Various changes (none of them content-related) were made to the original download from NewspaperArchive.com: exposure, contrast, sharpness cropping. Also, the library's stamp and sticker were digitally removed.

TEXT OF ARTICLE:

A SOVEREIGN PEOPLE.

President Harrison Issues his Proclamation Formally Admitting Montana to Statehood

J. K. Toole Takes the oath of Office and Assumes the Reigns of Government

Scenes and Incidents Attending the Ceremony--Congratulations from all Sides As Viewed at Washington

Montana is a state. For several days the people of the territory have been anxiously awaiting the receipt of the glad tidings which would usher into existence the new born state, and yesterday the electric currect [sic] flashed the welcome news as follows:

EXECUTIVE MANSION,
WASHINGTON, D.C. Nov. 7, 1889
To Hon. Joseph K. Toole, Governor of the State of Montana:
The president signed and issued the proclamation declaring Montana a state of the union at 10:40 o'clock this morning.
JAMES G. BLAINE
Secretary of State

This telegram was received at the Western Union office at 11 o'clock, and eleven minutes later it was in the hands of the Hon. Joseph K. Toole, Manager Swan carrying the document in person. The INDEPENDENT soon spread the news before the public and it went through the city like a whirlwind.

Everybody was happy and people cordially greeted one another with handshaking and other tokens of pleasure. It was a great day and never did old Sol shine more brightly on Montana than yesterday, seemingly joining with the people in the great event that inauguration in a new era in Montana's glorious career. The sturdy pioneers who paved the way for this condition of things, were the most joyous. It was a grand occasion for those men who for twenty-five years have toiled and labored in the interest of this commonwealth; men who drove the savage from his haunt to make happy homes for thousands; men who brought order out of chaos and made known to the world what a grand empire Montana is--the brightest gem in the constellation of stars that is known throughout the globe as the greatest nation on earth.

Mr. Toole announced that he would take the oath of office at 2 o'clock. Before the appointed time the governor's office in the court house was crowded with people, all in the happiest mood, and when M. Toole appeared at the main entrance of the building, escorted by friends, he was loudly cheered. As he entered the governor's office the cheering was repeated. Mr. Toole bowed his acknowledgements and stepped up to a desk where without any undue ceremony, he was duly inaugurated. It was just 1:58 p. m. when Governor Toole placed his hand on an open bible, raised his right hand, while his young nephew, X. K. Stout, notary public, read the oath, which Gov Toole repeated in a loud, clear voice. During the simple but impressive ceremony everyone in the room stood up with hat in hand. The oath was as follows:

"I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Mohtana, [sic] and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity; and that I have not paid or contributed, or promised to pay or contribute, either directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing to procure my nomination or election except for necessary and proper expenses expressly authorized by law; and I have not knowingly violated any election law of this state, or procured it to be done by others in my behalf; that I will not knowingly receive directly or indirectly, any money or other valuable thing for the performance or non-performance of any act or duty pertaining to my office other than the compensation allowed by law. So help me God."

Just at the conclusion of the taking of the oath, Mr. A. Lambeth, who was near Montana's first governor, reached out his hand and tendered the first congratulations. Theee [sic] more cheers were proposed for the governor and heartily given, while his excellency received the hearty handshakes and cordial greetings of a long line of friends. During this pleasant scene Prof. Beggs and Max Behrens entered the room carrying a handsomely framed, life size, oil painting of the governor, which was the gift of friends. Calls of a speech from the governor were made and the Hon. Sam Word mounted a chair at the suggestion of others present and in behalf of the people present extended congratulations to Gov. Toole and said his friends would be glad to hear from him. Gov. Toole responded as follows:

Gentlemen: In assuming the duties of the governor of the state of Montana, I am profoundly impressed with the responsibilities of the office. The circumstances attending such an event are always interesting, but upon this occasion they are unusually important. We are called upon to set in operation for the first time the machinery of the new state. We will be confronted at the onset with problems, the solution of which will call for the exercise of sound judgment, and in the enforcement of which there should be an unflexible purpose to do right (applause), The honor and the integrity of the state shall be paramount to all other considerations. As a citizen, often honored by her people, as the chief executive charged with the duty of seeing the laws faithfully executed, I shall always have that warm and devoted heart for her best interests which the continued confidence of the people has inspired. (Applause.) With a firm reliance upon the people with whom the power of government is lodged, and invoking their aid and cooperation in all lawful endeavors, now enter upon the discharge of the duties of my office. (Cheers and great applause.) I sincerely thank you for your kindly interest in these ceremonies. My first official act will be to accept the portrait which you have kindly presented through Mr. Word. It surprises and pleases me. (Continued applause.)

After the cheering had subsided Cornelius Hedges said to Gov. Toole, "God bless you."

Many had been one minute too late to be eye witnesses to the great event. The informal reception was continued for half an hour, when Benjamin Webster, ex-Governor White's private secretary, surrendered the keys and office to Governor Toole.

About 3 o'clock in the afternoon Governor Toole wired Secretary Blaine to the effect that he had taken the oath of office and entered upon his duties as the governor of the state of Montana.

Among those who witnessed the inauguration were noticed [. . . list of dozens of individuals . . .] [...] The inauguration ceremonies were simple throughout and passed off in a perfectly pleasant and happy manner.

[List of individuals] formed a dinner party at the Broadwater last night, the occasion being a little celebration of the admission of Montana to statehood.

The first official to assume the duties of his office was Chief Justice Henry N. Blake and Police Magistrate J. G. Sanders administered the first oath. The ceremony took place in the police court at 12:30 o'clock. Shortly afterwards W. H. Hunt, district judge, took the oath of office from the same official.

(Headings of ensuing articles (text omitted here):
Congratulating the Governor.
[text omitted]

Pioneers' Greeting.
[text omitted]

A Grand Inaugural Ball
[text omitted]

THE PROCLAMATION. The document Making Montana a State of the Union.
[text omitted]

What the Politicians Think.
[text omitted]

(Fort) Benton Will Celebrate