The Philipsburg mail. [volume] (Philipsburg, Mont.) 1887-current, 1898-05-06
CAPIYAL
An Interesting Letter From Our Regu.
lar Correspondent.
HERSEY PENS ENTERTAININGLY
Tells What Is Going On in the Way of
Local Gossip - What Montana's
Representatives Are Doing.


the hill, then marched them down
again. This redoubtable action of
the monarch of the fable aud his obe-
dient host was initiated here by the
proceedings of the District of Colum-
bia national guard Oh Monday of this
week. Orders from headquarters were
issued directing the members of the
guard to go into camp, preparatory,
as it was supposed, to going south,
either for duty on the Florida coast or
possibly for the invasion of Cuban
soil. The final leave taking had been
made, many of the members having
resigned their positions and otherwise
prepared for an indefinite absence,
with the probability for many at least
Of never returning. To the inspiring
notes of the national airs, with proud
banners borne aloft, and attired in the
newest and brightest panoply of war,
the three battalions marched along the
streets of the capital on Monday while
the wayside was lined with applauding
and envious spectators who cheered
them as they passed on their way to
temporary headquarters. Only a few
hours later these men were ordered
back to their armories and directed to
disperse, subject to future call. The
parting tears of the day before gave
way now to those of anger aud disap-
pointmcnt and a large number are
reported to have signified their inten-
tion to resign. 1t seems that the quota
of the district is only one battalion or
four companies of one hundred men.
This, of course, will leave large
number behind when the final call is
made. However, an uncomfortable
blunder was made in the proceeding
and one without excuse.
Although much has been said of pro-
lection having been extended recently
to all harD@r and rivers of the Allan
tic coast. iu the form of mines and
other appliances for the destruction of
an invading feet, placed in position
secretly by the government, it is an
actual fact that outside of New York
and Boston very little has been done to
repel an enemy in this way. AS a
matter of fact the defences at the
mouth of the Potomac are Of an Obso-
lete and impotent character, old Fort
ress Monroe having only two or three
old-fashNoned guns ont of date in de-
sign and quality of service. There Is
really nothing to prevent the lighter
draught boats of a Spar ish feet coming
to the vssry walls of the capital and Il
a few hours reducing to ruin the ma
tion's most cherished historic monu-
ments.
This would, however. of course be
o ,posed by the American squadron,
whose duty it would be to take care OF
our coast while active operations were
going Oh at the main seat of the con-
hict in Cuban waters. Opinions are
widely at variance as to the result of
the first great naval engagement which
must come soon. Spain, as is gener-
ally admitted, has one of the most
powerful war fotillas ahoat, superior
in point of torpedo boats and torpedo
boat destroyers to anything that can
be assembled by the United States.
What the result of clash between
this new armada and any naval force
with which we can meet it rs, even to
the most hopeful mind, question be.
longing to the realm of doubt. As to
the ultimate result of the war there
has not. OF course, at any time been
two divided opinions.
All will be glad to learn not only of
the prowess of the crew of the little
gunboat Helena but of the substantial
gain which comes to her men as the
result of her bold dash in capturing
prize this week. 1t is said that her
common seamen will each at least be
entitled to $500 prize money.
According to my exclusive advices
to the M ontana press, Gov. Smith was
informed by Senators Carter and Man
tie that company. troop, battery, bat
talon or regiment of organized militia
may enlist volunteers in the service of |
the United States with their horses
and equipments. Compensation will
be allowed for property thus taken into
service. Montana's quota will be one
battalion of cavalry. This was deemed
wise by the secretary of war. because
Of the great abundance of first class
saddle animals in our state. The
officers for the cavalry battalion thus
called into service may be appointed
by the governor. The officers so ap-
pointed to be of corresponding grades
with the volunteer service of the
United States. The quota will be 4l9
men and will be made up of course
from all parts of the state.
Joseph W. Allen of Glendive, Mont,
was in Washington last week. Mr..
Allen had interviews with our senators
and Congressman Hartman with ref.
erence to an unexpended balance of
sl1. 900 appropriated for the improve
ment of the Yellowstone below Glen
dive, and also with regard to the estab-
lishment of mail route between Glen
dive and Poplar. Our delegation prom
ised Mr.. Allen their support IN max
ing the money now lying idle available
for the purpose for which it was ap-
and also in obtaining the
mail service desired.
Mr. Allen is one of Montana's pion-
eer populists. He was chairman Of the