The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-06-18
OUR LAKE REGION.

The sojourner in Minnesota who sees for the first
time any one of the majestic and beautiful lakes
which dot this state in every quarter is heard nvari-
ably express his regret that there is nothing of the
kind in the vicinity of his home and that if there
the people would consider themselves enriched
beyond estimation. If it be true that distance lends
enchantment it is also that familiarity breeds
contempt. Nature has been lavish in Minnesota
in adding the beauty of the landscape and in the
dispensaon of her other gifts that to make life
paradise that take everything for granted, and
many of look, at the glorious range of lakes which
we possess as just so much good land covered with
water
Here and there in the southerly states there
good people who understand that the
leisure which they take to themselves in the
mer season can be had here it not be had else
where They have their fayorite lake resorts in Min
nesota to which they with regularity. And
the knowledge which they have of the delights Of
our resorts and the advantages of season
they confide in turn few personal friends. But
the circle is but small and the glorious lakes Of Min
nesota still as nearly unknown to the mass of
the American people outside if there nothing
on the map tor indicate their existence.
There are, too. a number of young of money
and leisure who. have their hunting resorts here
which they come to- regularly in season. These
as rule preserve their secret and enjoy in quiet
what they would have to share with many others if
the knowledge were all widespread Of the beauties
and delights which lake-dotted plains offer to
all who among There is, too, that other
class that is constantly looking for small in
vestment which in the distant future it's descend
ants will reap big return. This class has dscov-
cred the Minnesota lakes, and they have bought as
much Of the land surrounding them they could get
for song. Unhappily they have succeeded in get
ting large proportion Of it, With these exceptions
the beauties Of the lake system of Minnesota
little known as if they had no existence.
Now, however. the several railroad officials have
conceived the extremely original idea that they
should unite to make the lake region of Minnesota
more generally known than it is. OF course we all
understand what absorbing love Of the picturesque
it is that animal the breasts of the hustling officers
of the railroad randwe accordingly thankful for
the belief in the aesthetic Which is found prevalent
to dictate such action on their part. But 1t may
be asked how it happens that few railroad men
left to do this most essential work What i'm
portant duty could devolve on any department of
state government than that OF making the advantages
of the state known?
We have crossed the Atlantic to do so in the past
among the poor peasantry Of Europe and we have
reaped reward which is fast poisoning out into
the most benefcent results for the commonwealth
and it's people But there no occasion to go across
the There are thousands of men and women
living in the states adjoining that would come
mere ana i've II tney knew anything OF what the state
has to offer them There still other thousands
every section in the country that would pour in here
during the season, and bring away with them
such knowledge of the state should be generally
prevalent
The state house and the various departments OF
state government contain number of men with
out serious occupation and who are doing no ap-
preciabe thing to earn the salaries they draw with
striking regularity from the state treasury If just
three of such could be placed together at desk
table in Of the least gaudy Of the chambers OF
the state house. new DID, presently in the I'm
mediate future, and throbbng human brain put
behind them to keep them in motion, there could
three years be gotten out of them of en-
during good for the people and the state through
little effort in this direction than has ever been Sc
cured through all the abors Of half the politicians
that God has ever blessed us with