The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1883-08-29
COMMODORE POWER
Expresses His Faith in the Future
of Fort Benton.
The Greatest Railroad Center IN the Ter
ritory---The Boom to Follow the
Opening of the Reservation.

T.C. Power is probably the shrewdest
and most successful business man in
Montana at least, we do not know of
anyone who has a better title to that
honor-and it certainly is an honor to
stand at the head of the merchant
princes and successful operators of this
territory. While not resident of Fort
Benton (but we venture to predict he
will be in the near future), Mr.. Powers
principal business interests are centered
here, and he is more concerned about
the future of Benton than any other
town in the territory, from the simple
fact that he has more at stake here. In
a conversation with RIVER PRESS
representative yesterday he stated that
that while he had never for moment
lost confidence in Benton, he was more
hopeful of her future now than ever be-
fore Every recurring visit strengthens
his faith in the future of Benton, and he
can now see more clearly than ever the
advantages Of location and resources
that are certain to make this great
city.
"What are our railroad prospects?n
inquired the reporter.
Excellent. Within two or three
wears, at the farthest, Fort Benton will
have more railroads than any other
town in Montana, and as consequence
will enjoy greater degree of prosper
ity.n
"What roads are you counting on ~
at would not surprise me if the Can
adan Pacific were the first in the field
with branch road from their main line
to this city. [ am inclined to think
this from what | have learned since
arrived here. But as soon as one road
is started it will be race as to which
gets the advantage. We have q new
and inviting field for railroads, and the
the time is not far off when they will
begin extending lines in this direction.
A branch of the Canadian Pacific, a
branch of the Northern Pacific from
Billings), the extension of the Manitoba,
the extension of the Utah q Northern,
and perhaps of the Denver & Rio
Grande, to say nothing Of the North
western and the Chicago, Milwaukee &
st. Paul, are certain to strike us, and
when one starts there will be grand
rush into northern Montana with Fort
Benton as the objective point for all. l
tell you this is to be the railroad center
of the territory1and we need not wait
until our hair is gray for the happy con-
summation"
w III DOC VIC olJSulnS VI CIlO bAoAoEA
feet reservation give Benton boom ?"
''It villa tremendous one. If there
is any doubt about the Indian commits
sion coming down here your people
should bring some influence to bear to
fetch them. The matter is of the great
est Importance and should not be ne
elected. A favorable report from the
commission, seconded by the active ef-
forts of our delegate, will insure the
opening of the reservation this winter
and grand rush into the new region
would be the result. Thousands of peo.
pie have their eyes on this paradise, and
as soon as the lands are open to entry
they will flock there. Benton will be
the outfitting point and for long time
the trade center Of that whole country
SO that it is easy to see where the bene'
fits come from.h
''Do you think the reservation will be
thrown open to settlement by the next
congress?n
1T certainly will be if the proper ef
fort is made. There is no opposition to
the project from any quarter, and by do,
ing SO the government would benefit the
Indians as we'll as those who covet theiI
lands.n
'But would not rival towns spring UP
uoWu Ine I1VeI aS IiIia ColiHuIy p oeoeASu
upw
Eyes, in time they might, but Benton
would enjoy the cream of the trade.
Once settlers are permitted to occupy
these lands it will be but few months
until the business of your town is dou-
bled. The matter is of such importance
that no efforts should be spared to secure
the favorable action of congress at tht
coming session. ~
Mr.. Power, who is always alive to th'
interests of Fort Benton, had a gfea
deal more of interest to say which we
have not space for in this issue. His
confidence in the future of this city i
unwavering, and the fact will serve tt
increase the faith and zeal of others.