The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-01-27
The Hospitable People OF Livingston
Grievously Imposed Upon
by a Blatherskite.
A Peripatetic Phrenologist Named
Mntch Narrowly Escapes
Tar and Feathers.
He Produced Credentials and RECON- men.
dations the Very -IsanIuet
ut Twin Bridges.

brought with him recommendations pur-
porting to come from some OF the best
known and most respected citizens Of the
state. His advertisements also announced
that he was endorsed by Lieut.. Gov. Rick
ards, of Bntte, and other well-known citi-
zens of the Smoky City. Rev. M. j. Hall.
brought with him from Bozeman for the
professor advertisements announcing the
coming Of the great professor, which he
caused to be inserted in a local paper.
When the professor himself arrived Satur-
day. the 18th inst, he was received with
open arms by certain people, and the next
morning, Sunday. held forth in the Metho-
dist church and addressed the Baptist con-
gregation in the evening. He also
occupied the platform at the
union meeting of several Of the
churches in Temperance nall, on Main
street, in the afternoon. Monday and Tues
day evenings following he delivered free
lectures on phrenology in Fowlie's hall and
at the close Of each lecture would announce
where he could be found and that he would
examine heads and furnish charts at GER
tain price. He also identified himself with
the movement of the Y. M. G. A. to estab-
iish free reading room in the Miles block.
He had become quite prominent figure in
Livingston circles considering the time he
had been in the community, consequent, of
course, on his ability to advertise and be-
come acquainted. In view of the fact that
Mutch was 80 highly endorsed by men of
prominence throughout the state, and was
n IL s<,fh hry1 Ay 1f
weli-known respectability, it is little won
der that Mr.. Wilson, principal of the city
high school, was taken in by the
slick professor and made grievous mis-
take, which may cost him his position.
The professor had frequently visited the
public schools during his stay and finally
arranged with Mr.. Wilson that the boys
and young men attending the high school
should be dismissed at IL o'clock in the
morning SO that he might deliver lecture
exclusively to the young lady pupils rang
ing in age from about 12 to 1S wears. This
was on Friday of last week and after the
boys had been dismissed the professor also
requested Mr.. Wilson to absent himself, as
his presence might tend to embarrass the
girls. In a foolish moment the principal
consented, believing that he had informed
himself as to the nature of the professors
lecture, that he was man of standing,
character and principle. was we'll indorsed,
and Gould no doubt tell the young ladies
something they should know as to what
their conduct should be toward the male
pupils. No one questions the motives
of Mr.. Wilson and that he had reason
to presume the professor was proper per-
son to instruct young people in morals.
The result did not justify the presump-
tion, however, and the people most directly
parents and guardians of the
girls, are disposed to hold Mr.. Wilson re-
sponsible for the professors talk on that
IT is said that a petition is being
circulated asking for his removal. The
school trustees, while regretting the occur
renee, do not express themselves as to
what action they will take in the premises.
The professors lecture, from all accounts
was most vulgar and obscene talk on
youthful indiscretions and their results.
He even went SO far as to say that he rec
ognized such individuals among his audi
ence. The professor undoubtedly talked
plainly, and before he had concluded
lady teacher, assistant to the principal,
and number of the girls left the room
in tears. There was talk that evening of
tar and feathers for the professor, but
better counsel prevailed and he was given
a limited time to leave town. which he did
on the first train early Saturday morning.
The matter for a day or two was kept
rather quiet but as it has become bruited
about the indignation of all is urbounded.
It was learned that he intended visiting
Dillon after he left here and County Super
ntendent of Schools Eva NJ. Hunter has
written there, warning the people to look
out for the slick scoundrel, as have also
Revs. Fowler. Taft and Haggard, pastors
of the Congregational. Metho-
list and Baptist churches. The visit of the
professor has taught those who welcomed
lm SO cordially n lesson, If it has had no
,ther good effect. Some of our residents,
more especially members of the churches,
nave been ready to take up with any stran-
,er and assist him if he only announced
lis undertaking as laudable. In their
.nxiety to do good the people frequently
,yerstep the mark
FIFTY ENROLLED.