Daily inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1881-1901, 1901-04-04
Hotel Gossip

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
E. H. Russell, of Fremont, O., is a
| commercial traveller and as we'll informed
in the ways of the wild and woolly
west" as are most members of his clan.
Most members Of his clan, by the way,
are commonly supposed to know great
deal about the bright side of life from
| practical standpoint and about the dark
side purely from a theoretical point of
view.
This particular knight of the grip COL
lided with street gamin at the Nc
Dermott this morning and completely lost
his nerve in consequence, however. He
says that as soon as he arrives home
he is going to tell the joke to his
friends, even though it is ION himself"
Russell is sternly opposed to the habit
of smoking, as practiced by youngsters,
and never loses an opportunity to re-
prove every little fellow he catches with
a cigarette between his lips. Every
lad in Butte knows him, as a result, and
frequently they try to annoy him out
of a spirit of mischief.
This morning, as Russell was leaning
against the counter at the cigar stand
and trying to f1irt with the attractive
young lady who is enthroned behind the
barricade, little fellow entered the
lobby and timidly walking up to him
asked rather hesitatingly for a few
matches. He was wee specimen Of HUI
manity, not more than six years of age.
dressed in ragged and soiled clothing,
with an extra covering of dirt protecting
his countenance from the elements.
"A match?" demanded the travelling
man. What do you want with match?"
Everybody present looked up and be-
came interested auditors of the CONVEX
sation.
please, mister, wants 'em to build
fire with around the corner here. JIM
my and me has a contract to clean up
a mans sidewalk and he wants to burn
the trash"
Sure you don't want 'em to smoke
with?" asked Russell in a milder tone,
reaching into his pocket and producing
! a few matches, but holding them pend
ing the answer. He was assured that
such an intention was as far away from
the little chaps mind as the Transvaal.
Then Russell handed the boy the
matches.
Walking toward the door, the little
fellow turned around and thanked the
donor. Then he coolly produced the butt
of cigarette from some place where
1T had been concealed among his ragged
garments and, striking match pro-
ceeded to light the cigarette and puff
away with great unction.
"Youse 'drummers' thii.ss youse pref
ty smart people, don't you now?" he
queried, with his hand on the door, ready
for a dash if Russell should try to catch
him. de next time youse tackles me
on de streets and gets me guyed for
smokin' you'd better remember my
phiz."
With this parting shot the youthful
tormentor walked out and Joined a num-
Der of other street Arabs. who had rang
| ed themselves on the sidewalk in front
of the glass doors and were giving Rus
sell the high sign;" with their noses
as base of operations for the thumbs
of their right hands.
"Gentlemen," said the travelling man.
turning to his audience after the laughter
had partly died away, my faith in hui
| man nature is sadly shaken, but we
| might as we'll have drink
Mayor Frank Conley, of Deer Lodge
was seen. on the streets of Butte this
! morning. engaged in conversation with
| his numerous friends.
DR.. o. Y. Warren, superintendent of
| the asylum for the insane at Warm
| Springs, is at the Butte.
Lieutenant-Gove Frank c. Hig-
gins, of Missoula, is guest at the Butte.
| He reports everything prosperous in the
university city.
| Hon. Walter Cooper. Of Bozeman, who
was candidate for the short term sem
| atorship at the recent legislative ses-
sion, is registered at the McDermott
| F. c. Kress. editor and proprietor Of
the Dillon Examiner. 10 at present in
this city.