The Bozeman courier., 1921-09-14
MONTANA PIONEERS


lays in the state, of difficulties meet and over
,ome, the pushing of civilization westward
through the great expanse of this large state
ire treasures which the pioneers can well take
bride in recounting. |
Building an empire for that is what the
pioneers Of Montana did-is work of colossal
magnitude, and the builders are entitled to, and
should be given, all the credit and honor within
he gift of those who have come afterwards. For
t is to those who braved the early inconvenience,
he hardships, and losses who stuck to their en-
leavors through all opposition, that real credit
must be given for Montana being today one of
he greatest and wealthiest states of these United
States.
No structure can have stability, nor can it be
5ecure unless the foundation is solid. Those who
5uild must "dig deep and set the foundation on
'oc' if they desire the superstructure to prevail
.gainst the elements of destruction. Where the
pioneers of Montana located throughout this then
viId-and in places barren land they remained,
md in their strength of character was the mater
al from which all great nations have been build
d. They were willing and did, sacrifice ease
comfort and pleasure that there might be placed
/ foundation for the state of Montana that would
ustain and hold secure the greatness to which
t might eventually grow.
Now those who did the great work are ad-
-anced in years; their time of leading in the
activities is passing and they see in their places
n The forefront of the prOgressiveness of the
tate, others who came many years behind them
The pioneers are demonstrating their worthy
haracter by their method of approval and hearty
upport to those who have taken up the burden
md are pushing Montana on to more and increas-
ng greatness. They know their work was well
lone and they are encouraging the present gener-
alton to do likewise that the one to follow will
also be proud.
Too much honor, is impossible to be given to
he pioneers and Montana citizens should bear
his in mind at all times, should do their part
n paying to those pioneers of the state the
homage which is justly due them. They are fast
becoming smaller and smaller in number and each
annual meeting finds some of those absent who
nave gone to their final rest. Those who are
living who yet remain with the followers of the
pioneers, should be made the object of respectful
courteSies and commendatiOn Their works are
worthy of these
who have been active in the world. The mem.
bers of the Mont9nq Society of Pioneers are each
and every or, -- r in their memory many
events whicl rs 1t-. l., yet been made a part Of
the record of the u So of Montana. This his
tory is be..r compiled Il written, but there arr
unlimited numbers of eve Is which to the pionee
are but t,iflirg which t. ne present generation
and to those who are to ne in the future, ar
full Of intense interest, nat the record shoult
be made before it is too lac.
Senator w. A. Clark OF cutie has been, fo
several meetings of the 3Ionta-a Society of Pion
eers at their annual sessions, whenever it ha
been possible for him to meet with them, reading
events which transpired in the state wherein h
was present and of which he is familiar. Thes
have been most interesting and will be rich i
their value in the coming years. Senator Clar
has enjoyed a long and eventful life, and wit
others, has been one of the great developers @
the resources of the state.
Many other pioneers, who have not told G
their exploits, should be called upon to give thei
experiences. There will come time when tn
smallest detail of the early life in Montana wi
be of great Importance and the record should b
complete. GalIatin county has many such pior
GERS. Death has taken number of those VIII
were in the forefront of the development of thi
fertile valley. Those who have gone left but
small portion of their activities in records Thos
who are with US still, ought to be asked to waiv
their natural modesty and give the high points {
their early experiences that these records ma
be complete.