"Every town needs a newspaper."
It was not often that Phinn regretted, or even felt the least bit bad about an article much less an edition of any paper he worked at. However, now it was on the streets, what few there were. People were seeing the headline 'Martial Law?' and there would be a reaction to it, possibly to Marshal Guyer as well. Martial Law had a nasty, cruel, reputation, and having that possibility in Kalispell was not anything most folks would want.
Yet there would be those level-headed citizens who would take it for what it was, a question of 'what if.' But in Kalispell, there was the saloon crowd, and there was Arabella, though she no longer worked at the saloon and a number of others who would miss the point entirely. Of course, that was simply the risk that was taken as editor of the only paper in the territory, outside of the bigger cities.
Phinn was used to the risks of journalism, he had seen and experienced his share over the years from physical threats to rocks through the windows, to break-ins and equipment sabotaged or damaged. Yes, the printed word can and will raise tempers to the boiling point and beyond, and to some degree, that is what Phinn expected.
He pulled the bottom drawer open and extracted his Colt Thunderer storekeeper's model .41 caliber, double-action revolver, with a factory 2-1/2” barrel. He opened the loading gate, eared back the hammer, and checked the loads. Satisfied, he laid it on his desk. Not a big fan of the larger Colts, but this one filled the bill.
Concealable, and a load that could drop a man in his tracks, or worse.
IC:
It was midday when two uniformed men rode down Main Street and did not dismount until they reached the hitching post in front of the town newspaper. They drew some stares from folk of course, about the only time soldiers were out and about were those lucky ones who got off duty Saturday night to visit the saloon. And never in big groups either, the Army did not want incidents, it was always the goal to keep a low profile.
And now this damned newspaper article!
Benjamin turned to his sergeant as they tied the reins to the hitching post, "Sergeant, station yourself at the door and let nobody enter until my little meeting is over. Tell 'em it won't be long. Be polite but be firm."
The big NCO, built like a bear, nodded, "Will do, sir. I can be firm. Oh.....and polite too, sir."
Benjamin nodded then walked up to the door, gave a perfunctory knock just to announce someone was entering, then turned the door knob and stepped into the place.
"Good day, I'm looking for a Mr. McVay," he stated very calmly. If the fellow knew anything about military rank he could tell the soldier standing there held the rank of Captain.
"Every town needs a newspaper."
Phin turned in his chair seeing the military man, whom he recognized to be a Captain, a Captain of the cavalry. How fortuitous he thought, knowing this might not be a pleasant confrontation.
"Yes sir, Phineas McVay, how may I be of service?" He asked. A quick response meant that Army was not happy. But he had not printed that there would be Marshal Law, no, it had been a question of 'if.' "I suppose you are here in response to the latest edition of the Union."
So this was the man. Well, Benjamin supposed a small town paper such as this one probably did not employ very many people at all. Like it mattered. That was not why he was here. There was a hook on a side wall so the veteran officer removed his hat and hung it there.
"Ah, Mr. McVay then. I am Captain Barlow and I won't take up much of your time," Benjamin introduced himself back.
"I suppose you are here in response to the latest edition of the Union," the newspaperman was right on the mark there but then it had to be rather obvious.
"Well now, you suppose correctly. We do get your paper out at the fort, just to keep abreast of the local community," the officer began.
"Now that latest headline in that huge print - Martial Law. And then below the Marshal's recent visit to our commanding officer, Col. MacKenzie. You mentioned an unnamed source. Might I ask just who that source was?" Benjamin got right to the point.
"Every town needs a newspaper."
"No sir Captain Barlow, you may not. Whoever that source was, I can say he did not wear a uniform. Meaning he was not a soldier out to the fort." Phin responded. "Protecting sources is a necessity. Should I name this source, male or female, why then I'd have no sources to rely on. You understand I'm sure."
Continuing, Phinn added, "And sir, there was a question mark in that headline, and nowhere in the article did it say Guyer, Marshal Guyer, would impose Martial Law. It was merely a question based on information I had." It was just that, but also a means of selling papers, and so far he was close to selling out.
"So Captain Barlow, what is the real story here then?"
The newspaperman, being a newspaperman, refused to give up his source. Actually Benjamin figured he would not do that but it never hurt to try and he did at least reveal the source was not one of the soldiers. Well, unless that was a lie to throw the captain off? Impossible to know, at least for now.
"I see," Barlow was not about to make a fuss, there was afterall freedom of the press in this country.
"And sir, there was a question mark in that headline, and nowhere in the article did it say Guyer, Marshal Guyer, would impose Martial Law. It was merely a question based on information I had."
"Two things there - first of all I have to wonder how many people actually paid attention to the question mark after reading the words? And secondly Marshal Guyer cannot impose any Martial Law. Only the federal government, specifically the territorial governor or state governor depending on the entity involved, can declare Martial Law. It is also the only way the United States Army can deploy troops over a civil matter," Benjamin had to point out.
"So Captain Barlow, what is the real story here then?" asked McVay.
"Nothing official. And since everything I'd tell you would be plastered all over your pages, I think I will decline further details. Perhaps you could have gone straight to Guyer or Col. MacKenzie before you choose to spring this headline on everyone?" Benjamin added.
"Every town needs a newspaper."
Phin appraised the man and liked what he saw, for a Yankee. Some of that Rebel attitude still remained, but it was not like he disliked the man, too many ex-confederates were in the Union Army these days. "Captain, in order for the Federal Government to impose Martial Law, in this territory, would not the local law have to request it? I mean there has to be some reason, and I'm fairly sure that the fort does not follow what's going on here in town, or in the outlying country. Unless of course, it's Indian trouble, for I imagine they are still out."
Phin reasoned that Guyer would need to request the action be taken by the military, and his visit to the Fort, and with the arrival of Lieutenant Greene pointed in that direction.
"Now we have some problems with rustling, but not enough to have you involved if that could even be done. Civil unrest, I can see that, because I have seen it in the past." He added.
"Captain, in order for the Federal Government to impose Martial Law, in this territory, would not the local law have to request it? I mean there has to be some reason, and I'm fairly sure that the fort does not follow what's going on here in town, or in the outlying country. Unless of course, it's Indian trouble, for I imagine they are still out."
"Yes, Mr. McVay somebody local would normally have to bring the subject up first. Make a request or ask for it to be looked into to," Benjamin nodded.
"And yes, a sizeable portion of the Sioux and their allies are still on the run from Little Big Horn. Last we heard the Army was pursuing them north, they may be heading into Canada. Do not quote me on that as fact though," he added..
As for civil unrest, it certainly had not risen to that level by any means yet. Benjamin simply suggested, "If you really want to possibly learn more about this then my suggestion is to arrange an interview with the Colonel and or Marshal Guyer. Right now all I can tell you about Lt. Greene is that he is on medical leave due to injuries suffered during the rescue of the two local women from hostiles."
"Every town needs a newspaper."
"Captain, I am patiently awaiting the Marshal as I have no doubt that he will be here directly." Phin replied "I believe he and I will have a conversation about Marshal Law and his discussion with the Colonel. This town is on edge about the coming construction of the hospital as well as a certain element that does not appear to be supportive of the project, in fact, Captain, I believe it is fair to say that they will do what they can to sabotage it."
He was not sure if the Army was even aware of either Elias Steelgrave, or his son Case, sometimes known as James, and the threat they pose to not only the community but to the outlying ranches and farms. Then again he was unsure of the Army's jurisdiction in such matters.
"I am grateful, but sorry for your need to come into town for this matter, and yes, it was a stunt to get clarity which I will publish in a special edition correcting myself, but providing the truth of the matter, setting the record straight. That, sir, will be printed and distributed free of charge. While I am sure there are facts not to be disseminated to the general public, I will address the facts as I am allowed."
Benjamin heard the man out. He certainly did not appear to be one of those awful rabble rousers like some journalists and newspapermen. McVay seemed to have a specific strategy regarding this affair and much of it made sense. IF he was telling the truth. For now the veteran captain would certainly give him the benefit of the doubt.
"Very well, sir. I too hope the marshal shows up and you have a grand and frank talk. I will say only that if a group of armed men come into this town thinking they can terrorize and burn and wreck what they want, we will have troops to deal with them. We will worry about the niceties of policy and such after the fact," he declared, "Oh and that is off the record."
"The one favor we would ask of you is keep Lt. Greene's name out of all this. He is currently listed as Wounded in Action and on medical leave. Let the young man be."
He now moved to grab his hat off the rack, "And thank you for your time then. As I stated I did not want to keep you long."