The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-10-04
COZ. BOTKIN.

COZ. BOTKIN.
Col. Alex. C. Botzin arrived in the
city on Monday in due time to meet his
appointment at this place. but at the
suggestion of party friends, on account
of the very disagreeable weather, the
meeting was postponed until next even
ing in the hope that the weather clerk
would smile more a~uspiciously on the
occasion.
It must be conceded that Mr.. Botlzin's
perseverance is OF the remarkable order.
Despite the terrible weather and still
more terrible roads, he drove through
from Helena to Sun River ID two days,
and addressed the people Of that valley
Saturday night, receiving quite an ova-
ton. Then promptly the following
morning he left for Benton, arriving
here, contrary to the expectation OF
everybody, three hours before the time
appointed for his meeting. When it is
Remembered thatthe coach, with change
ofhorses every twelve miles, Was twenty
four hours behind in making the anne
trip, some estimate may be placed upon
the plucky qualities Of our candidate for
congress. Maginnls might be able TO
surpass him in a foot race, but when it
comes down to solid work or q trial OF
enduranceit will be safe to bet on Botkin.
Col. Botkin is oneofthe most pleasant,
Whole-souled men in Montana. He is not
only q genial companion but q mar
Of fine ability, an excellent conversation
alist and one who has opinions worth
something on any subject that may be
preached. An acquaintance with him,
no matter how short, is calculated to
Dol convince the judgment that as
Montana's delegate in congress he would
be an active, efficient worker, rejecting
credit both upon himself and the terri
tory.
The only objections the opposition
have yet been able to offer against him
are Il that he is physically infirm, and
O. that he is q "carpet-bagger." This is
AA1C GAGC2k9 III tAC d1kdlg l1lAtG2Ats VC &c
lieye. As to his personal character and
eminent qualifications to fill the import
ant trust, no question has 0 can be raised
by any one. Physically, Marshal Botkin
is as strong and hearty aa anybody, save
that as the result Of 3 stroke of paralysis
| he has lost the use or his lower limbs.
But this fact will noWise prevent him
from making good and efficient dele
gate. We believe Gov. Morton never
did better service for his state in con-
| gress than during his last years, when
afflicted just as Mr.. Botkin is, and had
he lived probably would have reached
the white house. The Georgia district
represented in congress by Alex. H.
Stephens Was never neglected, although
the latter had an infirm body as.well as
lower limbs. This talk about physical
infirmities'' is purely campaign clap
trap, and those who see and hes.r the
Colonel tonight, the picture of health
and vigor, will certainly pay no atten-
ton to it afterwards.
Neither is Marshal Botkin d carpet
Dagger in any sense of the term. He
has been q resident Of the territory five
years, and proposes to live aid die in
Montana. Because he is a federal official
does not make him less q good and usc-
ful citizen. While he has not been as
long in the territory as Major Masyinnis
he has done nlore as 4 citizen to develop
the resources Of the territory, and as u
delegate in congress we believe he would
also outshine the latter.
Col. Botkin will address the citizens
Of Benton at the court house this even
ing, and we bespeak for him a large
audience. He is q man Of brains and
will not fail to entertain his hearers. Go
and hear him and If you are convinced
that he can serve the territory In the
halls Of congress better than Maginnis,
the perpetual-yote for him.
&EF&