Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1877-05-17

TIE final solution of the indian question
is now the most important event that can
transpire for the welfare of Montana. Ihe
time has at length come when this becomes
an absolute necessity. The insecurity OF
property on our cxreme eastern frontier has
long retarded its rapid development, but by
degrees civilization has planted itself III TINS
region until at last it asserts the positive de-
mand for protection. The government, at
length seeming to realize that if something
was not done the hardy pioneer would begin
a war of determination. is moving III Its
slow, meditativc way towards bringing the
Indians to terms. How long it will require
at the present rate of progress would be OH
ficult to say, but we have hopes that the
country may be open to travel by the latter
part Of the summer at the fartheSt. Inc
opening of the route between this and the
Black Hills would be of incalculable benefit
to our Territory. This, however, is OF not
SO much importance to our stock growers as
the opening of q direct road to Bismarck.
The Importance of this route is clear to ev-
cry stock owner, and it will be at once open
ed as soon as the necessary protection to lite
and property is offered. Some OF the most
extensive stock raiscrs in Meagher county
have had an eye to this route tor several
years. and we are fully warranted in saying
that if it becomes safe for small parties to
traverse the country during the summer, a
party of these stock men will survey or To-
cate d route. The distance from Helena to
Bismarck. via the North Pacific survey IS
about G1O miles; q wagon road to drive stock
over would. of course, be something shorter.
From Eastern Montana the distance would
not, perhaps, exceed that to Corlnne, II
the country is far superior for grass there
would be no herds along the road to bother
drovcrs, and it is, in many other respects,
superior to the present outlet, besides, when
the railroad was reached the distance to mar
ket would be at least 600 miles less. The
driving of beef cattle has become a perman-
ent industry, and the cheapest and most
practical route possible must be found. Our
sheep industry is also assuming such mann
moth proportions that a greater market for
mutton is needed. If this route was open,
sheep could be driven to Bismarck and ship
ped East at a good profit. We believe that
in such All event the production of mutton,
taking the wool into consideration, would
be more profitable than that OF beef. The
cost of driving sheep through this region
would be but little more than that of herd
ing on The range, and special rates could, no
doubt, be had from the n. p. to encourage
and strengthen the trade, as it would be
competition with the u. z.
But this all depends upon the s%ubjugation
of the Indians. Our adventurous stock men
may protect our frontiers and gradually en-
croach upon and take possession OF the I'M
settled domain. blst they canno start with
Their herds and 1locks through u country be-
set with rowing bands OF Indians OH the war
path and hope to fight their way through.
W time to afford us this much needed pro-
lection. We nave been promised that this
road would soon be rendered safe for families
70 travel through. II this is accomplished
by the middle Of the summer, the road will
be located and stock pass over it before the
snow lilies again.
WE publish elsewhere a decision by
Judge Knowles in regard to taxing ores and
II ,jtian uo.lap tive ayistinu laN<S at fha Tar.