Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-11-11
Stirring Scenes at Crookston
When Land Office Opened
For Homestead Filings
LANDsEEkERs WERE sLEEpLEss
Most of the Crowd Remained Up All
Night to be in Readiness for the op-
enins of Office for Receipt of En-
tries on the Red Lake Reservation
Lands.

Crookston, Mimi, Nov. 11.--Soma
stirring scenes were enacted yesterday
morning when the government land Of
flee was thrown open for the receipt OF
line before the door began reforming
with the first break of day. and before
the office was ready for business the
crowd had increased to large propor-
tons. Many of the landseekers were
UP all night, and prior to that had
travelled long distances. These ap-
peared weary and worn, but there was.
no lack of interest and determination
The officials had everJthing SO we'll
arranged that there was no confusion.
The applicants were admitted to the
building and as fast as possible their
papers were examined and their en-
tries recorded. The office force had
been increased and the work moved Off
in good order and precision.
1t is estimated that about ESQ filings
were made before the close of bust
ness yesterday. While great num-
Der of filings will be made, United
States commissioners at Thief River
Falls and at other points adjacent to
the lands will take good many and
the applicants will not be obliged to
appear before the office here.
Some of the .'sooners' who were
anxious to be first at the desk of Reg
lister Peterson when the doors opened
to admit the intending settlers at tho
United States land office yesterday
morning figured out scheme to outwit
the police. The officers twice Monday
frustrated their plans 20 form line.
and the fiat went forth that they would
rot be allowed to gather at the door OF
the office rooms in the second story
building until O'clock yesterday
morning.
Several were unable to get roops in
The hotel building in which Uncle Sam
has his office, or at any place near at
hand. but secured from the oblfging
land attorneys whose offices are on
the same floor. the privilege of sleeping
on the floor in their rooms.
In consequence, rolled in blankets
or sleeping in fur overcoats, a large
number sufficient in fact to cover the
floors of the offices. dreamed last
night of success In their efforts TO
secure farm on the morrow. As
there are six large office suites on the
same floor as the Unitei States land
office many were able in this manner
tic get accommodations at close range.
in fact, directly on the firing line.
Every man had his papers made out
to cover the particular piece of ianc
desired The papers had been exan-
ined and re-examined by competent
authorities so that there was no doups
of their being in proper form.
flaw would result in delay that might
be fatal to their hopes.
Register Peterson said today: Il
do not look for a large number ~
claimants at once, but the papers vii!
continue to come for week from
commissioners all over the northern
part of the state. The clause require
ing homesteaders to see the land be-
fore they make entry is responsible
for this. They go to look at the lands
and will file with the nearest commits
sioner."
Speaking of the land and the bust
ress to be done Receiver George said:
The lands are not what the intend
ing settlers expected to find and in
MANY Instances those who have gone
tic see them will not file. The struggle
Will come in cases where rival squat
tiers are claimants. and there will like
" be many contests later on. We Will
experience no trouble in taking care
Of the business. and it Will extend over
a fortnigh. owing to the fact that many
filings will be made before commission
ers. This will relieve our office OF mucn
OF the work.