The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-02-11
A RUSH FOR THE PROMISED LAND.
Boomers Invaded 1t Before the Pro-
cIanation Cot Along.
Grand Scramble for Homes Across
the Frozen River.
The First House Entered the Reser-
walton on Wheels.

ST. PAUL, Mimi, February 1O.-The Pic
neer Press special from Chamberlain, S. D.,
says: The loud report of a cannon this af-
ternoon was the signal for a crowd Of town.
site boomers, secreted in the heavy timber
on American Island, to get upon the coveted
bottom on the Sioux reservation lands, ON
the west side of the river. Immediately the
representatives Of the various combinations
sent here for the purpose of securing this
tract were in motion. Teams with loads Of
lumber at once started on the dead run on
the Ice across the river. 1t was evident,
plainly, that the local town site boomers had
secured an important advantage by reason
of their closer proximity to the lands. The
Indian police, to the number Of nearly 100,
had been placed as guard to prevent any
premature invasion, but they stood dazed
and helpless as they viewed the great and
irresistible rush for the reservation. The
most novel site was the moving of large
building, under which had been placed heavy
timbers and wheels. This, like the other
wagons, was pulled across the river by gal
loping horses. 1t took but few
minutes for several sections on valuable
bottoms to be literally covered with claim
ants but 1t will take score of lawyers to
solve the problem as to who are the rightful
OWuci5. ne lOCdl LUWu olt6 UOOIu6TS nave
undoubtedly secured an advantage over the
other organized boomers by few minutes,
but among the boomers are a number who
intend to secure homestead filingsif,possble
which, if persisted in, will complicate the
matter to such an extent as to result in a
protracted legal struggle
While the rush and conflict was going on
for the bottom lands, many other intending
settlers rushed promptly into the uplands
and began, at once the erection. Of
h0ase T6oge aFs prepared to defend defend
States Marshal Fry and Indian Agent
Anderson, assisted BY deputies and the In
dian police, we're soon at work vigorously
attempting to eject the invaders In the alb
sc sence Of any E, word from the Secretary Of the
entirely inadequate to the requirements Of
the occasion. While many were escorted to
the river, there was not large enough force
to keep them there and they quickly return
ed to their claims; Tonight the settlers will
should transpire the proclamation did
opening, their claims of settlement will un-
doubtedly hold good regardless Of the fact
that claimants were elected. A new land
running order by the time the lands are sur
veyed, when filings will be rendered to the
settlers. The land is as yet unsurveyed and
settlers will for the present have to secure
ssquatters' rights. The settlers who have
lumber on the ground are erecting houses by
the light Of lanterns, and the morning sun
will shine on scores of new houses, many
grouped in new town ON the west side Of
the river. Townsiters who got advantage of
other boomers in the possession of a town
site N, have e arranged for representation in
4S hours buildings will have been erected and
everything will be in running order with a
population Of between 1000 aod 5000.