Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1899-06-02
A DELIGHTED VISITOR.
Passenger Agent Jamar. of tho G. s. n. W.
Ry., Details Some Pleasing Ex-
periences at our Carlsbad,

turn from trip to the Black Hills
granted a Gazette reporter an inter-
view. He said:
"After suffering all winter with rheu-
matism. together with the grippe, 1
was induced by Mr.. Faulkes, the editor
of your paper, to join him on a trip to
the Hills, and to seek relief at the Hot
Springs of South Dakota. Leaving
here on the fast mail, at 1853 a. M, ar
irving at Missouri Valley at 2:40 p. m.,
we there took the Elkhorn Valley train
for Hot Springs, where we arrived at
1862 u. IN. the following morning and
we're met by the attaches of the Evans
hotel, where we found a hospitable
greeting and a nice warm, delicious
breakfast awaiting our arrival.
"You ask me: What are the Hot
Springs? know of no more graphic
description than that contained in a
little pamphlet furnished by the Elk
horn road, in which the Hot Springs
are described in this language:
"History refers to the Vale of Kash-
mir, in the Himalaya mountains, as
one of the most beautiful spots in the
world. Poets have written of its
charms and bards have sung its prais-
es. 1t is described as spot where ma
ture has exposed her most beautiful
forms, where the elements are at rest
amid perpetual sunshine. But with
all its attractions, the beauty and eli
mate of the Vale of Minnekahta out
rivals those of this marvel of the Elm
alayas.
'The Vale of Minnekahta is in the
Black Hills of South Dakota, and Hot
Springs is in the Vale of Minnekahta.
This beautiful valley derives its name
from the Indian word Min me kah-ta,
signifying 'hot water Its equable
climate, scenic beauties and healthgiv.
ing waters have attracted permanent
population of two thousand, while ten
thousand people seeking health and
pleasure visit Hot Springs each year.
The work of nature is here lavishly
displayed, yet not more than the evil
dences of modern civilization.
"There are more than seventy five
springs where the water bubbles up
through the sand or flows steady
stream from natures solid masonry of
q hillside, and it is absolutely free
from any vegetable substances. In
most cases the temperature is 96 de-
grees, or very nearly the natural heat
of the body without any artificial heat
ing or cooling. By drinking these
waters and bathing in them, the pores
of the body are opened and the secre-
tions are stimulated to free and natur-
al activity. The internal and externalap-
plication at this particular temperature
isremarkably efhcacious. The supply is
constant, invariable and inexhaustible,
flowing nearly a million gallons per
day."
Perhaps no spot west of the Mississ.
ippi is so historic in interest as these
Black Hills. A number of legends are
connected Herewith, perhaps the most
beautiful Of which is that of Battle
Mountain, the topmost peak of q tier
of rugged hills overlooking the entire
Vale of Minnekahta. AS near as I can
recollect it will give it to you as it
was given to me, by a gentleman we'll
versed in the history Of this beautiful
spot.
"a number of years ago the Grow In
dians made this their home, living in
peaceful sublimity all their days and
at peace with all the world. Their life
seemed to be one of continual happi-
ness and serenity. They spent their
summers in camp and peaceful rest.
In winter they sought that which sus-
tanned them during the rugged and
gloomy winters that prevail in this re-.
gion, and I might describe it in the
works of Enoch Arden:
mo want was there of human susten-
ance.
Soft fruitage, mighty nuts and nour-
ishing roots;
Nor save for pity was it hard to take
The helpless life SO wild that It was
tame.
There in sea-ward, gazing mountain
gorge
They built, and thatched with leaves
of pine their huts.
Half huts, half native cavern. So the
tribe set in this Eden of all
righteousness, dwelt with eter.
nal summer content"
"Until there came an evil omen hang.
ing over their very sky; like bird Of
vulture, in the shape of Sioux Indians,
who under the pretense Of q friendly
visit sent an immisssry to their camp
who seeing the comfort and beauty
Of their home, went back and reported