davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Christmas Day on the shonk1n

Christmas on the Shonkin this year was
one of the merriest and most enjoyable
occasions have had the pleasure Of join
ing in since | have been in Montana. This
was owing to the hearty hospitality Of Mr..
and Mrs. Malcolm Morrow, Jr., who
spared no pains or expense In getting up
an old-time Christmas dinner, etc. The
many guests arrived early and amused
themselves by discussing the Exceptionally
fine weather and other topics | interest
until the welcome call to dinner was heard,
appetites sharpened by the knowledge Of
Mrs. Morrow's well known skill in the
culinary department Dinner was com
posed Of more good things than one could
think Of in a month of Sundays, and the
recollection Of it alone is enoagh to keep
one from getting hungry until spring.
After dinner the children, under the su-
pervlsion of the efficient teacher of the
lower Shonkin school, Mrs. King, enter-
tanned the company with singing and re-
citations, which certainly reflected great
credit on both teacher and pupils. And
now came the Christmas tree, the branch
es of which were bending under their
load of pretty and useful presents, des-
tined, as it turned out, nor only for The
little children, but for all who had re-
sponded TO the kind invitation OF our host
and hostess to pass Christmas day with
them. In the midst of the compliments
that were being paid to the tasteful dress
ing of the tree, evidently the work of
some dainty fingers, Santa Claus made
his appearance, at first much to the dis
comfture of the little ones, who, not rec
ognizing their old friend, as he did not
have the customary white beard this year,
on account, / presume. of the absence of
snow, retreated to that children's haven of
safety, their mothers side, but could not
long withstand the enchantments OF our
Santa Claus and were speedily on terms of
the greatest friendship with him and en-
joying their presents as only children can.
We now had .sou1e good singing, all the
guests engaging in this. effort to amuse,
and then came the children's carnival of
fun, for we all Joined In tfe old games,
without which Christmas would not be
Christmas, winding up with the game of
"an introduction to the queen" (our queen
must be nameless), and although one of
her subjects was slightly rehellious, I hope
the memery of her short reign will be as
pleasant to her as it was to me.
May our kind friends who have afforded
US this pleasant day live TO enjoy many
such is the fervent wish of
AN OLD-TIMER.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
shonkin Shots.

a few years ago hay cutting on the
those who now require large quantity
for their own use, as we'll as others who
cut for sale, find that the growth is Kept
back to such an extent by range stock that
it is next to impossible to obtain the ma
tive grass in sufficient quantities to pay
for the labor. The question naturally
arises, ''What is the best variety of forage
for general purposes that one can raise ?''
and the answer intimates that it must be
such variety as will insure crop under
nearly all circumstances, easy of cultiva-
ton, containing large per cent. of nutri-
nient, and a good productive species.
johnson grass is highly extolled by some
and cried down by others. Alfalfa is a
successful forage plant in some localities,
and like timothy, will succeed if circum-
stances are favorable; but for all the re-
quirements necessary for profit nothing
comes SO near filling the bill as the old
fashioned millet. The San Francisco
Chronicle states that millet succeeds Onlv
in temperatures where wine is successfully
made. Well, now, we don't know as Mon
tana was ever noted as being wine man
country, but we would like to
see any section Of the west produce larger
crops of this annual to the acre than was
raised by some of the farmers of Choteau
county the past season. In one instance
forty pounds of seed were sown on two
and a quarter acres, irrigation not used,
and the result was nearly ten tons of ex-
cellent hay. In this locality millet was
generally grown last season, and all re-
ports are to the effect that the dryest
ground produces the best crop; that it is
easily harvested and cured; that all kinds
If stock relish it and gain in flesh while
oeing kept on it; that it yields enormous
y, and taken from all points, commends
tself as being the very best variety of
odder that one can raise.
Christmas was day Of joy; many FAM
~ rennions took place, and every body
,llled their turkey for he .linnrr. As
lis section is becoming quite u pork prp-
lucing point, SO nearly every ones turkey /
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
The Timber Question.

WASHINGTON, December 21.-The pres
ident to-day sent TO. the senate a message
transmitting a communication from the
secretary of the interior and submitting a
draft of a bill to amend the revised stat
utes relating to timber and depredations
upon lands reserved for military, Indian
or other purposes. It makes it unlawful
and punishable by fine of not more than
$500, or imprisonment not more than
twelve months, to cut or destroy any tim
Der on such lands, or to aid in SO doing.
Also message transmitting a communi-
cation from the secretary of the interior
submitting the draft of bill to amend
the revised statutes relating to trespass
upon Indian lands. It makes it an offense
punishable by fine or imprisonment and
forfeiture of outfit for any person to enter
any Indian lands without the authority of
the law. Emigrants peaceably passing
through such lands are exempted from
the penal provisions of the bill.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
y Y Nz93zal8B p - =
Captured Crees.


A detachment Of cavalry, consisting of
thirty-f1ve men, under Lieut.. Robertson,
arrived in the city to-day from Fort Asst
naboine. This is the same outfit that was
ordered out from Fort Maginnis a short
time ago to arrest the Crees reported to be
at Rocky Point. They took in twenty
four lodges and escorted them to Fort AS
sinaboine, and ale now on their way home.
Among the persons taken were Chief Cot
tonwood and Big Bears two sons, who
participated in the Riel rebellion. These
Indians object very seriously to being re-
turned to the queens dominions, Cotton
wood having escaped twice. He says he
will kill himself before he will return to
the Northwest.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
- -
Intoxicating Liquors.

The Northern Pacific recently issued a
circular instructing agents to refuse ship
ments of ardent spirits, wines or liquors
to any point on the company's lines locat-
ed within Indian reservations. This pro-
hibition applies to all points within The
following limits:
Yellowstone diVision-Points between
Sanders and Huntley inclusive, and points
between Reed Point and Big Timber, lat
ter not included.
Rocky Mountain division-Po be-
tween Paradise and Eyaro, former not il.-
cluded.
Cascade division-Points between satus
and Simeoe, inclusive.
Oregon Navigation's Baker city branch
between Pendleton and North
Fork, not inclusive.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
- 4 y sA 4sHn~~-----~
A Big Sheep Deal.

G. S. Gibson and John Hay arrived in
the city last week from the Hay Bros.
ranch on Arrow creek, where they have
just driven 4,500 sheep, recently purchas-
ed from Mrs. Sweetland of Rocky Gap,
B. T. Perkins and Neace & Eaton, OF
Ulidia. Mr.. Gibson made the purchase
and sold one-third of the band to Mr.. Hay,
and leased his interest to J. A. Hay, SO
that the entire band will be run on the
latter's range. The sheep are nearly all
young ewes, and are said on competent
authority to be one of the finest bands in
this section of the country. The sheep
crossed the Missouri at Great Falls. The
river was partly frozen over at that point,
but channel was cut to allow the boat to
cross. Not a single loss occurred during
the drive. Mr.. Gibson is strong in his
faith in the sheep industry, and will un-
doubtedly make money by this venture.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
The Christmas Trees.
AT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

AT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
the Christmas festival, on Thursday even
ing, was most interesting and pleasant
affair. The church was crowded with the
children and their parents. The interior
of the building was artistically dressed
for the occasion, and in the chancel stood
a magnificent tree loaded down with pres
ents for the little ones. The programme,
which was an unusually attractive one,
consisted of recitations, addresses and the
singing of carols. The recitatons by the
children were excellent. Little Bessie
Duer and Rose Lepper, Laura Lepper,
May Senieur and Mabel Collins performed
the parts assigned them in manner to
merit the applause which was SO literally
bestowed. Col. Leaning and Il. q. Full
ertOn made short addresses to the chill
dren which were fully appreciated by
them. The carols, Of which there were
five, were very sWeetly sung The dis
tribution Of gifts was probably better ap-
preciated by the children than any other
part of the programme. Santa Claus
looked tolerably we'll considering his years
and the amount Of work done and to be
done. Every child received present.
Mr.. Cloves, the rector, was presented with
a number Of valuable books, handker
chiefs, and a certificate Of deposit for one
hundred dollars presented by his friends.
Altogether the affair was mos. enjoyable.
AT THE METHODIST CHURCH
The seating capacity Of tie building WAS
taxed to lis utmost. An interesting pro-
stahnme had been prepared anu was faith
ialy carried out, songs and recitations byI
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Prohibiting Timber Cutting.

GLENDIyE, Mont, December 23.-Uni-
ted States Commissioner Ray, of Glendive
has received an order from the secretary
Of the interior to take cognizance of the
depredations of the timber lands of the
government. Your correspondent has
been unable tosee the order, but knows
that he is required to present to the Uni
ted States grand jury the names of all par
ties cutting timber on government lands.
The order does not apply to past offenders
but is imperative as to the present and
future, and expressly states that the TIM
Der must stand or the speculative cutters
must pay the penalty.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
= - , -
The Montana Shibboleth.

j. r. Widmyer, of the Independent, is
the coming man for postmaster here, with
Alexander Gillespie a good second, and
innumerable others with prospects,. It is
surmised, however, that Pat Kelly is, and
has been backing D. r. Mead, the preeent
incumbent, and his influence may keep
him in office for some time yet. In this
connection it is said that Maginnis has
declared his endorsement on an applica-
ton for office would do no good, but, on
the contrary, might weaken the securi-
ty." The federal appointments SO far
bear out the majors assertion, for they
have all been from the Missouri contingent
of the democracy, and it is said one of the
reform tests imposed on candidates is their
pronunciation of the little word where; if
e is given the sound of he is all right
Glendiye special to Pioneer Press.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30

was spare rib, but nevertheless all SEEM
as we'll pleased as If iu was otherwise.
Mr.. Skeritt having been obliged to give
up teaching on account of poor health
there has been no school in district mum
Der 6 for some time, but a new term will
begin on Monday, January 4th, with Mr..
James G.. Thane, of Highwood, as wielder
of the birch.
Charlie Roth relates an antelope story
that entities him to seat at the right
hand Of the stock tender at Stanford. He
went out not long ago carelessly trailing a
lariet made of rattlesnake skins, when a
band of antelope got wind of it. ''Now,
said Charlie, "you know that antelope are
death on rattlesnakes, and you just ought
to see them come for me. / tried TO scare
them away but it was no use, and finally,
fearing would be tramped to death, by
the excited and infuriared beasts, | drop
ped the iarier and ran for my life, and
since then there cannot an inch piece Of
that snake-skin lariet be found. They
tramped it clear out of sight in the ground.
Rev. IL. J. Hanter paid this valley a
visit recently and held religious services at
the school house, which were well attend
ed
Next Friday is the great swear-off day,
and as usual quite number have already
signitied their intention Of dropping their
small vices. We have heard of one man
who has entered into compact with hi~
better half giving her the privilege Of
treating him to coat of tar and feathers
If he imbibes any intoxicant during the
year, and We better half says if he fails
she will perform her part well and rub OH
the tar with broom made of rose bushes.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Unceremoneous Treatment of One o1
CleveIand's Postmasters.

MILWAUKEE, December 24.--Among
President Cleyeland's appointments be-
fore the convening Of congress was that of
DR.. Everhard as postmaster at Ripon.
The appointee received his commission
but tailed to qualify before congress con-
vened. This morning he appeared at the
office, presented his charge and his COM
mission to the old postmaster and de-
manded that the office be turned over to
him. His demands were ignored and he
was kicked into the street by the postmas-
ter, who has been in possession for the
last four years. The United States mar
shall has been telepraphed for and will go
to Ripon this afternoon.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30

THERE is still some uncertainty as to
whether or not the mills at Butte will
hang up their stamps after the first of
January. No definite agreement with the
railroad as to the rate on salt has yet been
made, but it is thought an IN derstanding
will be reached III time. As result of
this state OF doubt business at the great
camp is Very dull. The Inter Mountai n
says the holiday trade has been ra ther
ligtt, There being i difference OF almost
one halt hrtmter tn. sai,s OF this year and
last.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
The Masonic Ball.

The largest and most successful ball
ever held in Fort Benton was given bv
Benton Lodge No. %. A. f. &c A. M. i.
their hall Friday evening. The installa-
ton ceremonies commenced at 5 O'CLOCK
and the various officers were installed with
the usual impressive ceremonies OF the
order, after which the floor was cleared
and dancing commenced. Twelve and
fourteen sets were accommodated at one
time, the music was excellent and the
dancing was enjoyed by every one. The
banquet, prepared by Charles Rowe, OF the
Overland, was probably never equaled at
any public ball given in Fort Benton
Great credit is due the managers of the
affair There was no confusion and every-
thing passed off tremendously. 1t was
estimated that fully $50 people were pres
ent and ll2 on the floor at one time. All
IN attendance bore away with them pleas
ant memories of this most successful and
enjoyable affair.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Support Offered.

Special 10 the River Press,
ST. LOUIS, December 25.-Congressman
O'Neil, who is mentioned as the probable
chairman Of the committee on labor of the
house, has been offered the support of
numerous organizations. He deprecated
any action on their part and said if his
work would not get the place for him then
mass meetings and resolutions will not
help him.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30

the children making an unusually attrac-
i've programme. The distribution Of
presents was carried on without the aid Of
Santa Claus, but it was none the less in
teresting for the children, each receiving
substantial gifts. Our reporter was una
Bile to be in two places at once or we would
give more extended notice. At all
events, every one had good time and all
were we'll pleased.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
JAIL DELIVERY.
Charles Schmidt Opens His Cell Doors,
Makes Hole in 20-Inch Brick
Wall and Effects his Escape

Friday evening successful attempt to
break jail was made by which Charles
Schmidt, alias Gahan, one of the prisoners
interested in the forgery case in which the
First National bank was victimized. a
few months ago, made good his escape.
From o'e Of the prisoners confined
in the jail we learn the following re-
garding the escape: The men were dou-
Bile locked in, as usual, by Jailor Finne-
gan. Shortly after he left a noise was
heard in the cell occupied by Schmidt He
was asked what he was doing and replied !:
IL am going to get out tonight or die. .
GLOW do you expect to get the bars
out?' was the next inquiry.
81 have not been III here for six months
for nothing; can open any door in the
inside cells"
He told city prisoner that if he squeal-
ed on him he would kill him. By using "A
stick he succeeded in slipping the combi-
nation fastener, and shortly after managed
to unlock his own cell and the outer door
leading in'o the corridor. Then he adj
yised the other men to accompany him,
which they declined to do. He had a file,
which he had been using in polishing buf-
falo horns, and attacked the wall under
the most northerly window of the Jail
After working a few moments he removed
brick enough to allow him to pass through
to the outside. He then went out, and
entering the front door of the building,
went into the office, the jailor being alb
sent. He secured pistol and returned to
the aperture and again advised the men
to 60 with him. (He had before unlocked
their Cells.) They refused to 90 with him,
but did agree to accompany him down
town to get drink, but were not gone
more than ten minutes when they came
back and were standing by the stove when
Finnegan returned. The alarm was
quickly given, and the sheriff, under
sheriff, deputy and jailor were soon in
the saddle in pursuit.
The prisoner had been carefully watch
ed, but was granted few liberties not
usually accorded TO prisoners. He had
never given a hint that he meditated es-
cape. The wall through which he made
his escape is twenty inches in thickness.
The other prisoners say it could not have
been more than five minutes from the time
he commenced until he was able to get
out. 1t is supposed he had worked from
time to time before this and loosened a
number of the brick, and that he had as
sistance from without besides. We learn
that this is not the first time Schmidt has |
broken jail, and the success that attended |
his efforts in this instance is abundant
evidence of the fact that he is no novice at
the business. He is either still in hiding
in the city or has stolen horse and skip
ped out for the queens possessions.
There were but three prisoners in Jail
Schmidt, Pias and Dickens. Pias is held
on the charge of killing an Indian on Du-
puyer, and Dickens is a city prisoner. AL
though they had good opportunity they
lid not care TO escape.
ms-~t%$a%p4@-@--
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
In the Northwest Territory.

Judge ROuleau, of the Northwest terri
| tory, was in st. Paul recently. He said
he had not heard of any trouble among
the Blood Indians in the lower part of the
territory, although he had read in the pa
pers Of a probable uprising of that tribe.
He expressed the belief that the quelling
of the Riel rebellion would have good
effect on the half-breed and Indian resi-
dents, as it taught them that the govern
mentsWas disposed and capable of quelling
similar Instructions. He thought that
the half-breeds had been led into the last
rebellion without fully recognizing their
position or danger. They were disposed
to hold meetings and petition parliament
for a redress of their supposed wrongs.
Riel got them into his forces through mis-
representations, aided by their ignorance
of existing facts. Riel was not animated
by any desire to improve the condition of
his followers, but was working to improve
stantial opposition to Sir John Macdonald
for his refusal to interest himself in Riel's
behalf, it would develop in the western
part of the territory, where the residents
were familiar with all the details of the
rebellion. No such opposition existed in
the west, but it was reported that the
French Canadians in the eastern part of
the dominion had espoused Riel's cause
and would fight the ministry in parlia-
ment. The judge knew nothing OF such
opposition, but did not believe that ii
would amount 70 anything serious.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Another Montana Railroad.

Special to the River Press
HELENA, December 29.-Messrs. Broad
water o. Montana, and Wilder, of st. Paul
are in Boston, negotiating for means to
build railroad from this city to the Red
Mountain mining district, distance of
about seventy-fve miles. The Red Noun
tain is an undeyeloped rich mining field.
The road will connect with the Northern
Pacific at this place. About 81 200, 900
has already been raised towards the con-
construction Of lhi, rosd an.l thc pl. ject is
an assured success.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
The Silver Question.

Special to the River Press
WASHINGTON, December 25.-A notice
able feature in connection with the silver
coinage question is that the west and south
are practically unit for it, while the east
and middle states appear to be almost SOL
idly in favor of suspension.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Sharon VS.. Hill,
Suecial to the River Press.

soecial to the River Press.
SAN FRANCISCO, December 25.-The U.
S circuit judge has rendered decision in
favor of plaintiff in the suit of Sharon VS..
Hill, which was brought to declare void
the alleged marriage contract.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
DynamlJe

Special to the River Press.
CHICAGO, December 26 An immense
quantity of dynamite has just been dis
covered under the house of the United
States minister now at Brussels.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Good Railroad News.

The following cablegram was received
to-day from Sir Alexander Gait:
LONDON, December %, 1855.
". G. Conrad, Fort Benton, II. T.:
The prospect of railroad to Fort Ben
ton is quite favorable. A. T. GAIT.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
Rumored Fright.
seial to the River Press.

Special to the River Press.
PARIS, December 25-It is rumored that
Il conflict between patty Of French and
German sailors took place in the gulf of
Guinea.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30
/" Painting the Town Red. !"

Special to the River Press.
AUSTIN, Texas, December 25.-Many
women and children are being murdered
by some fiend without provocaton. 1t
seems to be the work OF some lunatic.
The city is completely terrorlzed.
The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-30

Book ana JOU Printing u specially al
the RIVER PRESS office.