The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1897-12-19

vironment. that will give to Montana
future of marvellous strength and
power. In this climate funkyism.
toadyism and other isms growing out
Of the surrender of self-hood tn social
conditions. can never attain q perma-
nent foothold. Many of the features
Of eastern civilization would strangle
upon the ozone in the climate of Mon
tana if by chance transferred to this
locality. Their feeble limitations. bob
bing up with sicllly energy at times.
attract but a passing thought.
Yet with all these elements of
strength. to feed upon resources unex-
celled within the boundaries of the
globe. that from digested opportunity
an empire of greatness may be created.
the civilization of Montana has pro-
yoked the criticism of some 1t has
been urged that its weakness lies with
in it's strength-that its independent.
self-reliant character takes on a self
assertive phase, destroying the sympa-
thetie bonds of union which mutual de-
tendencies can alone inspire; that as
a result of this. misfortune makes a
man the prey of his fellows, and calls
for kicks instead of kindnesses. that
the unsuccessful are bounded from post
to pillar. and that friendships are un-
known in the scramble for wealth; that
good intentions weigh no more than a
good pedigree, and. in effect, bad luck
becomes a crime
Again 1t is said anent the climate of
this favored state that the mental in
tensity 1t inspires acts upon the ner-
Nous system to the detriment of good
morals and temperate life. with the
result that there are more divorces in
Montana, in proportion to the popula-
ton than in the Atlantic seaboard
states combined. a similar statement
is made respecting suicides. and the
question is asked: If Montana is a
wealthy healthy and progressive state
how can such things be? If great in
the opportunities for the upbuilding of
character why are the weaknesses of
human nature constantly in evidence?
Many of these criticisms are captious
and unjust, yet in an inventory of Mon
tana character they cannot be ignored.
The history of this state is embellished
with incidents which conclusively prove
that nothing can develop higher de
gree of fellowship than the rugged
hardships of a new country. The gem
eroSity of the Montana character has
passed into a proverb. and no man will
more quickly aid the unfortunate than
the thoroughly westernized citizen of
this imperial state. If its climate had
the effect alleged in the criticism Mon
tana could not accommodate the swarm
of tourists that would pour through it's
gateways from the puritanical precincts
of New England.
Wtthal Montana compares favorably
with the East in the character and
quality of its people. The distinctions
are not of a character to create preiu-
dice but to excite interest. as they have
grown out of environment to which in
dividual responsibility does not attach.
Montanans have but to study the con-
ditions that surround them to fully
analyZe the composite character of their
commonwealth, to understand that hui
man energies are responsive to envir-
onment. to grasp the glorious possihili-
ties OF the state. The Montanan should
be a philosopher. His surroundings
should make him look upon misfortune
az chapter to be forgotten in the pro-
phecies of success. He has no right.
as a land animal, to usurp the func-
lions Of the sky and get blue When
the world does not come his way and
he cannot get hold of an Archimidean
lever and rent a place to stand. let
him sit down on a granite boulder and
circle around its time-worn axis in a
cheerful frame of mind. Conscious of
his own rectitude of purpose. anxious
to do the best he can as a citizen and
as man. let the storms of disaster fall
lightly upon his shoulders that the sun
shine OF the coming years may greet
a happy look I'm his hopeful eyes With
royal loyalty and unfading patriotism
let him remember that with the excep-
ton Of his own beloved Montana
This world is all a feeting show,
For mans Illusion given,
The smiles Of Joy, the tears OF woe,
Deceitful shine. deceitful flow
There's nothing true but Heaven"