Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 September 1919 — WILSON REACHES THE REAL WEST [ARTICLE]

WILSON REACHES THE REAL WEST

President Makes Two Speeches to the People of Montana. VISITS BILLINGS ANO HELENA Touches on Radicalism for First Time—Mees Cowboys, Indians and the Plain Citizens. Helena. Mont., Sept. 12. —President Wilson talked radicalism in Montana. He talked it in the country where the black cat of sabotage has often reared its sputtering and fearful countenance and in a land where the “wobblies,” as the I. W. W. are knoyn, have man/ times turned peaceful communities into nightmares of strife and passion. The president placed his stamp of approval on radicalism, radicalism which he described as of the right kind, however. He said there was only one way to meet radicalism and that way was to deprive it of food. "I want to say this, that a strike of the policemen of a great city, leaving that city at the mercy of an army of thugs, Is a crime against civilization. “In my judgment, the obligation of a! policeman is as sacred and direct ae the obligation of a soldier. He is & public servant, not a private employee, and the whole honor of the community is in his hands. “He has no right to prefer any-pri-vate advantage to the public safety. “I hope that that lesson will be burned in so that it will never again bet forgotten, because the pride of America, is that it can exercise self-control." Since it was announced that the president would make two slops here the roads and trails from all corners of the state have seen their quota of riders and motorists bound for either. Billings or this city. He talked to 8,« 000 persons at Billings and, 2,500 here. Three Crop Failures. It was “Wilson day" for Billings and “President day" for Helena, the capital of the state. Both cities had on their holiday dresses and this “hardboiled” country, for there has been a drought for three successive years, did not allow crop failures or anything else prevent it • from seeing Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. Cowboys, Indians and the people of the plains and mountains raised clouds of dust on the sorry sunbaked roads along the valley of the Yellowstone river throughout the day. He struck a new note In his speech, at Billings. It was a purely emotional! one, and it was the first time he has used this appeal on the trip. The president said he knew the League of Nations had gone* to the heart of the people and that he was just as sure what the verdict of the nation would be as though it already, had been rendered. Mayor Mains of Billings, a peppery little individual, Introduced the president to the audience and started the meeting off right with his introduction. “Some man,” he said with a sweeping gesture, indicating the president, and the crowd arose with a cheer. From -surlse to sunset today Montana turned forth an assortment of characters to see the president, such as only the West can produce. The spirit of the West, arfd of this state, was shown early in the morning when the special slowed up at a forelorn little group of bare buildings, huddled beneath barren hills. “We’ve had three crop failures, Mr. President," called out a rosy cheeked girl of thirteen. “But you can’t keep us down out here.” Then there was old Ben Greenough at Billings, who presented the president with 100 selected trout for his breakfast. “Packsaddle Ben," as he Is known, had gone on the packhorse to Beartooth lake, where he caught the fish and returned in time to meet the president. One of the members of the local entertainment committee tried to pay him for them. “Don’t insult me,” said the old man, “whenever a man who has risen to the position occupied by President Wilson comes to town and there Is anything old Ben Greenough can do to add to his pleasure and comfort, It will be done without thought of pay.” Gives President a Dime. The most amusing feature of the day came when the train pulled out of Billings and three small boys started on a run after it. One of them carried a flag, and he spurted up to the private car Mayflower in time to hand it to ijie president. Another had a flower and he, too, was successful in placing his token in the hands of the nation’s chief executive. And the third boy had nothing. A look of deep chagrin came over his face when he saw the tributes his companions had given. By this time the train was gathering speed, and it took all the strength of his

youthful legs to keep up. Suddenly an Inspiration struck him. He reached In his pants pockets. “Here, Mr. President,” he shouted, and the president reached over the observation rail, and took his offering. It was a dime. “I thank you very much*’ said the president, and that small boy turned back to Billings with happiness and contentment written all over his face.