The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-08-22
Mr.. C0NNELL WILL STAY
Rumor That He Will Leave
Butte Is Unfounded,
DAYS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Head OF the Big Mercantile Concern
Tells Reporter of Some OF His
Enjoyable Trips-Those Who
Have Gone Away.

During the past few days, or since
the Standard announced that Frank E.
Shaw of the NJ. ]. Connell company had
sold his interest in the big store. there
has been more or less talk to the effect
that NJ. j. Council was on the verge
of selling out and leaving Butte for
keeps. Some of this talk found it's way
into quarters whence occasionally re-
ports which are considered authorita-
tive emanate. No one was prepared to
say outright that Mr.. Council intended
to sell out, so a reporter for the Stand
ard called at Mr.. Connells Office last
evening to learn the straight of it. Mr..
Connell's office was the picture of cheer
fulness, with its big CRATE swapping and
cracking to the music of fire sticks as
they We're being reduced to glowing
Goals. 1t was a contrast to the dys-
peptic exterior, where snow and rain
fell with murky dreariness. The head
of the big house not only denounced the
rumor that he was to sell and quit
Butte. but he made it pleasant for the
visitor by telling about some of the
many hunting and fishing trips he has
made when many people in Butte
thought he was in Europe or New York
or on the coast.
By way of introducing the subject
upon which the reporter sought en-
lightenment, the question was asked:
so it is a fact that Mr.. Shaw has
sold his interest in this store?"
Yes" replied Mr.. ConneIl. I'VE are
now inventorying the stock and pre-
pairing to close our books. This bust
ness has increased very much during
the past year particularly, causing a
great deal of detail work. MIR. Shaw
being of a conscientious and sensitive
makeup, felt that he cannot stand the
continual pressure and wanted to be
relieved
How about yourself? Do you intend
TO sell your interests in Butte and leave
here also?'
In reply Mr.. Connell said: This bus
mess has made money every season
since l first opened it, more than 20
years ago. If l can get my money out,
where can / place it to bring anything
like these returns? Four per cent rail-
road securities sell East at to per
cent above par.
II have now in mind a number of
merchants who have amassed for.
tunes in their business in Montana, and
for various reasons Montana did not
suit them since they became rich. Their
health, or something else, could not
stand the mountains, climate, smoke or
water-they became rainbow chasers,
some taking the railroad west to Puget
Sound, for moist atmosphere: some the
road east for better security; others,
natures children, l call them, journey
ed south to California, with the en-
thusiaSn of the Mohammedan on his
pilgrimage to Mecca. I have talked
with most of them in their new sur
roundings. Many who thought their
health was giving way in Montana
found it restored when they lost their
money. Some have followed the rain
bow back to its source, and have found
happiness in much less luxury than
when they began that pilgrimage. l
see most of the other derelicts on the
pathway that leads to the great plane
of unhappiness and discomfort"
We'll you have been away from
Butte great deal in the last 10 years."
Yes, but my pleasantest time away
was two or three months each year
by the trout stream, in the marshes
duck shooting, or after the big game
in the mountains of Montana. when
possibly people thought l was in New
York My old guide, Vic Smith, was
in to see me on Saturday last, and re-
ports game signs in abundance about 50
miles from Butte. l would prefer a
month or two with him in the noun
tains to a season in Paris or London"
What business do you think Mr.
Shaw is going to engage in?' was ask
ed.
He may engage in the same line of
business. BY the way" suggested
Mr.. Council at this point. lit may be
news to you that all the reputable
stores in our line in Butte. except O.
x. Lewis & Co., are controlled by men
who started in with me. There is the
palatial building across the street
which in appointments is unequaled in