The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1877-03-29

knives and revolvers hunters and trappers, in the
picturesque garb of those wild denizens of the
plains: and Indians. fresh from the war or the
hunting trail. IN the strangest and most fantastic
costumes imaginable Shooting and stabbing al
trays are of almost daily occurrence and excite far
less attention than the many minor disturbances
which serve 10 draw crowds together IN our elder
and more civilized communities
The majesty of the law is deticd and scoicd at
and It's representatives, men chosen from the
loves, ranks Of its ruflian population Your cor
respondent was proticrcd but declined the honor q
Of an Introduction 10 the MAYOR (who. by the way
lives in style of gorgeous magniticence upon the
princcly salary of five dollars per wear and two
members of the adermanic council who were out
for a little iamborec.' they elegantly expressed
IT. all being III state of bestia ntoXication, and
amusing themselves by promenading up and down
The central street Of the town arm in arm bran
1ishng six shooters and roaring rbald songs the
tops of their voices. 1t was an edifvng and inter
csting spectacle
rambling and dram selling seem to be the prin
eipal business pursuits OF the people while the
billiard halls and dance houses nightly thronged
with mixed and uproarious crowds. afford the only
diversions lndulged in These dance-houses OF
which there are several in Blsnark an inStitu
ton peculiar to the border, and merit special de
Scripron. Lei the reader imagine big frame
structure covered with canvas similar to those
used at the camp-mectings of the Methodist soc
ETY. in the East its interior Illuminated with har
ing oil lamps. and filled with an ill-assorted mass
OF humanity in which almost every race color and
condition Is represented. and some faint idea may
be formed OF these rocking deIlS of nquty which
50 Strknglv Illustrate one phase of frontier life.
Upon one side of the entrance stands the bar,
where liquid poisonS are dispensed at the nominal
charge OF fifteen cents per doSe-awavs Il >tupcn-
douSlv elaborate and gaudy affair, decorated with
lofty and handsomely framed mirrors. paintings o.
the nude. statuarv and flowers Behind ii "A bloat
ed and fiery faced disciple of Bacchus encased il
broadcloth and immaculate linen and adorned with
watch chain Of stunning proportions, diamond
PIN that would once have turned the Boss" green
with envy and flaming red ncck-tie, courtcously
those present with drinks OF pistol bullets
occasion demands. Al the farther end. opposite
the entrance. is Il little space devoted Ia The or
mission llrnunho the NIGHT medley OF sotiu,t>
Thar probably would not dellght the ears OF HEN
Nd"ncl The hole ot the intermediate portion j,
IL ed tor danein", around ii benD RANGED line Of
rough benches, upon which those among the visit
rrs - fortunate ~ To secure them st. while by til
The greater number stand in every ailabe space
Some ten or twelve worm aud faded females, WHO
have reached the very lowest depths o DEGRADATION
and intanr. move about among the crowd sW.tt
gerin@ and disappearing as ondly the vcriesl
bully iii the room in the brief intervals between
The dance: Altogether ii is scene the like ol
which Is met with where else and Leaves upon
the mind Of the PILGRIM las new corners from The
East are telmedl impression not easily forgotten
Bismark has been one OF the chief outhttna
points tor parties going |" the BLACK Hills. brinl
only about one hundred and twenty i've miles dis
tbut from that rraion SI.rAAH