The new era., 1910-06-16

supporters Numerous national parks have al
ready been established by the government, some
because of their recognized standing natural
"onderlands, such Yellowstone, and others
through insistent championship of enthusiasts.
The youngest member of the playground fam
lily, now knocking at the door for national protec-
ton, Is the proposed Glacier National park in
northern Montana. There are some people in the
east who do not even know that there are gla-
ciers in the United States today, but think of
them as extinct monsters belonging to a past geo.
logic era. To such the very name Glacier park.
Is an education. There longer 1t is true,
vast continental glaciers; even the great frozen
regions of Alaska small in extent compared
with the ancient glaciers. but the remnants of the
onetime universal ice sheets, such as be
seen in Glacier park, majestic and numer-
GUS as to awaken in the mind of the traveller
timents of unbounded awe and wonder at Ma
tures matchless handiwork.
"Give month at least to this precious
serve" says John Muir, some ten years ago, in
speaking of the delights of this region. 1.-The
time will not be taken from the of your life.
Instead of shortening 1t will Indefinitely lengthen
1t and make you truly immortal"
Nor the attractions of the Glacier park
region confined to the scenic. Here lies, for in
stance. the majestic Lake Mcdonald, full Of brisk
trout as described by Mr.. Muir in the heart of
the splendid Flathead forests of giant pine.
Apruce and cedar, while ten miles above is Ava
lanche lake. shimmering at the foot of group of
Sacier-laden mountains. Far up the white peaks
one can hardly fail to meet the white goat
American chamois while in other retreats dwell
deer elk and bear, and many smaller, sleek-furred
animals enjoying their beautiful lives in company
with numerous bird species
1t is hoped that the present session of con-
gress will preserve for the nation this latest
playground and constitute it another of our ma
tional parks 1t will then be second largest
park. surpassed only by the Yellowstone.
The Sixtieth congress made favorable
port on Glacier park bill, which had also the
strong support Of the secretaries of the interior
and agriculture. This report based largely
upon topographic survey made four years ago
by United States geological survey party, and
upon later compilation by Robert H. Chapman
one of the party, embracing total of about
100000 acres lying just south of the Canadian
line and between Flathead river and the Black
feet Indian reservation. This contains 60
or more true glaciers, ranging in size from small
glaciers of few acres each to those covering five
square miles. 1t also contains $50 glacial
lakes from few hundred feet to ten miles in
The Rocky mountain system in the United
States abounds in regions of wild and magnificent
scenery, but 1t is doubtful If any of them
passes In grandeur and interest that of Glacier
park From its water flows to Hudson bay,
the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific ocean Mount
Cleveland, its highest peak, reaches eleva-
tion of .434 feet, and there many other rug
ged mountains ranging from 5000 to 10000 feet
above sea level This area Of the northern Rocky
mountains, says Mr.. Chapman, which lies to the
north Of the Great Northern railway and to the
south of the Canadian boundary, is one Of the
most beautiful mountain regions in the world.
Approaching the divide from the plains region to
- east. the mountains present to the traveller a