Delta chief., 1884-04-16

BELkNAP, MONTANA.
The EntrcpOt Of the Ceur d'Aiene from
Moral Standpoint.

To the Editor of THE CHIEF:
BELKNAP. Mon, April l2.-Just at this
particular time hundreds of people are be-
cries of both gold and silver that have been
made in the last few months. From whence
do they come? Why, from almost every
State and cline where the English language
is spoken. They have read of the wondrous
resources of this. the far west, which are at
present but partially developed. and, to say
the least most encouraging to all parties in
search of new homes. Is it any wonder,
then, that there should be among the hordes
that are coming hither n fair percentage of
men with their families? Such is the case.
however, and in scvering their home rela-
tions they did so no doubt with object
manifold in its nature. Single men who fol-
low after mining eScitemcnts generally have
in view the fact that wages high and the
chances most favorable for bene6tting their
circumstances temporarily, by following in
the footsteps of those creditablv known
throughout the country as the humble
prospector." They are generally men of the
world seeking after excitement. the results of
which tend to enjoyment for the time being,
rather than the future; are in many instances
given to habits and practices whose tcndcn-
cies are immoral in the extreme. In many
instances they fall into the habit Of lettering
around dram-shops. become infatuated with
the allurements of the gaming table, and as
natural consequence soon lind themselves
partially, If not wholly devoid of those
homclike and religious influences the inn
parting Of which is the delight of every fond
mother. As above remarked, such is not
always the case of the married man, for in
the casting of his lot among strangers he is in
many instances actnated by a sincere desire
10 better the condition of his family "a well
A.
hut in point of morality and education. He
first examines into church and school facili-
ties in his new home, and assures himself of
the fact that while engaged in its develop
ment his fomily ar. not to be debarred of the
benefit Of an education nor the influences OF
the church. He looks after the interest of
the little ones, fully conscious of the fact las
the twig Is bent 20 will the tree incline. ever
dcsirous that they should be brought up in
the way he would have them go, so that when
they grow old they will not depart therefrom.
Can such results be obtained here in Belknnp
a; present, is the first query that naturally
suggest itself Our answer TO this question.
after a brief reoapitulation. would be in the
affirmative. For, in the first place, We are
told that coming events cast their shadows
before" aud if such is the case. who not judge
the religious tendencies in the near future of
Belknap by the present high standard of cn-
ccllvncc achieved by its moralsg While the
actions OF our Town coibIiailN afe puNlnt>s
like, they are equally moral in their tendeD-
cies also. by examining the plat of the town
site il will be seen that lots for school and
church purposes have been set apart, while
the company have made repeated offers TO
liberally assist in the way of donations for
the ercctions of buildings. etc. Although
there are q yooIly number of saloons in ac-
tive operation in town. they are of much
hi isher order than the generality. consequent
ly entertain a high degree of appreciation for
law and order. While goodly lot of whisly y
is disposed Of, there are fewer drunks 10 be
seen, and the general demeanor of the place
is more creditablc than have ever witnessed
before in a mining town of its size. The ma
ioriiy Of our citizens is composed of families
aud heads of families who in most instances
are engaged in business, and own both busi-
...s=s ..r..s.. residence lots. Already steps are
being taken looking forward to the establish
mcut of a school aud church. two enterprises
indispensable to any well organized commu-
nifty. Religious services were held on the
hrst Sabbath in In this month that were lib
orally attended by all parties irrespective OF
religious proclvitirs. The Sabbath School
cause will in due time receiveza favorable
consideration, but rs yet everything pertain
ing thereto is in n state of Isimeval simplic-
ity vet we are of one accord willing to put
our shoulder TO the wheel. and labor in the
fostering, upbuiljing and maintenance of
these institutions, without which we are but
little above the brute creation, Ii is to this
end that we ask hearty cooperation of all
those in contemplation of casting their lot
among u.s. and assure them that upon their
arrival We will extend to them the right hand
of fellowship. More anon.
w L. DEAN,
The Finest selection