Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-05-27
LETTER FROM MONTANA.
[ For the SPECTATOR

lFOr Jne SPECTATOR.
BUTTE CITY, MONTANA, May IA, 1885.
MEssRs. EDIToRs:-In this article shall
endeavor to give you an idea of the society
in Montana.
Butte City is the most important mining
camp in the West, and, of course, attracts
the laborer from the East and adjoining
territories. The CGur D'Alene boom last
year resulted, like many other reported rich
finds, in an almost failure, and the eonse-
quence is that Butte City to-day is groan-
ing with surplus of men, some anxious
for work, others refusing work when Of
fered to them.
The ancient and honorable order of
''tramps" are found here in abundance.
have seen these worthy gentlemen in
groups of dozen cursipg the people, place,
and their bad luck for coming to this ''God-
forsaken camp even refuse to do a Job of
respectable work when offered to them. Last
summer few of the kind citizens, when
one of these worthless asked for something
to eat, rather than be bothered with them
at their tables, purchased meal tickets at
the restaurant and sent them there, but in
stead of eating their meals as expected.
the tramp Just traded the ticket for whis-
key. A man found Cheating" his way on
a train is not considered low man by any
neduS. MANY Ol lne BUSINESS men, Wleu
travelling between local points, do not buy
tickets, but pay the conductor about one
half fare and 90 On their way rejoicing,
while the 'con' puts the money in his
own pocket, and the railroad is no wiser or
richer.
Young men come here from the East,
leaving perhaps a name on some church
book, enters this society, and in less than
one month is as reckless as MANY of the old
miners.
Gambling rooms are open to the eye of
any one passing the streets, 81 ou need
never hunt for the places of sin, but if one
wishes to keep clear of this rough society,
he will be compelled to hunt a place out
side Of this camp. Notwithstanding the six
churches, and the effort the good people
exercise for good, the people of Butte pre-
fer the saloons and gambling dens to con-
tinue.
Several of the saloons employ travelling
troupes to play for them and have
free show. The free shows draw an i'm
mense crowd, and very few who attend the
entertainment feel satisfied to leave without
buying a few drinks with his friends.
Houses of ''ill-fame' seem to thrive right
in the center of the business part of town.
Never before have | witnessed such degree
of open lewdness as can be seen by any one
visiting here.
The youth who finds himself in Butte
City, and wishes to leave with the same
pureness which he brought with him will
certainly have to guard his actions very
closely.
The schools are becoming to be reeog-
nized as institutions of worth. The teach
ers employed are generally of an educated
class from the Eastern schools.
In conclusion, let me ask you not to think
of Butte City as 4 place devoid of good
people, but rather place where many good
families live, and work for the reformation
of those who have become reckless.
The writer of this may be able to recall,
to his own dissatisfaction when once again
i'll his native county of Augusta, Va, many
reckless adventures of his own while among
the everlasting snow-clad peaks of the
Rockies. Yours, B. j. II.