The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1951-01-12
By GRETCHEN G. BILLINGS


happening took place in the town of
Helena, Montana during the first two
months of 1851. That you will re-
member, my son was the time when
the long trek was made from all
parts of the great state to the seat
of state government by the men who
had convinced their people that they
were the wisest and the best among
them to make the laws and deter
mine the course of government for
the coming two years.
At the time there was a phenome-
nal LEOPARD in the state He had
been in existence for many years.
He was a fearsome and ominous
LEOPARD. Over the many years
this frightening and amazing crea-
ture had held sway by devious and
circuitous ways. He was cunning but
not always too subtle. One day the
people began to overcome their fear
and the LEOPARD was fast becom-
ing discredited.
lie became very worried. He be-
moaned his fate and blamed witches
and red magic for his decline.
Finally one day he decided on a
bold and daring course. He sent out
call over the land for anyone who
could pull him out of his dilemma
There was great panic among his cor
tege.
Young and old were interested in
receiving the acclaim and reward
for rescuing that GREAT LEOPARD
from the grasp of the witches and
red magic. Some came with the coun-
sci that he must become more fear
some. Some came with the counsel
that he must be more cunning. The
LEOPARD tried them all, but he be-
came more weak and the people were
no longer awed by his wiles and por-
tentouS roaring.
He was sorely grieved and
broken in spirit when there came
into his presence man more cour-
ageous and more daring than any of
the rest. He had a great plan. He
told the LEOPARD he must change
his spots. At that the creature
laughed and laughed, because he knew
that no one had ever heard of a
LEOPARD changing its spots. Then
weak from fatigue and the worry
of the years the LEOPARD started
roaring and all within hearing COVER
ed. The young man was not afraid
So, with his charm and his per-
'uasive personality the young man
;oothed the LEOPARD. 1t was not
ong before he had convinced the
LEOPARD that if he would put him
elf in his hands he could change
he spots and the LEOPARD would
gain be strong and powerful. !
So the young man set to work.
lie worked and he worked and he
yorked. He was friendly man and
e had great faith in the power of
he LEOPARD.
Finally came the day when the
Dung man had accomplished wonder .
ul things. His persuasive manner had
aptured many. He kept on sooth-
lg the GREAT LEOPARD who be-
anne more docile-he purred instead
roaring. His coat became beautiful
nd sleek.
So the day came when Sugar
q brought to the legislature.
-e was carefully guarded and tend
d in rooms in a hostel of the CAPT.
AL city. To prove the day had
ONE to pass when the spots had
eally been changed there were those
no were allowed to enter his great
resence to see for themselves.
There was feasting and toasting,
bod food and soft vine. Then those
the wisest and best (by choice of
lie people, were shown the inner
lnctum of Sugar. Sugar purred
| the bright lights his coat glowed.
he spots were so shiney from the
wing care the young man had given
lem the glitter was binding. There
ere among the wise men those who
'uld not be sure just how much
ley had changed.
So the young man kept talking
Id he was aided and abetted by
hers who ate the good food and
ank the soft wine 1t was then Sugar