The Montana post., 1868-12-18
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.

The great importance of Geological
Survey in a Territory containing vast.
but undeveioped mineral resources like
ours, will not be controverted. Its prac-
tical advantages TO the Territory de-
pends upon the demonstration of their
character. variety and value, the facili
ties for development, the relation they
bear TO other and the collation., syste-
matte combination. and publicity given
these facts. Not only would this infor-
nation be valuable to strangers, but We
have great deal ourselves to- learn of
this land we live in, for we have but
glanced at the surface and the great
geological arcana of Montana are yet as
a sealed book. A survey by competent
geologists and scientists would not ac-
complish all things, but it would be of
vast service 10 US in many respects, and
is a desirable object to be attained. The
Governor. in his message recommends a
memorial to Congress, asking an appro-
priation for this purpose. This appro-
priation would necessarily come through
the Interior department. but although
Mr.. Wilson is reported To have given
especial prominence to Montana in his
last report, ii must be remembered there
is but one Geological Survey in progress
under direc. appropriations from Con
gress and the policy is economy and re-
trenchment. That survey is the one
under direction of Prot. +. V. Hayden in
Nebraska. and the only appropriation is
$4,000 of the annual appropriation To the
Territory which was turned over TO this
purpose on its erection into State. We
have seen II stated recently that his field
includes Colorado and Wyoming, but
think it incorrect. Mr.. Wilson also
mentions in his report tor 1861. an ap-
plication for Geological survey from
the Governor of Montana, which was
declined, declaring there was no availa-
bic means and Congress has placed a
virtual luterdict upon a Territorial
GeolL gical survey by the act of July 81,
1852. We are firmly convinced that any
memorial for direct appropriation
from Congress would be futile.
Congress has delegated to- the War
Department authority for geological
and typographical exploration of the
territory between the Rocky Mountains
and the Sierra Nevadas. including the
route or routes of the Pacific railroad,
providing il can be done out OF existing
appropriations. This survey has been
in progress for the past two years. Ii
is under charge of Prof Charles King,
gentleman of eminent abilities who
had been several years a resident of the
Pacific coast and connected with the
geological surveys of that region. No
better evidence is needed of high conti>
cence in his scientific attainnIents than
the efficiency required by that depart
ment and the fact of his appointment
To this flee by the request OF the Facul
~ OF the Smithsonian Institute. That
exploring party has now entered Salt
Lake Valley from the west, and ceased
operations for the winter. IL will require
but a couple of months in the spring TO
reach Salt Lake. The party has already
passed through Nevada, and m de Il
detour TO include Idaho, by special per
mission of the War Department. Ii is
q complete corps of Geological and Sci>
entific experts, fully equipped. and pro-
vided with IA military escort, enabling
travel TO any point. We met Mr.. King
few weeks days since, en- route -
Washington, to make up his report for
the year. He expressed an earnest wish
to include Montana in his survey. and
desires to come here with his corps about
June of 1868, TO remain during the sum
mer, aud we have now opportunity to
present his wishes. Special instruc-
tions must be had from the War De-
partment, as the general instructions
limit the survey TO one degree on each
side of the railroad. This is the golden
opportunity OF Montana. Proper action
by our Legislature, with instructions to
Mr.. Cavanaugh to present the matter
before the War Department. will, we
believe, accomplish the purpose. Mr..
King can be communicated with in care
of Senator Conness, Washington, ID. c.