The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1885-01-02
PERHAPS you HAVE HEARD.
"Timss AIn't What They Used to BE-"

The above sentence has been evolved from
the human mouth with great frequency, and
Its antiquity is hard to determine. I had IL
remarked to me nearly fsrty years ago when
applying fer new pair of boots, whsrewith
to navigate the slush in the streets of New
YORK; and in all probability Adam made the
remark to his conssrt, when, after their fool
cry with the devil, they found themselves
mat broke" on the outside Of their old
hsme.
twenty years ago, hero in Montana, the
above words were rarely snunciatsd except
perhaps, by some unfortunate miner who,
after investing bis homestaks in faro bank,
was compelled to offer his cheek for the re.
luctantly forthcoming tive bit drink in the
morning.
The expression became more general a.
time went by ami ten-dollar diggings panned
out only five; and since the completion of
the railroads it has become sort Of verbal
motto hanging on everyspes lip. 1t has be-
come conveniency, as 1t were, with as
much advantage to the creditor As to the
debtor, In the shape of mitigated demand
or refusal.
Times here now are really not what they
used to be, although some OF the "sld-time
pioneers" have not changed particle so far
as moral and financial ability is concerned.
The pilgrim of to-day, coming here swiftly
by rail, may see slower but surer future by
holding on to and gsbbling up ten-cent
pieces, which some of us, Of yore, contempt
uously threw away. Times are not what
they used to be with them, in Eastern con-
fines, few days since |; the free and brscing
mountain air alene Is a beneficial change to
such.
III times have grown better fer some of tue
early settlers who have become wealthy. and
consequently respected, their riches and DO
sition should not be envied them, even IL ac-
CURED by tramping fellow.nortals In the
mud they should be admired for their gen.
ins, talents and dollars. But, on the other
hand, some poor old-time-s should not be
Condemned. 1t is the povsrty-stricken ones
who, either by folly, bad Judgment, ETC.,
served as stepping stones to the others, and
have now become fixtures In the pedestal Of
. monied power above which keeps them
immovably fixed.
A few days ago, several of the most ancient
old-timers-who were equals in society BY
the possession Of gray hairs, spectacles, and
seedy suits trimmed with empty pocksts-
met In the Liberal saloon Kept by Disrman
q Zigler) on Front street. The regular salu-
tation, "Glad to meet you, old boy, come and
have something" had been addressed by one
to the other, and the sign in tho all-sseine
eye Of the bar keeper being favorable, each
took one thrse-fngsred horn and several
smaller ones. They felt happy. and NO vain
regrets escaped thsir lips while discussing
the improvements and prosperity around
them and recounting the chances they might
have had. Understanding well that the
lightning express to fortune had been
missed, they saw the Inconsistency Of trying
to catch up by slew freight 1t this time ef
life. Only they damned tho crust which had
grown around tho hearts Of former friends,
turned int latter day saintz- Said one, after
taking in the barkeeper's treat, "Times Amt
what they used to Be, boys, when the few Of
us were like enc family, and the free bLng-
hole Of an accessible key was always open
somewhere. Tho csnfounded railroad has
spoilt all our ancient free and easy ways; but
there Ii no longer aay new frontier for u 70
20 to this side Of Hades," and they all
"smiled" .. the expense Of the propristsrs Of
the saloon and agreed to emigrats Some day
and meet and lecase in the land Of old Nick.
C.S.