St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1892-04-16
The Holders Of Soldiers De-
claratories Get Very Lit
tie Encouragement.
, Special to the Globe.

-
long line Of yearners after a bit OF
Uncle Sants domain began filing at the
land office promptly at noon, but a
gOody portion Of the reservation Is now
in the hands Of its friends, the squatters.
and the other portion is held, or nearly
50, by soldiers declaratories or FL
ings of homesteaders. 1t is likely
many claims in the possession of squat
ters were filed at the land office and the
proof will be required to sustain title to
the land. 1t is more than likely that
after matters are Strengthened out there
will be many claims left. Inc squat
tiers must prove by witnesses.
The filers hav the land office
for their side of the case.
Last night the long file of men were in
high glee. They knew it was the last
night out for them. When the midnight
hour was chimed they rent the air with
their cheers, cheers OF gladness that the
day was begun, which, before its clos
ing, might see them rich in the posses
sion of 100 acres of
Sioux Valley Dirt.
AS their cheers assembled the stars
winked and binked, and the man IN
tie moon smiled approvingly. AS it
came time for old Sol to put in his APP
pearance heavy fog was hanging over
the earth, but in his masterful
strength he brushed 1t away and al
lowed his rays, which had been hidden
for several days, to enliyen the scene.
1t cheered the heart OF the filler; it
cheered the heart of the squatter; it aid
their souls good, and was taken as IL
good omen. At an early hour those
| who at the last minute had concluded
| to resort to squaIter's right, pulled for
the reservation, many VINO had no
desire or right to take land join
ing with the motley crowd. The
reservation was found to be lined with
squatters. Most Of those vino desired to
see the rush went north into this cOun-
ty, where number Of the sQuatters
were punched IN lots Of from 80 to 100.
| There was no flippant talk engaged in
by the squatters. They were there for
business; no sullen looks, but determ-
nation to succeed could be read
in each countenance. Some were
on foot, others mounted on fleeted footed
ponies. Farmers teams were brought
into play, likewise livery teams; stylish
| turnouts were there in number, but the
turnouts not so stylish were in the ma
joritv. There were young men, the first
glance would show were not cut out for
farmers; there were young ladies,
whose presence would grace any bali
room, each eager to secure share OF
Uncle Sans" gift to his people. The
ladies' in natty attire seated
On Melted Horses
with spade or shovel strapped to their
saddles with soft-tingered gentry
waited to engage with the hard-fsted
and horny-handed sons of toll in the
grand struggle for claim. over on
the reservation could be noticed
mounted horsemen. They were the
deputy sherilfs. As they gallo ped
along the line their stars glis-
tening in the sunlight, it
warned the squatters not TO make the
rush before the appointed hour. As
that hour approached more restless be-
came the settlers, and more quiet. No
one must be allowed the advantage, and
each thought perhaps this or that one
is after the piece of land l wan t.
The hour arrives; the start is
made; they are off. Those who
were on horseback seemed to have the
advantage. Next came those in light
rigs. The numbering farm wagons
make good time, and the pace quickens
as an occupant jumps and begins dig
ging as if for pot of gold. Those on
foot strike gait that would do
credit to professional walkers. On
rush the squatters = the sight
is grand, exhilarating. Look to the
south; look to the north. Far as eye
can reach, the same sight presents itself
to the onlooker. A rushing, hurrying,
! nervous mass of humanity engaged in
the scramble for gain. There is no
! shouting. Even when the line
moved forward not a word was
uttered. First in solid masses
they go only to break quickly in open
| order. and as the advance is made into
the heert OF the reservation the dis
| lance between each is increased. Fol
| lowing the boomers could be noticed
wagons loaded down with lumber and
supplies.
Flying with the boomers were men
and boys on horseback with
Open Watches in Hand
to fix the time when the first spadeful
| of soil was turned. As they sped over
the land claims along the borders were
forgotten. Neighboring farmers took
advantage of this without delay, and
more than one stout female was noticed
digging hole and declaring the claim
| hers. One elegant turnout was no.
ticed especially. In the rear seat
reclined two ladies. Their carriage
was loaded down with the paraphernaIia
of the quatter-spades, stakes and
signs, probably to keep OFF the grass.