation and the thickness of the vein is
not yet known.
PRAIRIE EDIFICEs
A noticeable feature of the entire region
of which we write is the improved class Of
buildings which are being erected. As far
up as Olivet frame houses are taking the
place Of the original sod cabins and beyond
that point the structures Of the new settlers,
are generally made from the soil Of the
prairie, mixed with chopped straw. An inn
proved style of architecture is also visible
and the houses are generally larger than
those erected few years ago. These earth
and straw structures are easily and cheaply
made and when surmounted by we'll
thatched roofs are comfortable and durable
places of abode. The original sod shanty
has had its day and we have learned that it
is possible to improve on first attempts with
even no more inviting material than the
soil Of the prairie As basis for operations.
Whitewashed outside and papered inside,
the dirt mansions of the prairie settlers are
in no way inferior to the solid log cabins Of
the pioneers of the timbered states Of the
east.
INDIAN TREsPAssERs.
One hundred and sixty miles up the Jim
from Yankton is located what is known Al
the dirt lodges, which is merely the name
for camp of about two hundred Sioux In
dians belonging at Grow Creek and Lowe,
Brule agencies. These Indians are domi.
ciled in tepees pitched upon the site of the
dirt lodge village which was occupied year,
ago by Indians who have since deserted
the place, leaving only the name they gavt
it as the inheritance Of the present savage
occupants. They are there by no authority
Of Law or treaty, that We know Of, and while
they are peaceably disposed, their presence
is bar to the settlement of the country ir
that direction, for the reason that new com
ers from the east are by teaching and instinc
distrustful of the Indian. The settlement
Of the country is Of far more importanc,
than the qualification of savage whim, ant
the government should, therefore, take i'm
mediate steps for the removal Of these ret
trespassers to the reservation set apart fol
their use.
HORSE THIEVES.
from an important portion of the conver
satlon which greets the ear after one ha
passed beyond the more thickly settled por
tion Of the valley of the Jim. As far dow
as Milltown anxiety for the safety of favor
ite animals prevails, at Rockport the pee
pie are beginning to discuss the efficacy o
the preventive qualities of twisted hemp
at Firesteel the chances are that the breal
of day will discover vacant stall and mid
night tracks about the stable door, Will
above that point the settlers feel that thsi
equine property is wholly at the mercy Q
the nocturnal marauders who come unde
tha cover OF fdarknaas and arc far away Wit