Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1927-12-02
Cry MRS. Nj. Il. PLASSMANN)

(By MttS. M. L. ~PI4ASSNlANN}
w en- wh no. as ns1 missionaries Sa mar or r for
other reasons, go into new
countries among primitive people, our
first thought is of the danger they
run either from illness or from hostile
savages. 1t is their material comfort
which concerns us, and we are relieved
Of further anxiety when assured they
are well, have plenty to eat and drink,
and that they are not likely to serve
as a barbecue for the natives.
At times the fur traders, missionaries
n other pioneers of the Northwest had
little to eat and were menaced by the
indians, none of whom could be re-
garded as cannibals, although they might
eat the heart of a brave enemy IN the
expectation of thus acquiring his cour-
age. The food of those who first entered
his region consisted almost entirely Of
meat, together with dried berries and
roots growing wild like those OF the Bit
ter root, camas, wild turnip, and the like
The daily menu was not especially pal
atable, but it would support life and no
pity need be wasted on these adven-
turers in the belief they were starving,
Occasionally they were attacked by In
dians, and they stood in constant fear OF
them. Some met their death in battle,
from accident or disease, yet their lives
might not have been longer had they
remained at home in civilized communi-
ties. The greatest suffering Of the trail
blazers was not the result of cold, hun
ger, or of Indian attacks. 1t was theil
isolation which was hardest to endure
Men Of the mental caliber of Bridger
who was not greatly in advance OF the
people with whom he lived, suffered least
from this cause. But hin OF Father
Ravalli, a person of the highest culture
spending the greater part of his life
among those Who could never understand
him or give him the sympathy OF which
he often must have stood in need: Tht
most affecting incident Of his story, anc
that gives a brief glimpse OF his state o.
mind, is given when q woman asked hin
II he were never homesick and tear
rained down his cheeks as he admitted
that he was. but felt 1T was the sacri1c'
demanded of him.
Sometimes three wears passed with M
letter for him from the outside world
yet we are impatient when Sunday o.
other holiday interrupts our daily mai
service!
The fur traders Jared a trifie better
They were brought in touch with civil
zatlOn through the medium OF paper
and letters. about once in six months
when their semiannual supplies arrived
Our pioneers could receive news from
the States" in the phenomenally shor
period of from two to three weeks. 1t hat
cooled by this time, and already belonged
to the past, yet / remember with h
eagerness 1T was sought when the coacl
reached the post office.
The coach was always visible comini
over the hill south of Bannack and b,
the time 1t ratified up Main street al
eager crowd had gathered to welcome II
There was nc morning paper, remember
to summarize the worlds dolngs IN tn
way OF crime, sport and national and In
ternational affairs, to be read leisurel
while breakfasting; almost no magazine
OF any description, and precious fey
books. Is 1t any wonder that IN pionee
days the arrival of the tri-weekly coacl
was regarded as a supreme event!
When more pioneers came here n TIL
part OF Idaho acquired the name OF Mon
tana, Alder Gulch was world-known an
Virginia City received q constant infu
Of emigrants. 1t was then an enterpris
ing citizen conceived the brilliant ide
OF Issuing a weekly paper, which woul'
necessarily be devoted mainly to loca
happenings. although there was a column
OF general news.
There were no telegraph lines connect
ing the mining camps-such information
rs was furnished came through letter
which were read with avidity by any on
who could get hold OF "The Montan
Post" as the papeg was called.
this literary venture appeare'