opinion, and he suggested that possibly a branch society might be formed. The speaker then read parts of a proposed constitution for a local society and closed with the suggestion that a committee be appointed to go over the whole matter carefully and, if feasible, take preliminary steps toward organization.

3

The distinguished historian, Dr. James K. Hosmer of Minneapolis, who was present at the convention, then responded to an invitation from the toastmaster to speak. Dr. Hosmer, who is in his eighty-ninth year and is the author of numerous important historical works, declared that he was steeped in history, that he was, indeed, "an historical inebriate." As a veteran he commended the work of the younger leaders in the historical field in Minnesota, and he complimented the people of Duluth upon their interest in the organization of a local historical society.

Mrs. Merrill of Duluth cordially indorsed the idea of a county historical society and declared that she favored close affiliation with the state society. Mrs. Coolidge, speaking for the Duluth chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, promised active interest and coöperation.

Mr. Culkin then moved and the motion was seconded and

carried that the Duluth people present express their approval of the idea of organizing local history work and of affiliating with the state society. It was then decided that the committee on local arrangements for the convention should be continued as a committee on a local historical society. Thus the conference paved the way for constructive action. None of those who were present could doubt that an active historical society in northeastern Minnesota soon would be organized. The necessary foundation of intelligent interest and enthusiasm was there and definite, practical plans were under consideration. A local newspaper, the Duluth Herald, in commenting 3 The proposed constitution is printed in full ante, p. 252–256.

editorially on the convention, said appropriately, "It is believed that this important gathering will do much to direct the thoughts of our people to our local history, so full of interest. What a pageant historical reflection on Duluth's past awakens! Indians, traders, missionaries, lumbermen, miners, trappers, fishermen, empire builders pass in mental review.

After the luncheon conference an excursion was made, in automobiles provided by the local committee, to Fond du Lac, a place interesting in Minnesota history for its connections with the fur trade and with missionary work among the Indians. Here the members of the convention attended a meeting of the Old Settlers' Association of the Head of Lake Superior. An interesting feature of this meeting was an address by Mr. William E. McEwen of Duluth in which particular attention was devoted to the treaty concluded in 1826 by Governor Lewis Cass and the commissioner of Indian affairs with the Chippewa whereby the latter ceded “the right to search for and carry away, any metals or minerals from any part of their country. As the treaty was signed at Fond du Lac on August 5, 1826, the speaker suggested that plans be made for a celebration of the approaching centennial of this event, urging that a fitting memorial be erected as a part of the celebration. After the meeting the site of the old trading post was inspected. A visit was then made to Jay Cooke State Park, which adjoins the city of Duluth at its northeast line. Here a picnic supper was served, after which the excursion was concluded with a tour of the boulevard in Duluth.

This outing brought the state historical convention to an end. On the following day some of the visitors who attended the meeting started northward toward Grand Portage and Fort William. Others left on tours in other directions or departed for their homes. All were persuaded that the ex

periment of holding an historical convention in Minnesota had amply justified itself. Interesting historical papers, fruitful discussions, trips to places of historic interest, conversations with people interested in Minnesota history — these things had made the summer meeting a delightful experience for the participants. That the convention served the community of Duluth will be proved if a local history organization is effected; that it served the state as a whole by calling attention to the domain of state history and to the ideals of the historical society seems certain.

MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

ST. PAUL

THEODORE C. BLEGEN