The occasional trickle of Armymen in Maddock and Great Falls has left bleak and desperate stories of the continuing War with the natives, with some territories under constant threat of Indian attack. One officer said recently at a small gathering near the mines:
"The US Cavalry has been on the move throughout Montana after the massacre of our troops at Little Bighorn just a few months ago. The Sioux are a wild, bloodthirsty bunch, and moving north and north-west through the area, with rumors they plan to escape to Canada, leaving a trail of American blood in their wake. Rest assured, residents of Maddock and all the towns of this fair Valley, that the American people, with their superior spirit, will prevail, but in the meantime, YOU too can be responsible for protecting your homes, your women, and your issue from these savages who wish to destroy our Way of Life. Tell your Mayor, your Sherriff, and your representatives that you want more local protection to ensure your safety, and be ever vigilant of Indian presence. Report suspicious activities on the part of Indians to the authorities, because you never know who an Indian might be working for."
Recent violence culminating in the shooting and severe wounding of the esteemed Territorial Representative Michael Garrett has made many citizens of Maddock wonder if the town's fire has left more than physical devastation, but moral decay and debauchery. With hardly any law enforcement in the town, who is going to protect us from local problems, let alone this ever-increasing Indian threat? Did Indian spies shoot Garrett? Or is it one of the shadier folks in town, trying to cash in on Maddock's tragedy? Who knows, but one thing is for sure: the town NEEDS more men of the law.
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