The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-01-25

some steps to aid in securing such an appro-
prlatlon. Even a petition, numerously
signed, would encourage our Delegate if it
had no effect upon the honorable gentlemen
who compose the committee on the improve
ment of rivers and harbors. There is no
/ subject of more vital interest to the people
of Northern Montana than that of the i'm
provement sof the Missouri river and they
should neglect no opportunity to aid in ac-
complishing the desired result
'What effect upon freight rates would
| such improvement have?"
''Of course it would bring about great re-
| duction in rates, as the dangers and difficult
ties of navigation would be decreased and
the term of the boating season heightened.
1t is in this that the great advantage will ac-
crue to Benton. Last year our lire of boats
laid down heavy groceries and staple articles
at the Benton levee, from ST. Louis, for ST. 40
per hundred pounds, and | suppose other
lines did as well. With The river improved
from Cow Island up-and few hundred
thousand dollars will do tive could lay
down freight here for 81 30 hundred, and
perhaps for $1,0O. Besides, if this needed
improvement were made 1T would introduce
the element of certainty in river navigation,
and insure the prompt delivery of goods,
consummation devoutly to be wished for
With an improved channel as far as Benton
there need never be any fear of railroad mon
opoly in Montana, as the river will keep the
railroads in check, and il fact a; all times
make it deucedly interesting for them in the
matter of rates. As it looks to me, Benton
will always have the advantage of other
towns in the Territory as regards cheap
freights, and this fact will tell on the amount
of business transacted here and the growth
of the town and surrounding country"
''What do you think of the prospects of
the rival town (?) at Wilders Landing?"
''It has no prospects to speak of. Being
on or near military reservation, there will
be no business but that done by the post trad
er, and competition will be virtually shut out.
At Benton, on the other hand, there are nu-
merous we'll established business houses,
with lively competition, as well as dealers
in special lines, and prices cannot but be
lower. Besides, man can come from the
Judith Basin to Benton and get anything he
wants; at Wilder's he could do nothing of
the kind. The latter place will be no more
of success than old Carroll was. Coulson,
or some point in that vicinity, on the line
of the Northern Pacific, will be the first
town to compete with Benton for the half
way trade"
Changing the subject, MIR. Power, may
ask if you would accept the Republican nom-
ination for Delegate to Congress if the con-
vention saw fit TO tender it p we ventured to
inquire.
20, you want to run this talk into politics,
do you? I'm not much of politician and
have not given the subject any considera-
ton"
''But you know that your name has been
fovorably mentioned in connection with the
Delegateship?'
s'Yes, but I've got too many irons in the
fire now. Besides there are other and
worthier men who really want it. Judge
Wade, | understand, is looking that way,
Capt. Mills, of Deer Lodge, has like aspira-
tions, and there may be many others. Be-
sides the man who steps into Maginnis' shoes
must be up and doing to make anything like
as good a record as he has; to do as much
for Montana in the same time, and you know
a person does not like to suffer by compari-
son with a predecessor in office. No, have
my hands full without getting into politics..
The Commodore did not protest very
strongly and we are of the opinion that it
would not be a difficult task to induce him to
accept the race. His boom will be heard in
the coming months. Other topics of interest
we're broached but our space will not admit
VI reference to them at this time