The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-02-13
THE SOLDIERS o M

A Argument in Favor OF Placing II ii
Hunters Hot springs.
To Tho Independent:
The territory Of Montana was in ita in.
fancy when tho war Of thu rebellion was on,
being without available men sufficient for
amy military organization, or means TO con
tribute In support of the union arms. and
was thereby deprived Of any part in the
suocsssful prosecution OF the coniiic,
which resulted In making il possible for
Montana to reach her present great devcl-
opment and proud distinction in the sister
hood OF states. With the close OF the re-
bellion tho victorious and vanquished arm.
les. quietly d~isbanded; the veterans re-
turned to their former homes, rssuming ths
Rarb and vocations OF peaceab!e, inuustri-
Gus citizens.
Bat on looking for employment or room
IN the professions, business and induatriat
colleges in and about their formee homes.
large humble q of these old veterans of n
four years. war found their former places
filled by ayoungef generation and foreign
born immigrants and the doors to employ
ment closed. Instead Of engaging in mob
violence or rebellion for place and spoils AZ
has go often bsen the case under mon
archial TO ms of government. these old
veterans OF the victorious and vanquished
armies, turned their ateps to the spnrsley
settled states and undevsiot cd territories
OF the geeut west. Soon after the war
hardships incident to long and con-
tinued exl ~erience, found their way
to Montana and have taken
large and successful part in
the development resulting in the great
prosperity and richness ut present attained
b. this magnificent commonwealth of Mon
tana. While there many OF those old vet
terans, holding prominent places in the
civil service of the state. and in the profess
sions and business cnllincs thereof, Ios-
sessed of homes and a confidence for sup-
port when the intirmities OF old age over
takes them, there are many Others, some of
whom look u prominent part in the iabors
and hardships incident to the mine q life,
and in labors Of various kinds, who have
been attended with misfortune. Othei Q
have failed because of disabilities resulting
from disease cont acted or wounds received
while in the service of their country, ami
now, while rapidly nearing the sunset of
life, find themselves physical wrecks. with
out homes or means to provide for their
last days.
Many of these men gave the best days of
their young manhood to the cause which
has established this nation among the fore
most of the void and which mado it pos
sible for the great prosperity and happiness
now enjoyed by the millions OF this great
government.
This state, and tho people thereof. have
attained a degree of development and pros-
perity second to one of the many older
members of the sisterhood of states. the
leople are liberal and patriotic. and the
time has come when duty demands by the
state liberal provision for tho old veterans
now, or who may be ovei by the mis-
fortune of broken health and dsstltution.
There arc many Of them now in the state
and many who are being cared for at the
poor farms of the several counties as COM
mon paupers while many others have found
their last resting place III = pauper's grave.
Tho Grand Army of the ReIublio has
rendered loyal service throughout the state
families. but the organization docs not
reach out into the more sparsely settled
pc tions of the state whore many of these
old veterans have been seeking homes and
en- loyInent, and it it did the burden is
becoming, too great for both the Grand
Relief Corps. The time has come when
this great state should assume tho duty and
furnish liberal provision for its old citizen
veterans who are now in need. The ma
jority of the states have their soldiers
homes and give literally to the care Of the
care has been had by the states
places best suited to the wants
of those suffering with rheumatic and
chronic diseases. and this state should not
fail to locate her soldiers home at one of
the several hot springs noted for the relief
of rheumatism. and Hunters Hot Springs,
in Park county, is both central and
available. and the waters are not sur
passed by any in the United States for the
! ellef OF diseases. such as the la &c majority
of the old veterans are now sutfering-rheu-
matism, catarrhal troubles and mala .ial
poisoning. For this purpose the owner
would grant a site and liberal supply Of
water for bathing purposes. Let the old
Veterans have their home located at Hun
tsi's Hot Springs. and the selection will
never be regretted.
w. T. COLLINS. N. D,