"them Was His Sentiments."
Very many oí the earJy seiners ot Montana were natives of Missouri, Kentucky, Arkaasas and the border states oí the war. Thoy carne by the Missouri riyer to Fort Benton or by coach frorn Omaha and for many yeara were in the majority at elections, when they held the flag of Deinocracy to the masthead. Thu result of this immïgration wa3 a strong sentiment for the confaderacy in the early days, and ia 1873, when General Phil Sheridan and staff made an official visit to thenorthwestern posts, the sentiment had not disappeared. Helena, Mon., was jnst emerging frorn the garb of a rnining camp, but a few enterprising citizens with. ex-Governor Hauser at the head determined to give a fitting reception to the visitoM. A delegation met Sheridan and bis party in a stagecoach several miles from the town and escorted them to the leading hotel. On the following afternoon a banquet was given in the First National bank, located theu in the present gambling district. The menu consisted mostly of canned goods, jackrabbit meat and freshgame, because the town was remote from civilization. There was, however, plenty of champagne, since that wine is usaally found in ïniuing camps even when nothing in the way of food is left bat flour. The gathering wás very democratie. Everybody in town was invited to see "Little Phil," thongh there was much grumbling among the unreconstructed Confederates over the display made for a Union general. There were lawyers and mining camp politicians mingled with gamblers, miners and exroad agents, many of whom wore six shooters at their belts. Among them was one oíd time Confedérate soldier, who bad turned his talents from the chivalry of war to dealing "bank." He was restless and uncomfortable during the feast, and when the toasts began thia restlessness increased. His face darkeaed and his eyes flamed with anger as various toasts were given to the United States, tne president of the United States and the army of the United States. Finally he could stand it no longer. He aróse with a wineglass in one hand and a six shooter in the other, and in a voice hoarse with rage shouted: "Here"s to all mankind, so that no d -d fooi will be överlooked." With that he dashed the wineglass oo the floor and emptied the six shoottr into the ceiling so that the room was filled with smoke. The guests reached for their revolvers, but the gambler, with a look of contempt, returned his 'gun" to his pocket and walked out. General Sheridan af terward said that it was one of the most dramatic and Riie-crestive scènes in all his experience.
Article
Subjects
migration
Confederate
Editorial
Ann Arbor Argus
Old News
Phil Sheridan
Governer Hauser
Montana