The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1883-05-02

All are expecting good results lot UHeli
town, and we are OF the opinion that
they will not be disappointed.
-@A< - Em-
THE SPRINGS TO MARTINSDALE.
The Business and Prospects Of the Metro
polls of the Musselshall.
The ride from White Sulphur Springs
to Nartinsdale is not over a very lnvlt-
ing country, as during a good portion of
the time II is crossing the divide,
where at this season Of the year snow Is
always to be found. The DR.. McIlhenny
ranch, a few miles this side Of the
Springs, has been leased by G. Barr
Smith, the well known horse breeder OF
the Missouri valley. Mr.. Smiths loca-
ton at this point is only temporary,
however, as he has taken up a ranch on
l6-mile creek, we believe, where the
railroad is not likely to drive him out
very o
Co~pperopolis, at the top Of the divide,
remains the same as ever, q town OF two
houses. The copper mines IN this vicin-
ity will undoubtedly be of value some
day, but it will be when the railroad is
at hand to furnish quick and cheap trans
rortation. Harry Comfy, Of Helena,
who is interested in mining property at
this place. visited the mines last week.
He has plenty Of confidence in them,
and doubtless before many years they
will yield abundantly. The day is com
ing, and not far off, when Copperopolis
will be q lively camp.
Chas. Weeks, who is temporarily driv-
ing the stage on this line, is an old timer
at the business in Montana. He brought
the stage outfit across the plains that
first operated between Salt Lake and
Virginia City, and assisted in establish
ing the stations, etc, afterwards becom-
ing a driver on the line. He hasn't for
gotten as yet how to handle the ribbons
or make a slow team move along at q
good gait.
Martinsdale. the metropolis of the
Musselshell, is becoming quite a trade
center. II the past year Mr.. r.. Il.
Clendenin, the proprietor Of the town,
has erected several buildings, including
a fine store room. He carries a large
stock of goods and finds his trade in
creasing constantly. At present Mr.. G.
is east buying goods and Mr.. Fuller, q
most agreeable and competent gentle
man, is in charge of the business. The
distance from Martinsdale to the rail-
road is So miles Ito Boulder or Big Tim
ber), and all freights destined for the
upper MusselsheIl will be shipped by
rail to that point. Tri-Weekly mail ser
vice will be established between these
points May 1st, which will prove quite
a convenience to the people of the val
lev. The continued growth of the sheep
industry and other branches Of business
in this section indicates the building up
of q prosperous toWn-not a great city,
however-on the Musselshell, and Mar
tinsdale will undoubtedly be the place.
Nj. Clendenin is conducting various
branches Of business there Tx Is also
the owner of an immense tract of fine
bottom land, much of it under c%ultiva-
ton. He has as good a layout to
make none as any mar in Montana,
and if untiring labor and energy will
achieve success it is in store for him.
The hotel at Martinsdale belongs to
"Clen.,u but has been leased the past
eighteen months by two ladies whose
names / forgot to note down. In that
time, [ am reliably informed, they
have cleared over $1,000, and the bust
ness Of the house continues to grow.
One Of the ladies has invested her share
of the profits in stock in the Sayre sheep
company, which has met with such fine
success since it's organization, and may
be considered Well started Oh CHe IOau
to fortune. The ladies are not married.
Henry Landes and Billy Coates, the
latter superintendent of the Martinsdale
and White Sulphur stage line, are pro-
p~rietors of the only saloon and doing a
nice business.
On the other side of the river, about a
mile distant, is Frank Gaugler's place.
He has as good buildings and as many
Of them as Martinsdal9, but the town is
at present dead. The hotel, saloon and
blacksmith shop are closed. Klein
schmidt & Rro. have a store there, but
it seems to be q pretty lonesome bust
ness. Eighteen months ago Frank eau
gler had probably half Of the business
Of the valley, but the trade scepter has
now departed from Gauglerville. Il
Mr.. Gaug1er, or some other active, en-
terprising person would open out there
again-starting the hotel, saloon an6
blacksmith shop as well as a store-ht
would soon build up a good business
This fine property is for sale.
FIVE TERRIBLE DAYS AND NIGHTS