The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-10-26
THAT PAMPHLET AGAIN.

THAT PAMPHLET AGAIN.
WE interviewed a number Of business men
this week in reference to the frequently
mooted question of issuing a pamphlet, I'M
der the authority Of the Board Of Trade, set
ting forth the numerous advantages Of Ben
ton and the country tributary thereto. With
scarcely an exception they indorse the pre-
iect and we believe would contribute accord
ing to their abilities to carry it into execu-
ton. It is true the Benton Board Of Trade
is not Just now a very enthusiastic body (and
it is not creditable to the town that such is
the CASEY but if q committee Of citizens will
take the initiative steps in the matter the
Board can doubtless summon energy enough
to give the work its approval and to aid in
the distribution of the
The value of such q work, carefully pre-
pared and judiciously distributed, can scarce
ly be over estimated. Montana is just begin
ming to attract the attention Of the people Of
the East. Our mines and broad grazing
lands offer an inducement to capital and
our smiling valleys invite the hardy hus-
bandman Of limited means who seeks to
build up ahome he can call bis own. Hereto
fore Montana has been SO far removed from
fertilization" which is supposed to follow
| in the make Of the railroad, and the difficulty
of getting here has been SO great, that immi-
grafton has naturally been limited. But this
drawback no longer exists. Two railroads
have penetrated the heart of the Territory,
and are rapidly extending their lines. The
era Of railroad building for the new north
west has only begun and if it is not followed
in rapid order By an era Of immigration the
history Of the past fifty years must be re-
versed. There can be no question but that
during the next few years the population Of
Montana will grow rapidly, and unless Ben
ton is up and doing she can not expect to
keep pace with other towns Of the Territory.
The resources Of Benton and the country
tributary are unquestionably superior to those
Of any other portion Of the Territory. The
new mining district to the south Of rs is just
coming into prominence and it gives forth
abundant promises of being one Of the richest
mineral fields in the world; in no place in
the west can the stock men find a better field
Of operations or greater opportunities for
carrying on his important branch Of indus
try; the valleys are beautiful and highly pro-
ductive, and offer the farmer every induce
ment. Our town is q natural trade center
and destined to become one Of the great COM
mercial cities of the new NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
soon will probably depend on the enterprise
manifested by her own citizens.
These general facts should be set forth ii
detail in the pamphlet proposed and when
circulated ,.'Where they would do the most
good" the beneficial results must be appar-
ent. Unless something Of the kind is done,
Benton must lag behind while other towns
of the Territory move on to prosperity. The
fact that Helena, without the resources or
natural advantages Of Benton, has won the
title of the Pleading town of the Territory
is due chiefly to the enterprise Of her citi-
zens. It is the best advertised town IN the
Territory and to-day her people are reaplng
the benefits of the same.
This is the propitous time to issue such q
document. Allowing two months for its
preparation and publication it could be dis
tributed during the winter in time to fall into
he hands of many who contemplated NOV
ing west with the opening of spring. Next
season there will be a regular tide Of imnl-
grafton to Montana and il Benton is not
prodted by it to a very. great extent it will be
her own fault. The one essential thing is to
let the people know the inducements offered
here and the effective way to accomplish
that end is by issuing under the sanction OF
the Board of Trade such 9 document as has
been mentioned. A year ago this project
was agitated, but never carried into execu-
ton. Will the same lethargy and indiffer-
ence be manifested this year? Let US hope
not.