The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-01

ing shortly after, the young man was again
thrown upon his own resources. The out
break Of the civil war at this peri
cd afforded him an opportunity
venture, re- and Stanley as joined the Con- on
federate army. Taken prisoner in one of
the western engagements, he was fortunate
enough to be exchanged, and on regaining
his freedom enlisted in the confederate SER
vice, this time selecting the navy as a field
more cOngenial to his active and restless
spirit. 1t is said that he was an acting en-
sign on an ironclad and one of the crew of
the Alabama when, towards the close of the
war she went down in the deadly duel with
the kearsage.
Making his way to New York after the
cessation OF hostilities Stanley gained the
confidence of James Gordon Bennett, and in
1867 was sent as correspondent of the New
York Herald to Abyssinia. Here, by his
daring and journalistic enterprise, he
began to achieve high honors. On his
return from Coomassie and Magdala
he was s,a sent to Spain, but in Us, 1852
rid to Paris by Mr.. Bennett and ordered to
lead an expedition into the heart of Africa
for the discovery, if possible, of DR.. Liv-
ingstone, whose long silence had raised the
gravest apprehensions. How he succeeded
IN this endeavor, returned to England in
1872 and was received with distinguished
consideration by the queen, the Royal Geo
graphical society and other learned bodies.
are incidents that have become part of
| the history of our time.
And now occurred the particular episode
that has elected this article. Stanley re-
manned in England long enough to super
intend the publication Of his book entitled:
''How l found Livingstone" Then. in
| order to fill lecturing engagement, as we'll
as to revisit friends, he returned to the
United States.
The reception accorded to him by his
journalistic associates, especially by those
Herald club, was we'll calculated to impress
upon him the magnitude of the work he
| had performed, and we all felt that he
| stood chief among the intrepid spirits of
the press who, in obedience to instructions,
| have gone forward in peace and war to give
the public the story of great events. The
manner in which he was treated by portion
of the press, however, was of very differ
| ent character. By some of the newspapers
| now loudest in their praise, he was de-
nounced as fraud, charlatan and adyen-
| turer.
Even the old travel-stained cap Of Liy-
ingstone and his personal letters which
Stanley, on the night of the famous Herald
club dinner, presented to the brother of the
explorer, who had come from Canada for
the occasion, were characterized by more
than one newspaper as the invitations of a
who knew the man knew better.
An offset to disappointments was to be
found in the social honors that our best
citizens on every hand desired to pay him.
| Strange to say, however, Stanley rarely
showed to advantage in any public gather
ing. In q throng of ladies and gentlemen
he was painfully difident and shy, while in
the society of two or three chosen spirits
| he was delightful companion, conversing
with ease and charming grace such as
those who enjoyed these condolences will
never forget.
There was one residence in New York
where he was especially welcome and which
he was never weary of visiting. It was the
home Of lovely girl. at the time probobly
twenty-five years of age, finely educated,
highly accomplished, witty, self-reliant,
something more, in fact than . mere
woman OF the world, and withal very
| first sight," and the attachment appeared
TO be mutual. Day after day he spent an
hour or two in her presence and his strong
nature was gradually absorbed in the one
grand passion of mans life.
1t was at this juncture In his affairs that
the writer on bright Sunday Afternoon.
found Stanley in his elegant apartments in
| Broadway hotel Illuminating over some of
| the possibilities that always seemed to be
| uppermost in his active mind.
Come ina loyal Welcome" was the
| CHEEKY greeting rs opened the door. "for
| lam nursing my pst scheme and want help IS
| After some preliminary talk, Stanley pro-
ceeded: "Hou know. my dear fellow, Tn
engaged to be married. Il Is the ca!y love
| that I've ever had and my Aanoee is a
| woman Of whom any man might veil be
| proud. Before marry and settts down Q
eress snderfAl1pg remains r. "a $4,000