The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-24
HAS A FIGHTING FEVER
Attorney Stivers Offers a Com
pany of Rough Riders.
MANY OFFERS RECEIVED
Montana's Patriotism In ut q white-Hot
Heat to Avengs the Murdered
Victims OF the Maine and
Help Whip Spain.
Special Dispatch to the Standard.

Special Dispatch to the Standard.
Helena, April Ex-Governor Smith 4.
awaiting h receipt of the presidents
call for Montana's quota of troops be-
fore Issuing the orders that will concen-
trate the four troops of cavalry at Fort
Custer for drill.
The governor received to-day a liberal
supply Of offers from patriotic citizens
by both mail and wire. Deputy County
attorney Stivers OF Silver Bow county
addressed the governor as follows:
i have been asked by a number of
the range riders and cattlemen of this
section to ascertain what steps we
should take to effect an organization Of
a cavalry company for the purpose OF
volunteering. 1 can get 100 good young
rough riders here, and more IL neces-
sary. They will furnish their horses
and their riding ability is beyond ques-
ton, as 1 think any one will admit who
is at all familiar with their occupation.
l was raised on the range myself in
Texas and my father was a regular
army officer and I have had consider
able experience. / would, Of course.
prefer 10 have some experienced cavalr
officer over US. Without taking up too
much OF your valuable time, 1 would
like to be advised as to what steps to
k Can you give me authority to
raise a company here of the material l
mention? As far as that is concerned. I
have almost enough men now, but want
authority to instruct from the chief,
yourself"
Mr.. Stivers was informed that in ac-
with the published facts. SO
far as matters ave progressed, there
Is no opening for new troops Of cavalry,
although there may be an opportunity
later.
Capt. George w. Ref of Company d..
virginia City, wired to-day: Twill Com
pand ID be accepted as infantry or cav
airy troop? Ninety per cent. good horse
men," Captain Ref received a similar
reply to Mr.. Stivers. excepting that ne
was told that II any of his men wished
to recruit In any of h four troops al
ready organized they would have the
preference over raw recruits.
Rod ID. Leggat wires the governor
from Butte: Company G.. are anxious
to be transferred to cavalry arm of
service. Car you put them in Wal
lace's battalion" Mr.. Leggat received
the same sort Of reply as was sent to
Captain Ref.
Age does not seem to affect the ardor
of Montana patriots. as was evidenced
by a letter that came to the governor
sc-Ny " II. DToOhe VI w nIttnali,
of Montana's pioneers. who has
passed the three score and ten mark in
age. He volunteers his services, Offer
ing to furnish two good horses. He in
formed the governor that although an
old man, he believed he could ride
harder and longer than many younger
men. He Is very anxious to avenge the
Maine tragedy. hiajor Brooke was
something of an indian fighter in the
early days and his bravery is a matter
Of Montana history. He received a nice
reply from the governor. thanking him
his offer.
Other tenders received to-day were
to these given. All breathe
with patriotic sentiments. As the
all issued to-day is for
more men than II was announced he
would ask for, II Is generally believed
Montana's quota will probably be
about $50 instead Of 419. as first esti-
in which event II Is likely there
will be a chance for another troop of
Steps were taken here to-day
to organize a troop among the young
men Of Helena. About half the de-
sired number named have been Sc
cured. and the expectation is to obtain
h e rest Tomorrow. Nc time will be
bost in procuring equipment and drill
ing. An effort is also being made to
raise a colored company here. II sue
the company will tender its
direct to the president.