Styles in the Bad Lands
I’ve had a Teddy Roosevelt project in mind for years. It’s one that I keep reading for, but never have the money to do the hands-on research I need to make it happen. So I just keep it burning low, compiling notes. Figuring maybe sooner or later it’ll all build up and overwhelm common sense, and I’ll find myself on a plane somehow, flying down to the Rio da Dúvida (Rio Roosevelt now) in Brazil.
But until then, reading. I just finished Roosevelt in the Bad Lands by Hermann Hagedorn. (Not to be confused with Theodore Roosevelt in the Badlands by Roger L. Di Silvestro, which came out last year.) Hagedorn was a contemporary and friend of Roosevelt’s who had access to many of the folks who worked with Roosevelt during his Dakota years. As with most things Roosevelt, there’s way too much of the hagiography in it, but it’s still a good read and a good source.
This is from a fashion notes column reprinted in that book. It’s entitled “Styles in the Bad Lands” that initially ran in the Dickinson Press, 1885. I thought it was interesting in light of the never-ending gun debate. Particularly regarding that old canard about how guns were actually more regulated in the old West than they are now.
As far as I can tell from my own reading, that one’s about ninety percent nonsense. Though, as always, you can cherrypick examples to make the argument. (Something which neither side is real shy about.)
The Estelline (Dak.) Bell has been at some trouble to collect the following latest fashion notes for the benefit of its Bad Lands readers: The “gun” is still worn on the right hip, slightly lower down than formerly. This makes it more convenient to get at during a discussion with a friend. The regular “forty-five” still remains a favorite. Some affect a smaller caliber, but it is looked upon as slightly dudish. A “forty,” for instance, may induce a more artistic opening in an adversary, but the general effect and mortality is impaired. The plug of tobacco is still worn in the pocket on the opposite side from the shooter, so when reaching for the former, friends will not misinterpret the move and subsequently be present at your funeral. It is no longer considered necessary to wait for introductions before proceeding to get the drop. There will be time enough for the mere outward formalities of politeness at the inquest. The trimming of the “iron” is still classic and severe, only a row of six cartridges grouped around the central barrel being admissible. Self-cockers are now the only style see in the best circles. Much of the effectiveness of the gun was formerly destroyed by having to thumb up the hammer, especially when the person with whom you were conversing wore the self-cocking variety. It has been found that on such occasions the old-style gun was but little used except in the way of circumstantial evidence at the inquest. Shooting from the belt without drawing is considered hardly the thing among gentlemen who do not wish to be considered as attempting to attract notice. In cases where the gentleman with whom you are holding a joint debate already has the drop, his navy six having a hair trigger, and he being bound to shoot, anyway, this style of discussion is allowable, though apt to cause a coldness to spring up. As regards the number of guns which it is admissible to wear, great latitude is allowed, from one up to four being noted on the street and at social gatherings. One or two is generally considered enough, except where a sheriff with a reputation of usually getting his man and a Winchester rifle is after you, when we cannot too strongly impress upon the mind of the reader the absolute necessity for going well heeled.
