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Montana was not exempt from bank suspensions. In general, however, Montana weathered the storm in fine shape. The Bi-Metallic mine closed down on June 29 and a few other and smaller silver mines followed suit. The C. R. Higgins, Western bank of Missoula, the Merchants' National bank of Great Falls, the Montana National bank and the First National bank of Helena, the Merchants' bank of Livingston and the First National bank of Great Falls, the National Park bank of Livingston, the banking house of J. H. Conrad & Co. of Red Lodge, the Stockgrowers' National bank of Miles City and the Dillon National bank were among those that suspended. During July silver mass meetings were held in several cities and the Montana Free Coinage Association was organized. Labor day was observed with extraordinary zest on September 5. The principal celebration was held at Anaconda, where Ignatious Donnelly was the speaker. On September 30 three Chinamen were brutally murdered in Butte, the crime causing a great sensation. Early in October a sheriff's posse had a running fight with Northern Pacific train robbers, during which two of the robbers were killed and one was captured. On October 12 President Batchelor of the Stockgrowers' National bank of Miles City was arrested on charges of irregularity in the conduct of the bank, and on November 12 ex-President Will Hanks of Great Falls was indicted by the grand jury on similar charges. On November 24 the Northern Pacific announced a cut in the wages of its employes. The announcement created great excitement all along the line and committees were sent from Montana to St. Paul to enter a protest. On November 30 the "Library Ball" at Butte was a brilliant social event. On December 27 occurred the formal opening of the Butte, Anaconda & Pacific railroad. The building of the road had begun in the spring and was pushed to completion with all possible speed. A1though the Anaconda company had patched up its differences with the Montana Union, it felt that a line of its own was necessary in order to avoid the possibility of future trouble. The Montana Union in the courts fought the B., A. & P's right of way, but the B. A. & P. invariably won, and its formal opening on Dec. 27 was the OCcassion of great rejoicing in both Butte and Anaconda. Subsequently the B., A. & P. bought the Montana Union tracks between Anaconda and Stuart, while the Northern Pacific acquired proprietorship over the track extending between Butte and Garrison. In 1893 Marcus Daly's horses continued to win fame and money in the East, the total winnings of the stable being $76,612.50. The largest stake was the Junior Champion, won by Senator Grady. Tammany, Sir Matthew, The Pepper and Sam Lucas were all credited with notable performances. Fine race meetings were held this year in Butte and Anaconda.
