davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
TWO DEEECLS.

A farther e-amicat; N Of the pro-
posed tax law reveal two features
which certainly need amending. One
is the provision that real estate assess
ments shall be made only once in four
years instead of two as at present. The
state has not yet reached the age of
settled values, where such move is
best. Real estate values are yet con-
stantly changing and four years is en-
tirely too long period to elapse with
out readjustment in assessed values. 1t
is possible that in the southern half of
the state this provision would work no
harm, but in the north portion where
settlement is still going on and new
sections are being opened up, it would
be most impracticable to make the
change. And even for this section of
the state, we do not believe the time
has yet arrived, when the change
should be made. Better let the two
year provision rest for another decade
at least. And on the whole we do
not know but that it is best that it
should remain so permanently, for it
will do no possib BILE harm to have the
assessor keep in close touch with the
real estate assessments, and this he
will not do if assessments are only
made once in four years. There are
many changes going on all the time
in the cities and villages, especially,
which make four years entirely too
long a period.
Another provision which needs
amending is that in relation to the
county assessor. Here is one of the
most important officials connected with
the assessment for tax purposes. The
proposed bill provides that this Official
shall serve for four years. shall devote
not more than 100 days to the duties Of
his office, for which he shall draw
pay for services at the rate of four dol
lars per day. If the duties of the Office
are to be looked after in accordance
with it's Importance, the official filling
| it should be required to devote all OF
his time thereto, and have attached a
salary of at least $1,000 and if he is
the right man for the place he will
earn every cent of it too. Nothing is
gained by being penurious in this in
stance. The duties which the proposed
bill places upon the county assessor
cannot be properly attended to in tht
time allowed, and the right kind of &
man cannot be found who will Civ,
up his other business for few months
in the year at the salary attached
This is one of the most serious mis-
takes we have noted in the bill, and i
should be corrected by amendment re
quiring all his time with adequate pa.
therefor.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
THE SPECIAL SESSION.

Now that the governor has called the
legislature to meet in extra session on
Tuesday, Feb. 4th, to consider the tax
bill reported by the tax commission,
it is up to that body as to what kind
of record will be made. Last winter
that body made a most commendable
record, and this has given people gem
orally belief that they can hope for a
continuance of the same at the spe-
cial session. Just as little legislation
as possible, outside of the tax law,
should be the aim of that body. The
idea of caucus on the evening pre-
ceding the converting of the legisla-
ture, at which an agreement as to
about the length of the session, and
the business that shall be transacted,
if any, outside of the consideration of
the tax bill, is a good idea, and should
be carried our. While Gov. Van SAINT
did not mention any other business in
his call for the meeting, it is generally
understood that in his message trans
hitting the tax report, he will ask for
an appropriation to defray the expense
of the suit against railway consolida-
zion. He may allude to some other
matters, but if so, he is keeping them
closely to himself. There are one or
two matters which ought to receive
attention, most prominent of which is
an amendment to the board of con-
troll law in reference to the normal
schools and the state university. These
educational institutions ought to be
separated from the authority of that
body and put under the full control of
their respective boards, and the sooner
it is done the better for both.
If the state is to be represented at
the st. Louis exposition, steps ought
to be taken at the coming session to
this end. If the advantages which
the state gained at Buffalo last season,
could be duplicated at st. Louis in
1908, it would be first class invest
ment for the state. If any thing is to
be done it should be done at once so
that ample time may be had to secure
a proper exhibit for the state and it
should be done on scale that will al
low the state good showing.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
THEY, TOO, NEED 1T.
Chippewas of White Earth Want Their
Stumpaqe Money.

Stumpage Money.
White Earth, MINI. Jan. 14.-The
Chippewa Indians, of this agency,
met Special Agent McNichols and
Agent Michelet in council for the pur-
pose of requesting them to use their
efforts in having the $S6, 600 stumpage
money paid to them as soon as posi-
BILE. This amount was deposited to the
credit of Agent Michelet in Novem-
Der, and he was instructed to disburse
it pro rata among all resident Indians
OF the White Earth reservation, but
before this could be commenced, GER
tain faction of the Indians circulated
petition protesting against the partici-
patton of the Pembinas, Otter Tail,
Pillagers and others, who were not
considered Mississippi Chippewas,
sharing in this fund.
This petition, which was sent to
the intreior department., was the cause
of suspending the payment until an
opinion by the United States attorney
general could be obtained as to what
particular Indians were entitled The
members of the council. strongly pro-
tested against the action of the petit
tioners, as they fear the payment will
now be Indefinitely delayed.
The recent policy of Indian Commits
sioner Jones to individualize the In
dian has met with universal approval
in this locality. The intention is to
pay each Indian, who is capable of
transacting his own affairs, all that is
due him from the government, afford
ing him the opportunity of striking
out for himself, and segregating his
interests from that of the tribe. A
petition for this purpose is now being
circulated among the Indians, request
ing congress to take action the present
session.
The old peoples home, recently es-
tablished by Special Agent McNichols
is meeting with approval. Many Of
those who have been in need have
taken refuge there, and the govern,
ment's policy is highly commended.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
PROTECTING A CLOCK.

The navy department has purchased
a considerable tract of land surround
ing the naval observatory at Washing
ton, in order to protect from jar the
delicate instruments which record the
official time Of. the country. = !tswas
considered undesirable to have high
ways within 1000 feet Of. the clock
room, SO all the land within I, 600 feet
was purchased. You need not be SO
careful of yourself as the navy depart,
ment ia of it's clock, but you will lind
il a very judicious plan to use
"Golden Grain Belt'' beer regularly.
It is a most nourishing and refresh
ing beverage, brewed from the purest
barley, malt and hops Order OF your
dealer or be supplied by M. }, Smith,
Mankato.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
A CHANCE FOR THE CRITICS.

In the election Of g. N. Andrews
as president of the board of trade, the
Free Press is of the opinion-that the
directors made good selection. Mr..
Andrews has proved himself most
valuable member of that body, and
has taken great interest in and carried
out faithfully all matters which have
assigned him to look after and as pres
ident of the board he will have still
wider opportunity in forwarding mat
ters of general interest to the entire
city.
In the declination of 9. A. Chapman
to longer serve as secretary, the board
loses most faithful and efficient Sec
rotary, whose long acquaintance with
the city has made him most valuable
in much of the work that has come
before the board, and that body will
find the choosing of as faithful sue
cessor to be most difficult matter.
In the change that is now taking
place, the passing of the business con-
troll of the commercial interests of the
city from the older to the younger ele-
ment is most conspicuously noticed.
There has been considerable talk of
late, on the part of some, of the need
OF good, strong commercial club to
cooperate with the board of trade.
1t seems to the Free Press that in q
city the size of Mankato, one good,
strong organization would be worth
much more than two. The success
of the board Of trade in working for
the advancement of Manktao's inter-
ests will depend much upon the secre-
tary chosen. 1t is manifest that if the
work which ought to be done in this
direction is done as it should be that a
. man must necessarily devote consider
able time to it This time must be
paid for. Now is the opportunity fol
those who have in the past criticized
! the board for not being what it ought
! to be and no. doing what ought to be
i done for Mankato's interests, to come
forward and lend helping hand to-
ward assisting it to reach their ideal
of what the board should be. To dc
this it will cost a little money, but il
will be money well spent. Let them
become members of the board and sc
assist the directors financially and
otherwise in attaining some of the
things Mankato ought to have. We'll
directed efforts through the one organ,
ization will be much better, than TIE
divided efforts of two. Now is the op
portnnity. What will be made of it
# it were made possible for secretar.
of the board to devote say one-third o
his time, cae-half would be better
during the next year, in the interest
Of Mankato, it might prove most bene
fetal to the city. Why not better t
! try it, than to attempt the organiza
ton of another club2
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
RED INDIANS in SIBERIA.
English Traveller Describes a Queer
Race of PEOPLE.

We saw clusters Of tents exactly like
the Red Indian tents. They belonged
to the aborigines Buriat Mongols,
who are vanishing before the Muscov-
ties as the redskins are vanishing be-
fore the Saxons. -.
When the train halted I had good
opportunity for seeing these people.
They are first cousins to the Chinese,
but all I met struck me as being
broader, more sturdily built than the
Chinese. Their faces are round rather
than long, but their cheek bones are
prominent. The eye is warm, good
natured brown. Their skins are not
the. Chinese sickly sallow, but ruddy
bronze. They are all good-looking
men, and had I met them in Nevada,
it would never have struck me they
were not red Indians.
The women folk, however, --would
have put me right. Without being
accused of lack of gallantry, the In
dian squaw is one of the last ladies on
the earth for whom it would be pos
sible to rouse acknowledgements, fat
to unwieIdiuess, and with as much
expression as a potato. But these
Buriat women are often handsome
with the kind of good looks you some
times see among Spanish Jewesses,
only much darker. The features were
we'll cut, the nose refined, and the eye
black and brilliant. Their hair was
really black. AS they walked about
in their gay red print frocks-and no
other color would suit them as we'll
they had a long. easy swing of the
limbs that showed good physique. The
elder women get wrinkle faced and
rather uncertain in their gate. Yet
distinction remains with them.
found the Russians has kindly
admiration for the Buriats. extolling
them for their simplicity and honesty.
These DGriats, though they live in
tents, are rot really nomads, but keep
to me particular district. Although
the children of the Mongols, once the
terror of the world, the re is nothing Of
the warrior about them, except their
splendid Craftsmanship. High-5anked
and comfortable do their saddles look,
but they manage their horses, which
are light brown with black Eanes and
very swift, with wonderful agility.
They know we'll how their ancestors
once swept Europe, and they have q
firm belief that some day a leader will
arise and regain their lost kingdom
To me there is something very
pathetic in this confidence amons
races once powerful out now subject
81, hat the day will come when they
will reinherit their own. Perhaps i
is we'll they should have this little
glow of patriotism in their hearts.
In religion they are Buddhists, bu
have only been so for three centuries
They are fond of making pilgrimage
to Ourga. where there is a "livin!
Buddha. So great is this devotion
that Buriat will frequently surren
der the whole of his property to som
shrine on condition that he receive
just enough to live on.-London News
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
CLERK AND CARRIER.
Civil Service Examination For These
Positions in Local Service Feb. 10.

Positions in Local Service Feb. 10.
The United States civil service COM
m ission announces that on February
10, 1909, an examination will be held
in this city for the positions of clerk
and carrier in the postoffice service.
All persons who have been examined
for the position of clerk or carrier
within the past year and failed to
pass may be re-examined upon fling
new applications in due time.
This examination offers an excellent
opportunity for entering the federal
service to bright, energetic young per-
sons who are not afraid of hard work.
and the commission hopes that suffi-
cient number of intelligent, active
persons will present themselves for this
examination. 1t may be stated that
there is wider field for advancement
upon merit in the federal service
than in many private employments,
not only by promotion in the same
office, but by transfer to other parts of
the service.
The nature of the examination is
test of practical, general intelligence,
and of adaptability in postoffice work.
The age limitations for this examin-
alton are as follows: All positions, 10
to do years.
All applicants, male and female,
must have the medical certificate in
form 1O1 executed. Applicants for
male clerk and for carrier must be at
least fl. 4 in. in height, and weigh
not less than 1876 pounds.
The names of all male eligibles will
be entered on both the clerk and car
rier registers, and appointment from
either register will remove the eli
gible's name from both registers
This examination is open to all citi-
zens of the United States who comply
with the requirements. Competitors
will be rated without regard to any
consideration other than the quailfica-
tions shown in their examination
papers, and eligibles will be certified
strictly in accordance with the civil
service law and rules.
For application blank form lOl)'
full instructions, specimen examina
ton questions, and information rela
tive to the duties and salaries of the
different positions, application snouie
be made to the undersigned
Applications must be on hie with
the secretary of the local board before
the hour of closing business on Fepru
airy B, 1902. ur1o1D
Secretary Postal Board.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
BETTER STREETS.
City Officials to Attend Good
Roads Meeting.
Municipal Lighting Agitation Renew
ed, in View of the Councils Au-
thority to Issue Bonds.

Mayor Petersen, City Engineer
Thompson and Aid. Leonard will at
tend the state good roads convention
at st. Paul Thursday, paying their
own expenses. They will go for the
interest which they have in the good
ROADS movement and to acquire poin-
tiers which may be valuable in improv-
ing the streets of Mankato.
Mayor Petersen stated Tuesday that
he is in favor of mscadamizing the Cross
streets, possibly using asphalt paving
on the others. He is in favor of tax
ing. jackson street and putting down
the best possible macadam pavement
from Front to Second or Third streets.
The mayor is influenced in favor of
macadam by considerable sentiment
which he has found among the people
in favor of that kind of paving. If the
government could be assessed along
the postoffice lot, he would be heartily
in favor of extending the Jackson
street improvement to Broad street.
While in the twin cities, the mayor
and his companions will consult with
, the city engineers and others in regard
, to street improvement, and among
other things will make inquiries in
regard to -bitumen pavement, which
the city engineer of Minneapolis has
been quoted as being highly favorable
to.
Mayor Petersen was informed today
by City Attorney Daley that the
council has authority under the laws
of 1901 to issue bonds for municipal
electric lighting plant, without sub
hitting the matter to a vote of the
people and regardless of the present
size of the bonded debt. The contract
with the Mankato Gas and Elec sric
Light Co. for lighting the streets ex-
pires this year, and there is move
ment on foot looking to having tht
council purchase and Install a city
plant during the coming summer.
The mayor is in favor of the Cit.
doing its own lighting, and states th
there is not nearly so much opposite
to this among the people at large q.
was the case when the matter was
last agitated, SO far as he is able to
learn. He is not in favor of moving
the pumping station from its present
location, as that would involve an ex
pense of So, 0GC tc SO, 900, which he
believes might better be left to a flu
ture council. He is in favor of tearing
out the pump station wall on the river
side and charging the building and
putting in city lighting plant. He
says that with the present force at the
pump station very little additional
help would be required there.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17

Loren g. Dutton, an old and respect
ed resident of this city, died Tuesday
night at the hospital for the insane at
st. Peter, where he had been receiv-
ing treatment for the last two months.
The remains were brought to this city
Wednesday and will be shipped Thurs
day morning via. the q. & N. W. road to
Stewartville, Mimi, where the inter-
ment will occur.
Mr.. Dutton was about eighty years
of age, and resided for many years at
Stewartville, where a number of re-
laEives survive him. He came to Man
kato fifteen or more years ago and for
several years conducted livery barn
on South Front street. His son, Grant,
died recently. He is survived by his
wife. who resides at 213 State street.
Mr.. Dutton was we'll liked by all
who knew him, and was familiar
figure on the streets until his mental
trouble came upon him. The widow
will have the sympathy of her many
friends.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17

The Owatonna Journal is doing a
good deal of growing because Gov.
Van SAINT has called special session
of the legislature, and does not believe
that the proposed new tax bill is worth
it. Cheer up Bro and don't be so blue.
Read the tax report through again,
and maybe you will feel better. Least
ways if you keep on growing that way
people will get the impression that
you are tax dodger.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
LAND DIVIDED.
Dry Bed of Dackens' Lake is
Cut Up.
The Surrounding Farmers Ignore
LOOMS CIaim---Rush Lake Bed
to Be Partitioned.

The division of the dry bed Of Dac-
kens' lake, In the northwestern part Of
the county, has been accomplished
without hitch. The owners of all the
land surrounding the lake bed have
signed and acknowledged the plat pre-
pared by County Surveyor Brooks, and
have filed it for record. The plat,
thus signed and acknowledged, prac-
tically amounts to quit claim. deed,
each to the other.
The bed of the lake comprises 231
acres of good land, worth perhaps $40
an acre. The lowest part will need
ditching, as a little water stands there
in wet seasons.
The division of the lake bed, as made
in the plat prepared by e--county
surveyor, is satisfactory to all, and
this fact is fortunate, as it saves liti-
CATION. John E. Jones secures the
largest share, 124.1 acres, in three
tracts. Robert M. Jones comes next
with 53.S acres, and John Jones re-
ceives IS. 1 acres, David Dackens 10. 4
acres, Robt l. Jones 10. 1 acres and E.
J. Evans 90 acres. Each farmer gets
according to his shore line.
A Mr.. Loomis of Lake Crystal has
squatted on a six acre tract in the lake
bed, as already mentioned in these
columns. The land which he claims
lies all in John E. Jones portion as
plated, and Mr.. Jones has started an
action to dispossess him. S. B. Wilson
and ". F. Hughes are his attorneys.
It is said that Mr.. Loomis intends
to claim a large portion of the lake
bed IN case he can make lis CAIN to
tie six acre piece hold good. This
tract is a sort of wooded Island, and
should he gain title he might put in
a claim Cor that portion of the lake
bed lying within a line drawn half
way tetween this land and the old
shore line. 1t is thought BY scme that
he is being backed by other parties.
In making the division of the lake
bed, the farmers ignored him, and OF
course his signature is not attached
to the plat.
After five years litigation, the Cry
bed of RUSH lake, Getwee2 this city
anu Lake Crystal. is likely to soon be
split up among the owners of the al
jacent farms. County Surveyor Brooks
has prepared plat of the lake bed fol
the use of Judge Cray, who is tc ii
vide tie land. The lake bed comprises
some 300 acres, but the soil is some
, what sandy.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
COMPANY TO BE ORGANIZED.

DR.. Knepper of the Knepper Lyceum
bureau of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was
in the city Tuesday arranging for the
organization of a company to conduct
weeks chautauqua at Tetonka Park
during the week of July 4th. An or
ganization will be formed at Water
vile tomorrow. Those interested in
this city are the local daily papers, W.
E. Young. DR.. E. D. Steel, J. w.
SchmiJt and DR.. j. W. Andrews 1t is
expected that such speakers as Senators
Foraker and Hill will be secured.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-17
SMALL CIVIL CASES.
Disposition Made of Several in the
Municipal Court.

Municipal Court.
The call of the civil calendar in the
municipal court Tuesday resulted
as follows:
S. B. Wilson vs. Robt Heller, T.
R. Coughlan garnishee, stricken from
calendar.
Henry G. Gerlach vs. Ed Cousan-
der, trial Jan. 31st, at 10 a. m. .s
Peter eraser vs. Joseph F. Sehingle,
trial Jan. 30th, at 10 a. m.
Chas. J. Macbeth Va. Otilia Oberg,
forcible entry and detainer action.
Plaintiff sworn and order for restitu-
tion.granted.
/. Harry..M. Williams VS.. Arthur Mitch
ell, trial Jan. 22d, at 10 a. m. -.
FRANKIE. Anderson VS.. August bu-
low. passed for settlement.
Kruse Bros. VS.. Victor Vergert'
Engesser Brewing Co., garnishee'
passed.