davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05
By TOM STOUT

I The owners of the Argus had little
to do with these millions so far as
taking them in or paying them out
but each week an ever increasing
number of the papers we're being sent
to the outside world, telling of these
transactions. describing the methods
Of their acquisition and suggesting the
possibilities of millions yet 10 be
made by the application of industry
and business judgment. And each
week, too, the Argus went more and
more into the homes Of thse who had
already taken up their abode in the
villages. on the hill sides and along
the fertile valleys and preached a 10y
atty to their adopted country; preach.
ed against the lurking dangers of law
lessness, preached ever the homely
doctrine of common sense. Conserv.
atism characterized its editorial pol
icy, and honesty and accuracy mark
ed its weekly gist of local happen
ings. 1t was at all times a paper
for the people and of the people
the people who, by dint of hard work
and many sacrifices of the comforts
of civilization, were helping to build
the western empire by building perm
anent homes in one small section of
that vast area. 1t chronicled the
births of children who, when grown
to the full stature of manhood and
womanhood, were to contribute their
share towards the work begun by
their parents: it noteG each arrival
from another land with words of kind
ly welcome; it bespoke congratula-
tons when the marriage vow was
taken. and il mourned with those
whose hearts were saddened by the
passing of a loved one. A newspaper
which is supported by the general
public is. 10 a large extent, a public
institution. and its duty is to serve
the public. The public realizes this
fact and when the paper ceases 10
perform to the fullest extent its du-
ties to the people, they dispense with
it by Withdrawing their support from
the paper. With a full knowledge IF
this fact the Argus has labored to
faithfully and conscientiously serve
its master. the people, by expressing
their general desires, voicing their
protests. commenting their progress
and suggesting methods of greater
Improvement. That il has been at
least partially successful in these en-
deavors the constantly increasing pa
tronage of the public testifies. All
has not been sunshine and happiness
with the enterprise. The dark clouds
Of adversely have more than once
raised their ominous forms above the
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

horizon of the Argus sky; people
whose conduct have merited words
of censure and whose records If
wrong doing have been made public
through the columns of the Argus
lave frequently attempted to smother
the popular Indignation at their own
offenses by doing evrything in their
power to injure the standing of the
paper. which found out their sin; but
the clouds have been disipated by
the bright sunlight of loyal friends
and the shafts of its enemies have
fallen harmless TO the ground after
striking the impenetrable armor of
honesty and fairness.
Thus for twenty years today the
Argus has pursued the tenor OF its
way, not always even, but eve tend.
ing upwards. In the light Of such
a past what may be prophesied for
the future?
The future growth must. as in the
past, be measured by the growth Of
Lewistown and the Judith country.
Fergus county is yet in the burgeon.
ing season OF her development. Her
mighty have not yet bios
somed forth in their greatest spring
time profusion, The grounds Of many
of her possibilities lie fallow. await
ing the harrows of industry. After
thirty years her mountains have
scarce begun to yield up to the miner
even a small portion of their hidden
treasure. For thirty years they have
been explored from base to crown
with tunnels. shafts, drifts and cross
cuts. giving TO the eager seeker 81
gold a trace here, a good value there
enough to keep him toiling, digging
hoping. but giving TO a very few 81
them adequate reward for their pri
v%ations. But at last their secret Is
found out: after struggling for years
against almost ~insuperable obstacles
raised By the master of the elements
man begins to see the dawn OF viz
tory. Great machinery tears dowi
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

the very mountain itself, reduces Il
TO countless millions Of infnitesimal,
ly small particles from which. through
another device of the mind of man.
the precious substance is taken AVA.
But the battle will not be fought IN
a day. The mountains oppose with
their very bulk the entertainments
OF man, and though made in a mo,
ment by n mighty ~Convulsion Of
nature, it means years Of work on the
part Of mar to undo the result Of that
one moments u~pheaval.
Already in sight in the Moccasin
mountains is sufficient ore to keep
the two big mills running for years.
Even if their capacity is doubled Or
trebled or quadrupled, there will be
work for them for q time reaching
far into the future. Other properties
will be opened up in that wonderful
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

six mcnths." Well" then. said the
rough McPartlan, "IN tap you" On
another occasion he was about 20
grant a decree of divorce to an nm.
happy couple and when told that he
WIS Dvrr-rcaching his authority ne
appeared quite surprised, Mcparllap
"a "A man Of undoubtcd nerve and his
career as justice. while moi entirely
free from error, was Of n character
that tended To keep the lawl"ss ele-
m'nt in The camp in subsection. He
lost his life 10y drowning in Lake Nc.
Donald in 1898.
Eugene Erwin and joe Hamilton
were two other noted wags in the
camp The latter was a partner Of
Pike Landusky. who was killed by
Harvey Logan, better known as Kid
Curry. in the Little Rockies in
1894. The most widely known If
all the pioneers in Maiden was SKI.
kun joe Anderson, inc ~discoverer
Of the Spotted Horse. He was a gem.
ial, whole-souled man, aud had many
friends among the old-timers of the
state. He died three or four years
ago nea Columbus, Montana. Bill
B%lankenship was probably the best
story teller and one of the oldest
characters of them all. There are
men living in this section today who
J would bet the gatherings of a life
time that BLANK" would down any
man on earth at telling camp fire
stories. He was a raconteur in a
class distinctly by itself. He is now
in Dawson City.
Ups and Downs Of Mining.
The fortunes of Maiden have varied
with the fortunes of its mines, and,
until recently, for the past seven Or
eight years. the camp has not devel.
oped much activity. When the Magin.
mis- and Spotted Horse properties were
working il was one of the best gold
camps OF the state. These mines hare
been closed down at times and the
town would be almost depopulated,
and then one or the other would re-
sumo operations and a new set of In
habitants would come In. But through
all the varying changes in the camp
there have been those who were firm
in the belief that the mines Of that
region would eventually become great
producers, and would rank among the
great mines Of the country. These
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

cation in Maiden the camp had a pop
ulation OF about 800, while the val
lrys around would increase that num-
Der to more than 400. The country,
only in the immediate vicinity of the
camp was Sparscly settled, game
ab0Uudcd everywhere and the pros
poctor was able IN bountifully sup
ply his table with yculson and other
game with but little cSertion. In the
cawp gambling was wide open for
many years and large amounts were
won and lost. John Kompcr. owner
of the Florence one of the richest
silver mines of the district. was no.
ed as a high roller among the play
ers. Kicking George Tom New
comb and "Flopping Bill" three not.
able characters in this part of the
stale, made Maiden frequent visits
during its prosperous days, and the
soldiers from Fort Maginnis came or.
or 10 spend leaves Of absence, often
being returned to the post by a corpor.
al and his guard. The great distance
from the county seat aud the lack If
officers and courts gave the lawless
element much leeway, and while tho
camp itself was always quiet and
peaceable. horse thieves and r~ustlefs
oI all kinds flourished on the outside
until the stock men took matters in
10 their W hands. The mines Of the
camp worked steadily for several
years. and 1t will be a matter Of sur.
prise To know that Maiden has pro.
duccl more bullion than any other
camp in the county, Notwithstanding
the depression there in recent years.
Jurisdiction Unlimited.
The story is told on Frank McPart.
Ian, the first justice of the peace n
the camp. that he sentenced an of.
fender to a term in the p~enitentiary.
thinking that he had the power 10
mctc out punishment that way, and
thai II would save the county the ex-
pens" of a trial at White sulphur
Springs.
McPartlan was one Of the unique
tharnctrrs of the early days of the
,amp. he was recorder for the dis.
trict and Justice of the peace. and al
50 the camp humorisr. On n &C.
casiou "a cowboy cam" into camp.
filled himself with distilled reckless.
ness and proceeded to smoke up the
place. An officer finally took in the
puncher and he was hauled up before
McPartlan for trial The evidence
was So conclusive against the often
der that he entered a plea Of guilty
and was promptly fined 1926 dollars
for his hilarious conduct. but" said
the cowboy. IL haven't got that mucn
, money: | haven't had Sl25 in the last
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

pensible to these were the merchant,
the smithy, the professional man and
each had found his way here to as
sist in building up the Judith coun-
try.
These were the. conditions existing
twenty years ago, when. after severe
labors, the two sanguine young pro-
p~rietors of the embryo paper came
from the east down across the rolling
lands of the Judith vale, over the
Judith range of mountains and dump
ed their sack full of type and the
crudest sort of a press in the typi-
cal little mining town of Maiden. At
that day they spent nc time in at
tempting to forecast the future pro-
gress of the new venture. The ever
frowning present" with such attend
ant duties as rustling new subscrip
tons. advertisements and job print
ing. occupied the full measure OF their
attention. With no past 10 judge
from. the Argus Of twenty years
hence was as much in their mind 'as
what Pharaoh XIII thought OF wman
suffrage. They had faith in the pos
sibilities of the country, else they
would have sought other fields, but
the Argus of August 5, 1908, was not
catalogued among the subjects which
occupied their daily thought or dis
turbed their nocturnal dreams.
But the years passed on and with
each passing year was witnessed the
changes which a hardy, progressive
people, assisted by a most bountiful
nature, can make in a country sin
gularly blessed by the handiwork II
an all-wise Creator. Millions of the
golden treasure were taken from the
majestic Judiths; other millions were
brought back from the eastern marts
where the cattle. sheep and wool of
the range men were bartered. and
these millions were again handed ov'
err to the shop keeper and professions
al men for the necessaries OF life
medical assistance and legal advice
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

district. other mills will be ~erecte.l.
new men will be required to operate
the new mines and mills and the thriv-
ing little town of Kendall will yet
enjoy a prosperity equal to the pre-
dictions of her most sanguine admir-
ers. The very nature of the ore pre-.
cludes the possibility of a pinch-out
or a rapid exhaustion. Millions Will
pour from the districts into the marts
of trade and for the millions going
out into the world will come into
Fergus county the comforts. conven-
fences and luxuries of the eastern
world. 1t does not require too large
a stretch of the imagination to pic
ture Kendall. Queen City of the Moe
casins, twenty years hence. enjoying
a population which would now ne
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

Continued on page eight.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

TT It'll this issue of the Argus
the paper rounds out twenty
wv years of active news giving.
II Is a far cry to the
end of the next twenty years,
and considering the fallibility of the
best of human judgment, when deal.
ing with things yet to be, it nay ne
seen how presumptous is the writer
when he sets himself to the task If
featuring the Argus of 1923.
On other pages are articles detail
ing the founding, growth and present
satisfactory condition of the Argus.
Only by looking over those pages and
observing some of the things which
have caused the Argus craft to wealth
er the winds so frequently destruct-
i've to ambitious young vessels. new
ly launched on the sea of newspaper
dom, can one be justified in the faith
that the years which are to some
shall bring increased prosperity and
influence to the publication. 1t Is
not my intention to indulge in any
wild. imaginative fantasies: predict
possible but barely probable future
accomplishments; nor bespeak a
measure of success which in the Or
binary course of events cannot accrue
to the publisher of the Argus.
Montana was no longer in her
swaddling clothes when the Mineral
Argus first saw the light Of day in
the hustling little camp of Maiden,
Meagher county. The wild days Of
the prospector exclusively. of STAN.
pedes to the source of the latest SEN
sation amongst the wielders of the
pick. shovel and drill. of disdain If
the rancher and stock raiser, of con
slant danger Of a brush with the
jealous aborigines were fast being
added to the voluminous calendar Of
the ages gone. Men were washing
the golden dust from the streams VI
the Judith and others were still
tramping over the mountains. the wea-
ry but hopeful, in search of a likely
looking ledge or some pocket like an
other. the description Of which be-
guiled the hours around the nightly
camp fire. But after serving the gold
seeker high up on the mountain side,
the little stream tumbled v e the
crags and cataracts until hundreds 81
feet below it broadened and peace
fully and silently wound its devious
way through a little valley, enriched
since the mountains were made by
the alluvium brought down by the in
dustrious stream; and in this little
valley men with the hoe and rake
we're found. and the soft voices Of
women were heard and the prattle Of
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

children mingled with
the murmur of the
passing stream. And
the valley stretched out
and became a bench
and then a succession
of benches for miles
north, east, south and
west. On these benches
were cattle by the
thousands, sheep and
horses. owned by men
who saw in the luXur-
liant grass and conven-
lent water holes more
of COLDS bright SHIN
mcr than was to be
seen in the cracks and
crevices of the loftiest
mountain peak. These
three men-the miner,
rancher and stock
grower-were develop.
ing, each in his own
peculiar and effective
manner, the three great
resources of the
voung LAID. Indis.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05
The Death Penalty.

4 little thing sometimes results N
death, Thus a mere scratch. insig.
nificant cuts or pnnny boils have paid
the death penalty. II is wise 10 have
Bucklen's Arnica Salve ever handy.
IT.. The best salve on earth and will
prevent fatality. when burns. sores.
ulcers and piles threaten. Only Zoe.
at c. II. Williams drug store.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05

Basin a city, the growth of which
shall have been the prize and admir-
alton of the state which il adorns.
In this inevitable advancement of
the county and her city and villages.
the standing of the Argus will ever
be maintained. With each step for
ward by the county and by Lewis
town the Argus will also take a step.
Each ncw improvement in newspaper
facilities will be added as soOn as IT
becomes feasible for a country pa
per. With a plant which would
at this time be a credit 10 a city of
twice the present population of Lew
istown, the Argus does not feel dis
posed TO remain stationary in the
matter Of Improvements. One Mer.
genthaler typesetting machine now
does the work required for the paper,
but with the present rapid growth
of Lewistown the paper will be en-
larged and to do that another ma
chine will be added. One large press
and one folding machine now print
and fold the paper. but when the size
Of the town. the population of the
county and the patronage OF the pa.
per warrant the change, a larger press
will be installed. more folders sccur-
ed. If this edition of the paper has
naturally evolved from the first odi.
ton. of which a fac simile is given
on another page, II IS not unrcason-
able to predict that under the sam"
management the Argus Of 1928 will
show a corresponding improvement
over the Argus of today.
The question Of running the Argus
as a daily has never been seriously
considered by the proprietor and
manager. The change at this time
would undoubtedly be injurious 10
the prosperity of the paper, and such
step will not be taken until II an,
beyond a doubt, be made a succo ~.
How far away that time may be no
one connected with the paper can
say, but suffice ii to say that long
before the edition celebrating It's for.
tieth birthday Is printed, the paper
will have begun TO make daily visits
10 the homes OF the readers Of Lew,
istown and Fergus county. In 1929
there will he a daily mail 10 the home
of every inhabitant of this county.
and the Argus will tell the news of
the world within twelve hours after
ii happens. In order to do this tho
plant must be most materially en-
larged. At least four. and perhaps
a half dozen %typesetting machines.
running night and day. will be found
on n floor. while on another vast
presses ad folders will be located
In another part Of the building, whica
will have been enlarged in that time
will be the editorial rooms with the
| 'old man. as the editor.in-chief j.
generally referred to. in one, the city
editor in another, the telegraph editor
and the s%ubordinates required on the
editorial staff Of an up.to-date daily
paper, conveniently located.
To those who have never looked in
to the future and judged 1t by th'
light of past achievements, --.ese pre-
dictions may sound fanciful. The!
may indeed fall far short OF reali1
|, alton. for the gifts OF the future arr
|. known 10 no man. but the ~standar,
set up TO be attained is made yer
reasonable and If 1t is not reache,
i. there will still be a past to point 10
I full Of honor and good works.
: TOM STOUT.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05
BY JOHN b. RITCH

changed to White sulphur Springs in
lSN2, making ii somewhat nearer. bit
still a long and arduous overland ride.
Pioneers Of Maiden.
The pioneers Of the Maiden dis.
trict were Joseph Anderson, Willlau
Blankcnshtp William Cochrauo. Wi,
liam and Buck Buchanan, Charles
Young, Charles Deal William Pot'.
Zachary Poti. William Hayden. Dae.
id JONES. John Wort, Frank McPart.
Ian. Charles Holmes, Ben Dexter,
Hank Heron, Ed. Goulling. Eugcno
Erwin, Ruhc S~huttlcworih. sam >.
Dustin. G. G, Snow, John Kempcr.
Barney Hill. J.. r.. Burke, Jimmie
Deer, Charles Bcssey and Arthur
Iantis, These men were all typical
frOntiersmcn-huffalo hunters. trap.
pers and prOspectors-men who were
equally AZ home in the mountains Or
IN the plains. belonging TO the same
class of sturdy. rugged characters,
who have figured So prominently in
the opening to settlement of every
section Of the great west. Nearly
all of them have sought other fields
of labor, or are dead. but a few still
live in Fergus county, among them
being John Wcri, who is pleasantly
located on a fine ranch a few miles
below Maiden on Warm Spring creek,
Ben Dexter and Buck" Buchanan.
who both yet follow prospecting, and
William Pott. who Resides In Gilt
Edge.
Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-08-05
Old Pix landusky.

The town of Maiden was organic.
ed in August. 1851. and the first frame
building there was bull, that sum.
mcr by pike" I.andusky and Joe
Hamilton. This building stands next
To the Bullion saloon on Man street.
The first store established in The
camp WAS owned 10y Dunton Bros. II
was In a log house at III" upper end
OF Main street and carried the usual
supply Of general merchandise In lin,
tied quantities. The Duntons began
business In 1851. but soon retired, Is
The growth of The camp brought in
much strong competition and they
We're forced out of merchandising,
later conducting q saloon and billiard
and pool room. In 1852 the first reg
ular mail route was established he
twcca the camp and Fort Maginnis on
stages from tibet by way nr Reeds.
fort, and from Maginais to Maiden
10y a pony route. The service was
tri-weckly. Joe Dohm ana Bobby Ora
ham being the first contractors. 4
stage line carrying the mails was as,
tablishcd between Junction and Mai.
den in 1889. a great part of the
freight was hauled In from Fort Ben
The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1903-12-24

CORRESPONDENCE to The Commonwealth.
W1NT2Rv1LLE, n. c., Dec. %, 1903.
FOR SALE: One hundred pairs
Cart Wheels, and one hundred Cart
Bodies for sale by A. &. Cox Mfg Co.
You know how these goods sell, so you
had better come early and get your
pick.
Capt. Richard Williams, of Green
vile, visited the Masonic lodge Thurs
day night here and made q nice talk
that was very much appreciated by
these who were so fortunate as to be
present.
Attention, Farmers Visit A. G.CON
MEG Co.'S Wire Fence Department
and make your selection Of wire fence
out of about three Car loads now
On hand, different styles. It will not
be GU! OF the way to let them help you
Ia the selection of either. 1t expert
ence Is worth anything they ought to
be competent judges Of what Is best
stated to your needs.
Mrs. Hunter Who has bsen here Tor
quite while, returned to her home III
Henderson Thursday morning.
Eorses are apt to be fiery about
Xmas times and many accidents occur
| because OF shabby harness. Better see
Hansueker and have little talk with
him about that CID harness and a new
set to take it's place.
iIr. Gr:ina.ay who has been employ
si by the Mfg Co, LETT here to live on
tie other size of the river. When he
lett he seemed in the best OF health,
| but we learn be died the next day al
ter reaching his new home.
Yesterday A. G. cox MFG Co.
sold a quantity OF the electric weld
fence to sensible farmer. He
: took the Al IN. style.
Last night and this morning about
the depot everything was like bee
hive Lovely girls and gallant youths
! waiting. to take the tain fer home &c
1snend the holidays. I'll gay and happy
f. It was a scene TO gladden. the heart and
cheer he soul. Each sesmed to vie
with the other in making the parting
pleasant, and many were the kind
wishes for happy Christmas and a
pleasant return to school. Yes, we
too, wish them happy Christmas, anc
when they come back no one will be
moro pleased to meet them than we.
A. G. COX MFG Co.'S wagon de
pzrtment would make you think of q
Xmas toy store, only, OF course, they
are full size instead of toys. The pretty
part is what we are trying to empha
size. Years IN the business has bull
up reputation which does not nees
en- pha sizing.
Thos. Taylor who has been a studen
here for the past two years, and VIII
has not left once in the whole time
has gone On visit to his home.
Many fellow Will take his best gir
to ride during the Holidays in Hun
sucker Buggy. We predict that yea
from now many more will do SO thai
ever before.
W. c. Purser, of Craven county
spent Wednesday night with his sister
Mis-. J. H. G.. Dixon, here.
A. G. Cox went to Kinston Thur;
day and returned Friday.