Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1891-02-12
INGERsOLL IN TOWN.
Bald-Patsd Bob Mingles Politics and Re-
hgion.
TSt. Paul Globe.

"R. G. Ingersoll and wife," was the
signature on the register of the West
yesterday. People walked up, ran
over the names, as people will, and
never thought that ''R. G. Ingersoll
and wife" meant anybody out OF the
ordinary run of travellers to be found
in a big, modern caravansary. They
didn't once think that it stood for the
best known agnostic on this scontinent.
1t was none other than round-faced,
bald-headed, genial-faced "Beb" Inger-
soil who has given the ministers of this
country more trouble than a thousand
sinners. Bob" strolled around the
hotel until 4:55, when he left for Butte,
Mont, where he will be one of the at
torneys in the big Davis will case.
He will stay there about ten days,
and on his way back may lecture in
the twin cities on Shakespeare.
The colonel talked to the reporters
a while, and showed that his powers
OF sarcasm and vigorous expression
had not been weakened by railway
travel. He was ready to talk about
anything from heaven to politics, stu
pendous as the range may seem. He
believes that the modern preacher is
growing better as the world grows
older.
"He used to be quite arrogant, over
b.. mach I.lsa ~
said Ingersoll. "He took great delight
in talking about the wrath OF God and
the fires of perdition. He hated sci
ence, and looked upon freethinkers
with adherence. Now he Is becoming
civilized. He is not quite certain that
his creed is true-has some doubts
about inspiration-thinks that mir
acles need little more proof, and has
concluded that even hell is not quite
as hot as it used to be. Asfor religion
in the churches, it is losing ground.
The Presbyterians became ashamed OF
the old creed. Other churches will fol
low the example. The superstitions
will gradually be cast aside, and the
churches will turn their attention to
the affairs of this world. They will
try and teach people to be happy here.
The good that is in the Bible will be
preserved, and the bad and foolish will
be thrown away. Reason will take
the place of religion, philosophy OF
preachers, and virtue the place OF be-
lief.
"Yes, think the world is growing
better. We are getting liberal. In a
little while we shall all believe in intel
lectual hospitality"
He paid glowing tribute to the late
secretary of the treasury, VIM. Win
dom. He believes that VIM. Mckinley
will be his successor. Coming down to
general politics, he said he heard that
Charles A. Dana was opposed to Cleve-
land. Nevertheless" said he, "I be
| Ieve that nothing can prevent the
nomination of Mr.. and Mrs. Cleveland.
Hill will be candidate as long as he
lives, and can get more votes in New
York than any other Democrat, but
! ne won't be nominated"
"Who will be the KepuDIican candi-
date in 1922" was asked.
al was for Gresham in 1888, and
was right. Theconvention was wrong
l am still for Gresham, because | be.
| lieve he is the best man for the place,
| because he has some breadth OF mind,
because he has intelligence, integrity
and courage.
He is opposed to the restriction Of
| immigration. For" said he, "there
is room in this country for ten times
as many people as we have. We car
take care OF ,OOO, 900, 900 people; we
have room for all. Let them come
Here are millions of acres to be culti
waited. If those who come are pooi
and sometimes ignorant, their children
will be rich and intelligent. Let Us
have pity for the unfortunate OF the
old world. Ericsson was an emigrant
and he did as much for the United
States as any man, living or dead, ant
so say let the Swedes come.
"The Germans have done us grea'
good. Tdey have helped to soften olt
Puritan theology. They have taugh
us to be happy on Sunday. The!
have given us higher and nobler idea
of music, and have done good servic
in the defense of individual liberty
We have about 8, 500, 900 square miie
of territory and only IS, ,OOO, 900 peo
pie. So let the emigrants come. The,
will not vote the Democratic ticke
forever"
"Bob" believes that the force bill
, dead. He believes in silver coinagt
: because gold is the money OF the cred
. itor and silver the money OF the debtor
: He isn't much of hero worshippei
according to this:
There are lot of men in this worl
who think they are ID important
: But they aren't. tell you there ar
7 thousands of men you never hear