The weekly miner. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1878-1881, 1880-06-01
MONTANA.


Correspondence of Chicago Trihunc.l
In view of the erroneous impressions Ger
ated in the public mind by the glowing de-
scriptions of Montaus given in Strahorn's
beyond tie Rockies, as also in Territorial
papers ard Union Pacific circulars, feel as
though | should like to give the rest of the
truth, which will certainly throw different
colorng on tile matter.
First, | will speak of its soil. Bordering |
the streams are valleys whose soil varies
greatly IN richness; for those portions closest
to the streams have a capacity for production
many times greater than those farther back.
These most desirable portions are already
under cultivation, wherever there is any
in.ssxtet4et ALL In fact, what is not under
cultivation is not worth it, by reason of the
quality Of the soil, aud the inadequate supply
of water for irrigation. In all the statements
made by the publications alluded to, no ac
count is made of the fact that large portion
of the valleys is Of the character ust de-
scribed. 1t Is only by going to the frontiers
Of the Territory that good land can be found
unclaimed, and such lands have the serious
drawbacks Of Indian neighbors and no mar
ket.
Upon the market depends the profit Of ANY
enterprise. Montana crops can have only 4
| home market for years to come. Montana
markets are now supplied with All over pro-
| ducton " nich only the necessities of a lon.
and drcary winter make tolerablc. The im-
mense crops of cereals and vegetables which
are raised here on the better and more care
fully titled lands entail more expense and
less profit than # only a half or quarter
much was raised. And whyo Because swe
are limited to a home market. No account is
taken Of poor crops, owing to poor soil, lack
of water, srasshopper raids, etr.
Irrigation is 4 fruitful source of litigation
bctwe-n neighborinG ranchmtil, and between
miners, priority Of right being claimed by
each. Whatever advantage irrigation gives
in the amount and certainty "f crops, it Is
nevertheless an expense and trouble OF no
small proportions. There is at present a
strong feeling in favor Of artes;an wells and
confidence that they can he made profitable
III supplying the existing deficiency of water
for irrigation.
The cllmate is what mishg he expo crtel
from its latitud. and altitude. The winters
are very severe. aud accompanied with great
depth of sneN III III" mountains. As result
If the cold and SHOWS, placer mining ceases,
us does also quart mining Whenever situated
whale roads cannot be kept clear without toe
Great expense. As thela are but few custom
quartz mills in tie country, and mal,y mines
not yet sutlici i!iy developed to authorize tie
expense of = private mill, and owners are
malv Of them unable to c0NtinN" extracting
+ ore when they will lave to wall four or five
month, for returns. the UUariX E!IueH have It
cease Freiou, cease. Eivcr u.tIgallon is
coatined to about tour months Of the summer
Building. ceases. and, in fact, for about one
f half the wear there J., almost or Vlte de
crease of half III the business duns.
| The mines are but litllc developed The'
are waiting the incomngof railroads. aud thu
influx Of capital sure /" accompany them, t"
ether with a decrease Of expense OF traiispor
> tati0n, aad c!!eafc!ins OF labor.
The Territory needs capital more thai
labor There are plenty Of chances for cal c
ful invesi mentS of a few thousand in mines
stock or other industries, with Affair." certainty
;nder careful management. of profit Bu
the country is oversupp.icd with men withou
e capital or business OF their own, and tn
e lon. winter. deprive them Of much OF lhei
sumner-earuinss. Til. Territory is lals
j. and nch in undeyrloIcL resources, auG
e capable of supporting large population hu
1t capital is required not less than !"hor
IS This is 4 poor country to come 80 wllh"u
c money, especially when hurGcnsd with
o family, because distances arc great. tramsi"r
l. ta,ion is tedious, expensive. and fraught wit
y more or lass discomfort, aud prices arc li.it
Il A man must work here or stA've. Ii he cal
not obtain a situation for which lie is be'
= lalitied by education and experience. II
e must take the neNL hes lie can find, an
. where he can find it. Many men of famlit
e here are necessarily separated from the
u families for months - = 'iia'- Men ot c1
e perience have the advantage Hor" j., mi!nn,
prospecting, herdin4. "Sncmrg, and IN 4
1t other pursuits d; aud whaf aman ku""S aO",
s. farming, mining, or herd!ng east Of the Mi
II souri, will be almsst entirely useless here.
in This country is terribly miSrrpresen'ed,-