The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1869-07-17
Letter from Montana.


Editor Cecil Whig:-A man named w.
A. C. Ryan has lately been getting his name
extensively in the New York newspapers,
and giving the U. s. authorities some
trouble in connection with the filibustering
expedition to Cuba. He is Brigadier
General in the Army of the Republic of
Cuba, and superintendent Of the recruiting
service. Pity that a cause so just as is that
and place in a prominent position, such a
worthless fellow as this Ryan. For three
years he was one of the characters of Helena
"a person without employment or charac-
ter; one whom no merchant would credit
for pair of hose-indeed doubt if during
his last twelve months stay here, he was
the owner of pair of those indispensables.
"Wac,'' rs he is called, here, is a cross be-
tween the low flung and the genteel despe-
radoe. For some time he played the role of
bully in Helena. He no doubt possesses
considerable bravery and recklessness; but
OH last election day, unfortunately for him,
considering the reputation he coveted-he
encountered missouri Jim, ;" who present
ed him pair of very bright, short-range
Derringers to choose between, when
"Wac" weakened, and played the bully
no more. The Republic of Cuba will not
take very high stand amongst the nations
of the earth, so long as its Junta places
1,,1,
This week General Winfield S. Hancock,
Commander of the Department of Dakota,
has been visiting Helena. A train of car
riages and cavalcade of horsemen, en-
bracing many of our leading citizens, met
the General and party four or five miles out
on the road, and escorted them to the city.
His reception was cordial and spontaneous,
and cannot have been otherwise than graft
flying to our distinguished and worthy visi
tor.
l wish, Mr.. Editor You would. some day
this Summer, step on board one of the
trains of the Pacific Railroad, at Omaha
and pay a visit to reconstructed Helena
the cars will whirl you here i'll six day.
from Omaha. Then you will make a tril
that three years ago occupied from so tt
100 days. l would like to show you wha
live people can accomplish in 60 days.
They have rebuilt town of 1000 inhabi
tants in that brief period-and have bull
it in far more permanent and beautiful
style than it was before being destroyed by
fire Oh the 2Sth of April.
l would like to show you one of the in
situations that the mountain man delight.
in-namely, his Hurdy- Gurdy House.
would introduce you first to the Kan KaI
on Saturday or Sunday morning-thos,
being the evenings it is in its greatest glory
1t is wide room, 100 feet long, painted
and garnished in the highest style of cheal
art lit up with thirty large lamps. In the
end of the room is large platform, sup
piled with lounges, sofas, and brass band
Along both sides of the room are chairs
and settees, occupied by men and girls the
latter of whom are in the White Fawn cos
tune, and for one dollar you can take YOU
VI lOl d uttiiCe. SoHlt
folks, not posted in matters, would call thi.
a dalrce-house-bu Hurdy-Gurdy is more
modern. This is one of the places where
the Woodworking miner fools away his
money. He derives his greatest pleasure il
the society of these Hurdy girls.
Pilgrims to this land-espeeially if they
be from the Atlantic States-say such places
ought to be abatedby law but the trouble
is, those who patronize them, nominate
and elect the understand the law
makers here are all -andpeople
of that persuasion hardly ever legislate il
the interest of good morals.
Henry McMurphy, well-known to many
Elktonians, is here, and see him every
day bustling upon the streets; seemingly
already having fallen into the busy, hurry
ing way of the mountains. X. F. NJ.