1918 – Prohibition rules state

“King alcohol has abdicated! King prohibition reigns! “The king is dead! Long live the king! “At the stroke of 12 midnight, Dec. 30, 1918, the old tyrant, Booze, passed away in Montana, and throughout the state the obsequies were observed with that delight and pleasure which has characterized the unthroning of many another monarch within the past few weeks. It has been an open season for the tribe of arrogants and the hunting has been fine, according to the trophies brought in by sportsmen – the people of the state and the armies of the world. “It was not a time for tears in Bozeman, but many of the mourners gathered at the various shrines of the idol and in many ways, not altogether regretful, celebrated by imbibing freely of what was left of the product of the wine cellar of the king and the liquors which he had in stock. “The day was not propitious for outdoor celebration, for winter had made its appearance and the first real cold of the season forced the habitués to remain indoors. The places of business were crowded throughout the day and evening and while many of them did not know when the ‘old man’ did pass in his cheeks for good, they were there at the finish and to all intents and purposes that was sufficient. Today is another story and something else again. … “There was nothing rough or unusually exciting about the ending of the inglorious career of the king, especially in this city, and he died amid the laughter and gayety of those who never thought much of him anyway.”