Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1881-01-01

Aside from its being the capital and money
centre of the Territory, Helena possesses the
advantage of being located geographically in
a position which commands tribute from the
most important industrial pursuits for which
Montana is fast becoming celebrated. It's sit
uation at the foothills, on the easter.side Of
the main range of mountains, afford large
immunity from the severity of the storms OF
winter. The natural thoroughfarcs render it
accessible from all directions and the pivotal
point of interest in trade and politics, us well
as the radiating centre Of educational lntu-
ence. Within the last few years it has as
sumed Il character of solidity and perma
nence seldom found in any mere mining
town Its dwellings exhibit the most sub
stantial and elaborate architecture in the
Territory, and some of its public editices would
be credit to cities Of the East containing
three times the population OF our metropolis
The wide valley ranges to the north and east
of us, almost iimitless in extent and grazing
capacity, contribute largely OF their profits to
the growth and stability Of Helena, while the
adjacent hills contain treasure so abundant
and remunerative as to secure to us beyond
all question the resources OF one OF the best,
if not the best. mineral surroundings within
our borders.
The precious metals received from the
Drum-Lomond, Belmont, Gloster, Albion,
Hickey and other mines Of the Silver Creek
District, place that locality among the first
in importance; while Ten Mile, Blue Cloud,
Red Mountain, Unionville, Basin and Catar-
act are all demonstrated to be rich beyond
estimate, and now the Alta Montana Com
pany at Wicks is just beginning to pour its
treasure forth from it's storehOuses i'll the
Boulder hills Elkhorn, Beaver Creek, Mitch
ell and Mcclellan gulches, and nearer STILL
The Bonanza Chief, add their quota and these
are only some of the characteristic names OF
localities which indicate Helena as the focal
point toward which all their various inter-
csts tend.
During the past year not less than $15O,OOO
has been expended in building, and some OF
the dwellings are OF character that would
be Il credit to the most elegant cities of the
fashionable localities of the East, and cost not
less than $4,000 to complete. From present
indications at least a quarter OF a million
dollars will be expended in building during
the coming year. Two hotels much larger
and more completely furnished than any the
city has had hitherto, one church, numerous
stores and fine dwellings are among the inn
provements contemplated. Nearly a thou
sand scholars are enrolled as attendants of
the schools of the Helena District, which so
far as efficiency in the faculty is concerned
rank with the best schools in older commu
mites, while each year adds something to the
philosophical appliances requisite for the best
training of our youth. For years the East
Side of town has been well supplied with
churches for the population, and we under
stand the Baptist intend to build during the
coming season on the West Side, which is
rapidly improving and in the most substan-
tial manner t,.
II cannot be long before the railroad will
reach this point. It's multharious interests
will demand facilities proportionate to their
development.