4/25/2009:
Guns have been a subject of legislation since the founding of our country. For example, in 1915, North Dakota crime fighters were frustrated by a rash of bank robberies. Suspects were oftentimes found in possession of revolvers and nitroglycerin for blowing open bank safes, but there was no way to arrest them unless it could be proven they had already committed a robbery.
New legislation made it illegal to carry a concealed weapon - punishable with up to two years in the state penitentiary. The new law showed a certain prejudice toward immigrants, however, stating it was illegal for non-naturalized citizens to possess any type of firearm, even hunting rifles.
As for other residents, a Fargo newspaper story reported, "The law contains a provision under which men of proven good moral character can be issued permits by district, municipal and local court justices to carry revolvers - for a reasonable cause."
By Merry Helm
Source: The Bismarck Tribune. 24 Apr 1915.