The Forrest City times., 1891-09-25
l LONELY HERMIT HE.
DICK BAsSETT IS PRESIDENT
 OF A LITTLE REPUBLIC.
1he 1sland In Lake Michigan Tint 1s Nos Controlled by Any State or Federal Authority--Basset owns lt by Squatters' Right.

"uSu Has bceH Sllu and written Of the Lake Michigan Island winch has been overlooked by the surveyors for the present map of the United States, put little is known of Dick Bassett, its ruler. He is the only human inhabi- tant of the island Wolves, bears and other wild animals abound in winter though, and strange to say, Bassett refrains from slaughtering these; and they refrain from feasting upon his carcass, so Dick and all sorts of ani- mals live in peace. When other food is scarce the wild wolves and bears of- ten come to the hermlt's cabin and In their own way ask for food Such is the story that Bassett tells. and in such serious manner that the truth of the assertion is given considerable weight.
 until recently Bassett never left the island more than once a year. On those occasions he would seldom enter et- tied region. Not long ago though he surprised people by taking train at Traverse City and going to Grand Ra ids where he visited for several days.
 Dick Bassett is about 50 years old, wears full beard tiuged with gray, is we'll read and intelligent and has a romance somewhere in his career, but no one knows just where the romance comes i'll and the particulars of it are n profound secret. lie will talk freely on any subject that may be brought up: but when the conversation turns to his personal history, he shuts up like a clam, pensivc look comes into his eyes and unless fresh topic is intro duced he soon quickly retires from the circle. He arrived in Traverse City about fourteen years ago and lived in Il deserted fishing cabin on the beach, far from the abode of men. He oc- casionally came to town. but only to buy supplies or to sell the fish he caught and never lounged around the bar-rooms or corner groceries He built himself a boat and most of his days were spent on the waters of the bay with fish line in hand. He was mystery then and is almost as much of a mystery to-day, although through casual remarks and occasional obser- vations he has dropped within the hearing of friends some inkling of his career has be ome known.
 Bassctt remained year in his fishing cabin on the beach and then he took pos session of little island eight miles out in the bay from thls city, lying be- tween Marion lslan and the mainland, so near to either that but a stone throw of water separated him from them. The island comprises but Il single acre of land. and when he took possession was covered with heavy growth of virgin forest, appearing from a distance like Il little tuft of green rising out of the water He cleared the land without as- sistance, leaving row of large trees as n border to his plantation. He erected Il cottage of boards, which he hewed out of the trees he chopped down, and to this day he has lived alone on the island, quietly and to all appearances happy and contented, He planted fruit trees and vines, and the land produces more than enough vege- tables and fruit to supply his simple wants, In tho summer he fishes in the bay, both with line and net. and real izes substantial income from the sale of the fish m the city and Ut the summer resort near by. Ho is said to have accumulated Il competency, but of his worldly affairs Dick Bassett is as reticent as of his early life. He takes several daily papers and maga- zines, has a well selected library. mainly of travel and history. and has queer collection of old pipes, chiefly corn cohs and briars- He is an invet- crate smoker. but rarely drinks. He frequently spends the winter on the island alone, with an occasional hunt ing expedition to vary the monotony, 2 while some winters he seeks employ ment in the lumber camps
 His recent visit to Grand Rapids is the first time he has sought pleasure or recreation in n city, The only pets he hns is monster Thomas cat and few dozen choice hens. He does not take kindly to dogs and has never had one on the island. In summer his house is never locked, and he goes away leaving money and food on the table in plain view, confident that any visitor who comes in his absence will not rob him. Many summer re- sorters have visited his island. both while he was ut home and when he was away. The Indians never think of passing in their canoes without maxi him u call, and yet his confidence has never been betrayed If the visitors are hungry they help themselves to the fooc spread on the table, but as near as he can calculate Bassett has never missed dollar in money.
 Hut there is strange circumstance in regard to the island. It is so small and Insignificant it has never been sur veyed and Bassett has not been able to secure legal title to it from the government. To his inquiries, he has been informed from Washington that such an island does not exist on the charts and maps and therefore has no legal existence. In consequence of this decision from Wash ington the authorities of Grand Ira verse county hold that Bassett is not a resident of the United States, and not citizen. and that he cannot vote. Living within stone throw of Maj ion island and the mainland. both on the government chart, yet he is declared an alien and is disfranchised. He ac- cepts this decision with commendable philosophy, finding consolation in the fact that he is exempt from all taxa tion. township, county and State alike. He does not own very much, 1t is true, but fine were worth million he would
 ~