Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-04-29

Gardiner, Mont, April 2i.-Presi.
dent Roosevelt this afternoon resum.
ed his tour of the west.
Before going, however, he partici.
pated in the laying of the cornerstone
OF the new gate at the national park.
The ceremonies were performed &C.
cording to the Masonic ritual and were
in charge of the grand officers of the
state of Montana.
Special trains brought hundreds OF
people here. including large body of
Masons. and as the weather was per-
feet the scene was very pretty one.
The president rode down from the
post accompanied by Major Pitcher
stand, where he delivered the follow
ing address:
Presidents Address.
The Yellowstone park" he said,
lis something absolutely unique In
the world, as far as know. Nowhere
else in any civilized country is there
to be found such tract of veritable
wonderland, made accessible to all
visitors, where, at the same time. not
only the scenery of the wilderness,
but the wild creatures of the park,
are scrupulously preserved as they
were, the only change being that these
wild creatures have been so carefully
protected as to show literally astound-
ing tameness. The creation and pre-
servation of such natural playground
in the midst of our people as whole
is a credit to the nation, and. above
all, a credit to Montana, Wyoming
and Idaho. It has been preserved
with wise forethought. The scheme
of it's preservation is noteworthy in
its essential democracy. This park
was created and now is admired for
the beautiful and enjoyment of the
people.
A Singular Fact.
AT present it is rather singular
that a greater number of people come
from Europe to see 1t than come from
our own eastern states to see it. The
people nearby seem awake to its
beauties and | hope that more and
more of our people who dwell far off
will appreciate its really marvellous
character. Incidentally, should like
to point out that some time people
will awaken to the fact that the park
has special beauties to be seen In
winter, and any person who can go
through it in that season on skis will
enjoy himself as he scarcely could
elsewhere. l wish especially to con-
gratulate the people of Montana, Wy
oming and Idaho, and notably you Of
Gardiner and Cinnabar and the imme-
diate outskirts of the park, for the
way in which you heartily cooperate
with the superintendent to prevent
acts of vandalism and destruction.
Preservation of Forests.
"The preservation of the forests is,
of course, the matter of prime impor-
tance in every public reserve of this
character. In this region of the Rocky
mountains and the great plains the
problem of the water supply is the
most important part of the home
makers office. Congress has not of
recent years done anything more i'm
portant than the passing Of the irri-
cation bill, and nothing is more es-
sential to the preservation of the
water supply than the preservation OF
the forests. Montana has in its water
power a source of development which
has hardly been touched. This water
power will be seriously impaired If
ample protection is not given the for
ests. Therefore, this park, like the
forest reserves generally. is of the
utmost advantage to the country
around from the merely utilitarian
side. But, of course, this park, also,
because of its peculiar features is 10
be reserved as beautiful playground.
Here all the wild creatures Of the old
days are being preserved, and their
overflow into the surrounding country
means that the people Of the surround
ing country, so long as they see that
the laws are observed by ALL will be
able to insure to themselves and to
their children. and to their children's
children, much of the oldtime pleas
ures of the hardy life Of the wilder
ness and of the hunter in the wilder
ness.
Game In the Park.
Il have been literally astounded at
the enormous quantities OF elk and
at the number of deer, antelope and
mountain sheep which | have seen on
their wintering grounds, and the deer
and sheep in particular are as tame
as domestic animals. A few buffalo
are being preserved. I wish very
much that the government could some
where provide for an experimental
breeding station Of crossbreeds be-
tween the buffalo and the common
cattle. II these crossbreeds could be
successfully perpetuated we could
have animals which would produce
a robe quite as good as the old buff
falo robe with which twenty years
ago everyone was familiar, and anil
mails. moreover, which would be so
hardy that | think they would have
a distinct commercial importance.
They would, for instance, be admir-
ably fitted for Alaska territory, which
| look to see develop astoundingly
within the next decade or two, not on
ly because of its furs and fisheries. but
because of its agricultural and pas
toral possibilities"
At the conclusion Of the ceremonies
the presidents train pulled out for
IlNlnRSUO0. I1tIt JOuh
will leave the party and will spend
short time at Spokane, Wash, and
on a ranch in Montana, after which
he will return to his home at Peek
skill, N. Y.
A leading feature OF the days pro-
ceedings was the presentation by the
Masonic Grand Lodge to the presi-
dant nf a beautiful Masonic charm.
The background of the charm is a
Montana gold nugget.
On the face OF the nugget the Ma
sonic square and compass have been
placed and at the top is a plate bear
ing the inscription. ST. K, 1908. On
a plate at the bottom of the charm
Is the word, Montana" The pre-
sentation was made by Grandmaster
Smith. who, with the other officers OF
the Grand Lodge, gathered around the
president in the speakers stand after
the speech of the day had been finish'