The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1913-03-12

out the state-this feeling being prev
slent among many oitizens Of the or
posite political faith. When partisan
ship does not enter into the matter, 1
is acknowledged BY Montana citizen
generally that Mr.. Pray has mad
good in congress on behalf Of bis con
stituency.
A neat tribute 10 paid 10 Mr.. Prs.
BY the democratic Anaconda Stand
ard, which says in part:
"Mr. Pray has been . 10y al, diligen
and effective member, constant in 1T
tendance, ever jealous to promote
Montsna's interests, seeking in ever,
way to warrant the confidence HE con
stituents three times reposed in him
Montsna's sole representative in tn,
lower house, Mr.. Prsy's pleasant tact
courtesy and intelligence won him
numerous personal friends on boil
sides of the house. He retires with th'
best wishes Of his fellow members
and he will continue to enjoy the re-
spect and esteem of the people of Mon
tana. In none OF HE successive cam
psigns vas ever his personal integrity
or his fidelity to his trust called IL
question:"
A review of Mr.. Pray's record IL
congress shows that during his term
OF service Montana postofaces have
increased in number from about SOC
to Y $50, and the responsibility OF
assisting the department in the selec-
ton of postmssters and establishment
of new Offices, star routes and rural
service has fallen upon him. That 10
by far the largest number OF post.
Offices In any congressional district.
By an executive order all fourth class
postofaces since October have been
under civil service, 60 that the two
gentlemen from Montana who will sue.
coed Mr.. Pray may be relieved of the
burdensome duties which have re.
quired q great amount of department
work and correspondence.
Mr.. Pray took . prominent part In
the consideration and passage of many
for the benefit of homestead.
ers In the western states, among them
being the enlarged homestead, surface
title and three year homestead bills;
also the measures providing go, 600, 600
for the purpose OF completing irriga.
ton projects, the postal savings bill
and many others. After q struggle
against strong opposition in the Goth
congress-, he succeeded in the 61st con-
gress In passing through the house
the bill for the establishment of
Glacier National park in northwestern
for the maintenance of which
several hundred thousand dollars have
since been appropriated. This is said
to be the only bill of the kind that
has become q law during his service.
One OF Mr.. Pray's hardest fights
was In connection with tho bill for
opening the Crow Indian ser alton.
He succeeded In passing the Flathead
and Fort Peck bills, but the Crow
was bitterly asssiled, it be.
ing alleged that the opening would be
a greater benefit to the whites than to
the Indians. The Indian Rights as
soci alton and other fasteners opposed
The bill. Mr.. Pray got the bill favor
ably reported and on the calendar of
The house in the ooh congress-, but
it failed to receive consideration. He
did the same work over again on this
bill in the 6lst congress, and on two
different occasions in the house
against the united opposition of the
minority he secured a majority vote
the bill, but the rules required a
vote under suspension.
The bill is now pending in committee
awaiting outcome Of action under a
nate resolution authorizing the at
general to Investigate charges
growing out of the management of this
reservation.