The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1906-11-14
HOME FOLKS HONOR PRAY.
Enthusiastic Greeting To MOntana's Next
Congressman and His Estimahle
Wife.

Stuuu VI LIS
Wife.
There has seldom been a political
campaign in Montana tina. had such
a pleasant and significant climax as
that of the past few weeks, the final
Incident being a welcome extended by
the citizens Of Fort Benton to Con-
gressman.Elect Charles n. Pray and
wife. in which congratulations were
personally extended by friends and
neighbors who have known them ever
since they became residents OF Mon.
taua The function took place in the
court room Saturday night, several
hundred people taking part in the
proceedings and filling the spacious
room TO its full capacity.
The non-poiitical character Of the
reception was demonstrated by the
appearance of DR.. T. 4. Atkissou, a
Well known and olG-.ime democrat. as
chairman, and many citizens Of demo-
cratic associ atiOns were among those
in attendance. 1t vas an occasion
for expressing personal friendship
and esteem, and to felicita,e the guests
a most strenuous campaign.
There was IA volley OF cheers from
the audience as Mr.. aAl Mrs. Pray
entered the hall. and wnen order had
l lnA., sl- 49, 49, u
upon Hon +. Z. S:rauahan 10 extend
congra,ula tiOns on behalf Of the citi-
zens of Fort Benton and other parts
OF ChOuteau county. Mr.. ahan
III AIDE an excellent speech in which he
referred in most complimentary terms
to the efficient and successful record
of Mr.. Pray as prosecuting attorney
Of this county "Because Of his un.
firing efforts and eternal vigilance in
the performance of his duty said the
speaker, "Mr. Pray has been pro-
noted from the Chouteau county court
house to the halls of congress- Mr..
S%trauahan made complimentary allu.
sion to the WORK done in congress by
Hon. Jos. NJ. Dixon, and predicted
that Mr.. Pray would be equally sue
c~essful and be a worthy successor to
our present congressman.
When Mr.. Pray arose to respond,
he was given an ovation that nearly
raised the roof Of the court house. He
was visibly affected by the warmth OF
the greeting, which he acknowledged
by remarkinR: "My heart goes out in
gratitude for the great honor rendered
and for the loyalty shown Throughout,
the trying ordeals OF the pas. few
weeks. II is the happiest moment Of
my life TO be accorded such a recep'
ton by friends and neighbors Al home.
1t is more gratifying than victory
itself" Mr.. Pray stated that when he
became a candid ate for congress he
went into the campaign with q determ'
ination to win, and he will take his
seat as representative ia congres.
from Montana with a determiuation &c
serve his constituency to the very besl
OF his ability. He had been advised
by MIR. Dixon that The position oI
congressman meant Is hours of work
every day, but he will he prepared t.
work ~ hours If that become. ueces,
sary to secure success. Mr.. Pray
made particular reference t O the For
Benton citizens excursion 70 Grea'
Falls on October %, when the presenc.
Of several ladies and democratic
voters in the stree, procession wa,
such significant evidence of friendshil
In his home town a, to cause favorabl,
comment throughout the state. Tn.
speaker stated that while the work o
the campaign had been greater tina,
most people can estimate, the result, i,
certainly worth it.
AT the close Of the speaking the au
dience formed into single file. IN en-
joyed the opportunity to PERSONAL,
congratulate Mr.. and Mrs. Pray. |
was Il most pleasant function for al
who TOOK part 10 il, and will long b,
remembered by the guests of honor
and their fellow citizens.