The Dickinson press., 1898-08-20

UuA OASIlRoSAOuyfS oW0MNNt ~ ASAA~yS
and liver to a healthy activity, without r-
ritating or weakening hem,todispelhead-
aches, colds, or fevers, use Sysup of Figs,
made by the California Fig Syrup Co.
Destroyed BY the Bismarck Fire.
One Of the greatest losses in the Bis
marck fire, from a sentimental and his
torical point of view, is that of the files
of the Daily Tribune. They extended
from the first issue of the paper, in June
1879, to the present day. Once destroyed
by fire, in the destruction of the Tribune
of 1885, they were replaced, fortunately,
because of the fact that a New York in
weston in Bismarck had preserved the
files from the first issue, and cheerfully
gave them to the Tribune. Other papers
came from all sources in response
to requests and advertisements,
and after much labor and toll, they we're
made complete. The early ones, those
comprising the most interesting history
of the city, with the authentic records of
early days-the Black Hills excitement
written on the ground foor-the Custer
massacre, a twelve column account, with
the original interviews of the survivors of
Re9e's command when they first stepped
from the steamer, Far West after a
perilous passage down the river; the ear
ly townsite struggles, records of the or
ganization of many of the counties of the
state, territorial political conventions and
struggles-all of them have been con-
sumed, it is feared beyond replacing.
The fraternities lose many valuable
relics. The Masonic lodge rooms were
destroyed with all the original charters.
Bismarck lodge was the first established
in the present jurisdiction of North Da-
kota, and the old charter signed by the
Minnesota grand officers was consumed.
All the records of the lodge were destroy
! ed, with the apartments Of the fraternity
which were as handsome as any in the
state. The Knight Templars lost rega-
liza and uniforms to the value of many
thousands of dollars. Knights of Pythias
lost all of their paraphenalia.
The records of the surveyor generals
Office, including the notes of the original
surveys Of the state, went up in the con-
fagration, and while some of the records
can be replaced by duplicates at Wash
ington, it will involve immense loss for
the time being, and research and labor
to replace the records. The land Office
was swept clean although the plat books
were saved, but vast quantities of i'm
portant papers, filings, proofs, etc, we're
destroyed, the government never having
provided sufficient safe room for them.
The office of Adjutant General Miller
was also consumed. This will involve
another important historical loss, as the
complete records of the state volunteers
were there and went up in the flames
Particular pride was felt in these, as
North Dakota, not having been repre-
sented in the civil war, was eager for a
creditable record in the war with Spain,
and feeling that this would without
doubt be accomplished by the state vol
u%nteers, particular interest was felt in the
preservation of an accurate record of the
mastering and enlistment of the state
troops. These records are now in ashes
and cannot be replaced. The original
muster rolls of the companies, the
records of enlistments and all of the rec
ords Of the state militia, with the muster
rolls of the companies, order of succes-
sion of officers, dates of appointment,
commissioners, etc., have been destroyed.
The personal effects of Adjutant General
| Miller were consumed with the office.
Although the losses are heavy, far ex-
ceeding the amount of insurance carried
by the sufferers, there is no discourage
ment and preparations are being made
to rebuild. The plan of Fargo will be
adopted, and two-story bricks will re-
place the three-story structures that were
destroyed, except in the case of the First
National bank, which will erect a three
story building. Ornamentally the new
building will not be as elaborate, for the
destroyed building occupied by the bank
was perhaps the handsomest building in
the state, considering its extent, and was
builded in boom days, when money was
plenty and prospects rosy.-Alert.