Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1883-07-09
SLICK ALEck.

An Entertaining Interview with One of
the Capital Commission-who Betrayed
the South.
Redfeld Dispatch.
Thinking our readers would be inter-
ested in knowing from Commissioner
Myres himself the circumstances under
which the capital of the territory became
located at Bismarck, and his conduct in
the matter, we present below his ans
wers to what may be considered leading
questions relating thereto:
Reporter-"Mr. Myres, what do you
think of the location of the capital at
Bismarck 2"
Mr.. Myres-"So far as the location is
concerned, for north Dakota, it is very
good one: but I think a location farther
east would accommodate the Ipeople
better.'
R-"Do you regard it too far west for
the center of population?"
Mr.. M.C"Yes, decidedly. I don't
think the center Of population will ever
be much west of the James river. West
of the Missouri river will never be used
much, except for grazing purposes"
R.-"How did it come about that the
location was made in north Dakota when
six commissioners we're from the south,
and one from the north voted for south
Dakota location?"
Mr.. M.-"That is somewhat of a mys.
terry, and matter I know no more about
than Others. I regarded it, from the be.
ginning, as impossible to go north; as
did not think the southern members OF
the commission would give away their
country"
R.-sWhat effect will the present loca.
ton have upon the division of the ter.
ritory?"
Mr.. Mt will have tendency tc
defeat division, as north Dakota will now
oppose division. They have the bull by
the horne, and won't let 60 until there i
danger of their being gored."
R.-"Is there any way, in your opinion
whereby they might be glad to let ge
their hold?"
Mr.. M.-"Yes, if south Dakota eve,
gives up the nonsense of fighting amone
themselves. and takes the same plan al
north ta,-'United westand; divided
We fall"
R.-"What do you mean by COMPEL
ing them to let 60 their hold q"
Mr.. M.-"Why, that is easy enough
Say to them: Here, gentlemen, stick te
your text; you beat us on the capital
but be mon and stand by your division
text on the 46th parallel, or we will locate
the capital in south Dakota when tht
next legislature meets"
R.-"But can this be done?"
Mr.: M.-"Yes, if we don't put in 10
of fellows that will give us away"
R.-"Who do You regard as being re
sponsible for the location at Bismarck 2
Mr.. M.-"You Of course know VIII,
voted for Bismarck. Belding is, prac
tically, south Dakota man; but, still,
don't know as his course can be censured
Pierre was his first choice, and Bismarcl
would perhaps suit the Black Hills peo
pie better than some other points. Scot
and Mckenzie, you know, are nortl
Dakota men, and it is not strange tina
they should vote for the north; McKen
zie, especially. could hardly be expecte,
to 60 against himself"
R.-You have given reasons for thres
votes, but what about the other two
What should have induced Hughes an,
DeLong to sell out the south'-as yo,
would express it?"
Mr.. Mt is matter can't under
stand aud don't know any more about j
than you do. know that the Mitchell
people counted on them and had goo,
reason for doing SO, as they both leane
that way until short time before th
matter was decided"
| R.-"Do you regard Hughes as reall
the responsible party, and De Long as
sort Of camp follower of his?"
/ Mr.. M.@"As to the first, I will Say
emphatically, yes. As to the latter, 70
can judge a. we'll AS myself"
i R-"Did you offer to compromise O
any other southern town than Redficld ?
Mr.. MI not only offered to CON
promise on any south Dakota town (e,
lcept Ordway.) but urged comprt