The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-01-01
FOUNDATIONS OF OUR HISTORY.

FOUNDATIONS OF OUR HISTORY.
A most instructive and encouraging re-
view CT the steps taken by the several
states of the Northwest to preserve and
develop the original sources of their his
tory is contained in the current number
of the Forum magazine. 1t is the work
of the state historian of Iowa, Mr. J.
Brigham, and includes an ample sketch
of the work done by such states as Oaio,
Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota
to preserve the original records which In
the hands of the future historian will
constitute Invaluable material for the en-
lightenment of future generations.
We who are the contemporaries of
many of the great men to whose wisdom
and sacrifices this great section OF the
republic in great measure owes its mar
Vicious prosperity and progress are dis
posed to undervalue CT TO manifest in
difference toward the splendid service
which these men and their co-workers
have wrought. With the wise fore
thought which distinguished them in all
their great constructive undertakings,
they saw the period in American history
in which they played their parts was
distinctively formative one, and that its
events would be. studied with the most
profound pride and interest by future
generations Hence it is that from the
earliest days marking the advent of the
white man In the Northwest the NUM-
often In the recitals of the chief char
acters in the wondrous drama of ma>
teria and moral growth and develop
ent.
State and public infuerces, combined
with the literary irstincts and dispositions
Of thoughtful citizenship, have laid, deep
and secure, the foundations from which
will one day arise under the Inspiring
touch of historical GENTS well merited
monument to the now almost forgotten
pioneers of Northwestern civilization.
When the lives of these men are written
by the thoroughly equipped historian
there will be revealed history of actual
achievement which will surpass in dra-
matte effect the rec'tals Of romance.
The Pacific coast is happy in the pos
session among her literary men of one
whose genius has presented to the world
the wondrous story which marks the
achievements of pioneer heroism, mostly
wrought during the century which is
now rapidly drawing to its close. The
Northwestern states do not enjoy this
advantage Perhaps the time has not yet
matured to reap the grand harvest of
historical relation which is the heritage
of future generations of Northwestern
America After years have further mel
lowed the reccllcctions of the master
builders of Northwestern empire the pen
will be discovered which will illumine in
perfect 1iter airy outline one of the grand
est pages in American achievement.
1t is gratifying circumstance that the
state of Minnesota has discharged its
duty to the memory of these great men
of the past by making ample provision
for the collection of historical material
How we'll this work has been done is at
tested by the opening sentence of Mr..
Brigham's review Referring to the be-
ginning of the work which has been so
conscientiously and effectively performed
by our State Historical society and the
succession of scholars that have guided
its progress during its existence, Mr.
Brigham says:
minnesota is entitled to first place
among commemorative for promptness
in recognizing the rights of coming gen
past. The territory of Minnesota was
organized on March 8. 1919. On the Sd day
of the following September the first ter
ritorial legislature convened, and the
fifth act passed by the legislature was
a grant of a charter to the Minnesota
Historical society. Under this charter
the society organized on the 18th of the
following November. 1t had its origin
in the conviction of a few far-seeing and
public-spirited men. that the growth ard
possibilities of their territory and of the
of their time the duty of collecting and
preserving true records of their record
and their era.
We, who day after day are absorbed
in the work of daily life. and are in our
way humble actors In the great events
of our time. give but little thought to
the painstaking and monntonous work OF
the officials and patrons Of our Histori-
cal society, through whose iabors and
sacrifices alone it will be possible one
Gay to reproduce for the enlightenment
of cur descendants the splendid recital of
the progress which has been accomplish
ed even by our contemporaries in all the
undertakings which rerder cur generation
unique among the hosts Of humanity