The Great Falls leader. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1888-1900, 1889-04-17
ARBOR DAY IN GREAT FALLS.

1T least a month too late for this section
of Montana, a goodly number of trees
were planted. Among the rest the EN-
ployes Of the LEADER office, determined
not to be outdone in their zeal for the
day, planted row of thrifty-looking cot
tonwoods in front of their office. Soon
after the trees were all set out in good
shape, the magnificent silver cornet band
| of Messrs. Germ & Davenport was heard
on the street. Its soulstirring strains en-
livned everyone. Marching to the LEADER
office they halted in front of the sa nctum
sanctorum, where quite crowd had as
| sembled.
The following named gentlemen were
proposed and elected:
President-Mayor Gibson.
Vice Presidents-Timothy Collins, Fl
P. Rolfe, DIR. Fairfield, Jerry Collins.
Secretary-Maj. O'Dwyer.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
After "Star Spangled Banner" in the
most inspirational mood of the superb
band, Gov. Leslic's Arbor Day PROCLAIM
alton was read in excellent tone by Col.
]. "A. Mcknight.
The Governors Grand March was dis
coursed by the band.
Charles NJ. Webster, ESQ.,, being loud
ly called for responded by stepping to
the platform and in his happiest mood
addressed the assembled auditors as fol-
| lows:
FELLOW CIrIzENs:-
When Col. Mcknight broke into the
back door of our Office and insisted uron
my coming over to the LEADERS inau-
guration of the important industry for it
should be an Industry Of tree planting,
told him could not leave my present
engagement, but now that I am here,
am glad Of it. l am cup a tree myself,
but the inspiration lent by the band
which is justly the pride of Great Falls,
in the stirring music just rendered, and
the Joyous faces see before me, impels
me to say that this is pleasant as well
asa very important occasion. Seventeen
years ago today this salutary movement
was, inaugurated in Nebraska by the
planting of twelve million trees. Today
it is estimated that they have in that
State nearly seven hundred million trees
waving their graceful bows, us u result
of the first efficient efforts.
The planting of trees is almost infinite
in it's benefits. It not only makes the
earth more beautiful, but it's effects
reach even to the skies. That the
growth of trees affects favorably the rain
fall Of country is stereotyped fact, and
from the amount Of "irrigation' expend
ed in the dedication Of these trees which
you have set out here this evening,
think they will never die from lack O.
moisture.
There are thirty-four States at present
which set apart this day for this beneti
cent work, the results Of which are fal
reaching. In some States, believe
tree culture to limited extent is com
pulsory.
Not long ago, while journeyiny through
| Kansas, was struck with its magniticen
rows Of trees shading the streets Of th
towns and in many places lavishing thei
splendid shelter upon tile traveller on TIL
wide prairies inquired what freak Q
nature had 50 kindly cast up these tree
upon what seemed t, be a naturally tree
less country; and was Informed that fiji
: teen years ago the plains of that grea
!, State were as bare as the pate Of Co
. Mcknight, the editor Of the LEADER.
:, Though now these trees, leatles
branchless and apparently lifeless, whic
you have started upon their good growth
promise little except to the faithful, til
next generation will recline under the
, shade and bless the shades Of thos
who had the honor of starting this gre,
- enterprise in the Montana metropolis |
- the cataracts. They will grow and wa
= :, strong until they help to shield our Pc
= pie from the storms of winter and tt
g summer's sun. They will spread the
y majestic limbs above, in forceful suppl
a. a. cation for Heavens blessings, which a
- sure to come in copious showers, whi
y the graceful leaves chant softly, "glor
in excelsis."
* &c At the close of Mr.. Wehster's spec.
= the band played ''Marchlng throut
20 Georgia. with IN ardor that was tru
40 patriotic and, after further short al
~ very practical discussion of the muc
NV mooted question of irrigation, facilitat
y. by refreshing showers of Pilsner's be
~ the assemblagc dispersed. Everybot
- reioiced that the LEADER folks had
~ =. spect enough for the last official act of
''' democratic governor to accord to t
n ~ Arbor Day proclamation some pub
wv recognition, while the day as we'll as
iss as proclamation We're utterly ignored by G
~ worthy democratic mayor and city g
crnment.
1 The Fair Association.