Griggs courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., Dak. [N.D.]) 1885-1902, 1901-03-14
MECCA OF spoRTsMEN.



and of 20 years hence must show q
transition of wonderful changes in
population and topography" said C.
r. Fischer to q Chicago Inter Ocean
reporter recently. "What, with the
railroads, in whose wake everything
transforms, and the natural induce
ments, fertile soil and healthy
climate, can prevent its ultimate COM
plete settlement by thrifty farmers
and enterprising townspeople? The
government may, however, take q
hand in the matter with view to
preserving a great portion of the
northern half Of Minnesota as .
national park, thereby retaining for
ourselves and posterity a lake and
forest region unrivaled by any in the
world.
"The climatic conditions are rigor.
ous-winters cold, crisp, and drawn
out; summer period bright, sunny,
and brief-the seasons being more
clearly defined and uniform. Doctors
concur in recommending it as most
consistently available to all who
would become hardy and live long.
This is apparent to the layman. It
is at present but sparsely populated.
The settlers and others are imbued
with an energy unknown to climates
farther south, and appear happy in
their activity. So much for the
climate. How comparatively few peo-
pie are cognizant that tere still re-
mains in the United States, more par
ticularly an the North Star state,
gigantic virgin forests of hemlock,
pine, spruce, tamarack, birch, balsam,
and the hard woods, surrounding
large and small lakes (some as yet
unnamed). whose shores have never
felt anything more civllizing than the
noiseless football of the moccasined
Indian; lakes whose crystal waters
know no white mans craft; lakes
literally chock full of every variety of
fish in q game country par excellence.
This is true Of the lake park region
of Minnesota.
cat present those who would en-
Joy an outing under perfect natural
conditions, such as our American In
dian cherishes, could select no better
territory between Maine and Califor-
mia than this part of Minnesota in
June or September, the former month
for the rod; the latter for the MINI
rod. Portions of the lake park dis
trlct, of course, are reserved for the
Indians, and not available to white
hunters. Still, much big game hunt
ing is done on the sly by the pale
faces, and on the red mans confines,
too. From Bemidji, Mimi, on the
west, to the north and east and
south for almost 100 miles, there is
q campers paradise of lake and
forest.
''The government is shortly ex-
pected to throw open coded Chippewa
Indian lands for white settlement,
emitting each entry to 100 acres of
land, most of which is densely GOV.
cred by some of the finest standing
pine imaginable. This reservation
land may and may not be opened up
for settlement. Certain it is that any
action in this direction is viewed with
suspicion and restlessness by the
Chippewas. They quickly recall Uncle
Sans treatment of them, which his
tory tells us was and is one of agrees
sion and suppression. This tribe of
Indians is little removed in beliefs
and barbaric customs from those 100
years ago, except, possibly, more
blankets and fire water. A 4og fort
erected by the settlers near the depot
at Cass Lake, Mimi, in 1895, will
eloquently show how the redskins can
inspire fear in the stoutest hearts
as in early days, and it IS safe sur
mise that they have lost none of their
skill with the tomahawk and scalp
ing knife, nor their marvellous cum
ming on the warpath, should the occa
sion arise. Be that as it is, many
scout the homestead idea since the
exploring and cruising journey taken
by number of our congressman in
this region some years ago. What
ever the outcome may be, nothing
can dim the future of northern Min
nesota. 1t will continue the Mecca of
sportsmen and health seekers for
many years to come, and draw
plaudits from thousands as the years
roll by
Ancient Records I'm China.
- A., 4orrpla - Nopf,,o;,,e ~ Do1,;, -,