The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-09-30

fortunate outcome of the struggles
of many thousands of these pioneers
is filled with pathetic incidents OF
hardships and financial loss. Dis
couraged people spoke of the coun-
try as swept by hot winds in summer
and tortured by freezing billiards. in
winter, accompanied by the cry of
the prairie dog and the howl of the
coyote and only suitable for the free
range of the Texas steer. Fearing
that the climate was not adapted to
the prosperous tillage of soils under
natural conditions Of rainfall, irriga-
ton conventions were held with a
view of utilizing the reservoirs Of
water under ground to be tapped by
artesian wells. There was a prevail
ing sentiment that the raising of
grain and corn should be abandoned
and that the native grasses be used
solely for dairy purposes.
The towns were stagnant, the price
of lands was low and sales could not
be negotiated for n consideration,
however small.
Hope never dies. Courage is a vir-
tue of the human race. The Amerf-
can citizen is plucky. So 1t came to
pass that some energetic men said
that the sun would shine, rains would
fall and corn will grow ard ripen at
least in the Corn Belt. We will erect
a corn palace at Mitchell, they said.
and show the world that the Dakotas
are not the lands of despair, but
that promise, prosperity and pride
shall yet rule. The fall Of 1892
\ I~o ,ol &b2 Gr,+ ,>o1oo ~ NE;%nboI1 400
pie, men, women and children, all
lent willing hands. When the yellows
and reds and whites, woven in beau
Kansas were placed on the building.
the doubling Thomas from abroad
sneeringly asked how we transported
the corn from Kansas and Nebraska
without being found guilty.
The ladies created a myraid of ar
ticles of beauty from the husks.
grains, tassels and silk of the corn.
The neighbor counties brought their
products for display. Leader Phinney
came with the Iowa State Band and
the Darkey's Dream infused life into
tired feet. The maidens of the city
danced around a Maypole. The
Shriners led their captives over
burning sands. The travelling frater-
nifty, with jolly good words paraded
the streets. The educational forces
of the state used the palace for q.
meeting of inspiration. The realestato
dealers Of the corn belt met and laid
plans to advertise their goods. The
Merry-go-round, the fakir and the
street attractions filled the air with
noise and their pockets with coin.
The Mitchell corn palace was a sure.
thing and the fight for a great state
was on. For ten seasons prior to this
the festival has been repeated. 1t has
been one continual blaze of toll and
glory. Each year brings better things.
The original structure was enlarged
and enlarged again. 1t was then pull
ed down and rebuilt on a larger scale
Its beauty and novelty has not only
attracted the praise of the nation but
has gained applause in other CON-
tinents.
With the repetition of the palace
steadily, year by year, the prosperityf
of the state has gained. The rainsl
have spread, the hot winds and win
ter billiards. have been softened. The
prairie dog and coyote have gone
west. The dreams of the early ST.
tiers have been realized. The towns
and cities have kept pace with Mitch
ell and its palace.
In place Of the wide, free range4
where prophecy foretold of the reiK1|
of the Texas steer. has sprung thous =
ands of beautiful, we'll cultivated
farms. as ideal as dream life, And
worth SIS to $1,000 per acre.
This palace of 1909 Is a festive,
of triumph, a celebration Of growth
and victory. The faith of the founder
of the corn palace has been justified
promise has been fulfilled, prosper
ity has been unparalleled and ou1
pride is unbounded. Mitchell and thu
state Of South Dakota have arrived.
The world honors superb excel
%lence. The people of the United
States boast of the efficiency of thet
navy, with highly equipped command
ers, exact discipline. trained gunner
and loyal men. The grandeur OF Ame
lean history is interviewer with til
bravery and victories of the navs
arms. Never to be forgotten are tn
deeds of Perry, on Lake Erie, whe
he sent the message, I'VE have me
the enemy and they are ours"
Admiral Dewey, when the SPANS
fleet was destroyed at Manila bay
VI 0CulCy IL odAiP0OAp WASA S-S
ships crushed Cevera's gunboats
Santiago harbor; of the recent worl
wide cruise of Uncle Sans battl
ships bearing the flag to every NJ
ton with tidings of peace and powe1
AS a branch OF the navy depar
ment is the celebrated Marine band
stationed at Washington. The trai1
ing of this organization is in hal
mony with the excellence of the 81
tire department. Its music has charm
ed the senses of ambassadors of 9
nations. Its music has been the a
compartment of the official and so
ial functions of the presidents of OF
country from Lincoln to Taft, Whs
President Taft came to Mitchell
corn palace last year and was co
daily greeted by the many thou
ands of South Dakota loyal citizel