, 1890-02-11

ST. PAUL, Feb. 10.-A Pioneer Press
Chamberlain special says: A loud re-
port Of a cannon this afternoon startled
the crowd OF people camped here, await
ing an opportunity to get Upon the
Sioux reservation lands, which turned out
to be II signal for the TOWNSHIP boomers who
were secreted in heavy timber on Amer
lean island to get upon the coveted bottom
on the west size of the river. The imme-
date representatives of various combina-
tons sent here for the purpose of secUr-
ing this tract were in motion, and teams
with loads OF lumber started on a dead
run across the river, but it was plainly
evident that the local TOWNSHIP boomers
had secured an important advantage by
reason Of their closer proximity to the
lands. 1t was a grand sight, viewed from
the high bluffs, where several thousand
people had gathered to see as many more
take part in this exciting event.
Indian police, numbering nearly 100,
had been placed on guard to prevent any
premature invasion. but they stood dazed
and helpless as they viewed the great and
Irresistible rush for the reservation. A
most novel sight was the moving of a
large building, under which had been
placed heavy timbers and wheels This,
like other wagons, was pulled across the
river by galloping horses. 1t took but a
few minutes for several sections on the
valuable bottom to be literally covered
with claimants, and it will take a score of
lawyers to solve the problem as to who
ere the righttul owners. Local townsite
boomers undoubtedly secured the adyan-
tage over other organized boomers by a
few minutes, but among the boomers are
a number who INTENDED to secure a home
stead filing if possible, which will com
plicate the matter TO such an extent as to
result III a protrated legal struggle.
While this rush was going on for bot
tom lanls many other intending settlers
rushed promptly into the ~uplands and be
gan at once the erection of houses, and
these we're prepared to defend their rights
as against later settlers, determinedly
guarding against any invasion of their
lands. United States Marshal Fry and
Indian Agent Anderson, assisted by depu-
ties and Indian polite were soon at work
vigorously attempting to eject the in
vaders.
The forces at their disposal were entire
ly inadequate to the requirements of the
OSCdSlOu, anu hullG uduy NGIC uOlluGu
and escorted to the river there was not a
large enough force to keap them there,
and they quickly returned to their claims.
Tonight settlers encamp on their claims.
Ii it should transpire the proclamation
didn't name a future day for opening the
claims, settlement would undoubtedly
hold good regardless Of the fact that
claimants were elected. A new land office
will be organized at once and be in run
ming order by the time the lands are sur
veyed. when filings will be rendered by
settlers The land is as yet unsurveyed,
and settlers for the present will have to
secure squatter rights. There were a
number of smashups IN the rush, but as
yet no fatalities have been reported. The
city is in a great uproar to night, bells are
ringing, whistles blowing and cannons
booming, and by morning the appearance
of the reservation for many miles in every
direction will have undergone a transfer
nation Settlers who have timber on
the grounds are erecting houses by the
light of lanterns aud the morning sun
will shine on scores of new houses.