The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1883-06-27
UPPER WEST GALLATIN AND BOxE'
MAN CANAL COMPANY.

porated September 1882, with a capital
stock of $4,000, divided into 400 shares
of 500 each, with Geo. W. krattzer as
president, Frank Hill, Secretary; Alex.
Kissell, Treasurer, and the following
named gentlemen as trustees. }. II.
Nixon, S. 7. Parsons, Horace Kelly, q.
Lay, A. C. Reeves, T. c. Ward, VIM. Fos-
ter and J. B. Stewart. A right OF way
has been secured from the West Gallatin
canyon to Middle creek for sixty feet in
width, said right of way having been
secured thus far by the purchase OF only
mans right. The canal will be, when
completed, "a! miles long, "a feet wide
and three feet deep. The route has been
surveyed by Engineer Littlefoot, and
Will reach Bozeman creek about two and
half miles south of Bozeman. AS this
is, in our opinion, one Of the most bene-
fetal as we'll as the most gigantic enter
prisss ever undertaken in Gallatin county
we propose to give our readers the result
of an investigation made by us as to its
progress, its aims, its benefits and the
various uses to which it may be adapted,
and to urge upon the citizens of Bozeman
and Gallatin valley put their shoulders
to the wheel and not allow such an en-
terprise to lag for want of means to carry
it successfully forward to completion.
Tie canal commences at point in the
West Gallatin canyon about two miles
below the mouth of Spanish creek, but
on the opposite side, at or near the point
from which Oliver Holloway had COM
menced the construction of an irrigating
ditch, whose rights the company have
acquired. At that point about thirty
men are now actively engaged in con-
struction, and are rapidly completing the
first and most difficult mile. From OBJ
servation it appears to us that the work
SO far is of the most substantial and dur
able character, and one cannot but be
impressed with the magnitude OF the un-
dertaking. At the point where the water
is taken out the river has rapid fan but
the head and waste gates are so securely
pinioned by large boulders that they cam
not be moved from their position, and
are so arranged that water can be con-
Quoted into the canal at the lowest stage
of the river. The course of the canal fol-
lows close to the river bank for nearly
mile, necessitating an excavation at one
place of about thirteen feet. From there
it strikes off boldly towards the foothills,
which its skirts as far as Cottonwood
creek, following the base of the hills on
the west Of that creek and crossing the
Cottonwood bottom at its narrowest
point, thence sweeps around and over
the low lying range between Cottonwood
and Middle creek, and thence across the
valley to its terminus, as above stated.
The work is progressing as rapidly as the
means now on hand will permit, as but
about $4,000 of the capital has thus far
been disposed Of The aim of this canal
will be to convey about 10000 inches of
water, to be more definite to supply such
an amount as will with the water derived
from Wilson, Bear, Cottonwood and
Middle creeks, afford an ample supply to
irrigate every foot of cultivatible land in
Gallatin valley. What this means in the
way of added wealth to Bozeman and
Gallatin county, it needs no prophecy to
foretell. Permit us to remind those here
who should take an interest in this mat
ter, that money invested in the capital
stock of this canal, can in no sense of the
term be deemed donation, for it will
pay a handsome percentage upon the
cost of construction. Let us examine
this matter. The capital stock of the
corporation is now placed at $40 900, but
we do not think that that amount will
be sufficient to complete it but we will
allow that it will cost so per cent more,
say $4,000. 1t will convey 10000 inches
of water, all agree that for irrigation
alone, it will be worth $l.00 per inch,
that would be $4,000 per annum for
irrigation alone, take out for cost of re-
pairs etc, say $4,000 that would leave an
interest of 10 per cent. per annum for in
terest on investment, SO that outside of
all other advantages accruing to the
citizens of Bozeman who should at least
take half the capital stock it would be an
investment upon which a par value could
be realized at any time, if indeed, it
would not at no distant day command
premium. We do not anticipate that
repairs would cost much, as the fall of
the water is only about n inches to the
mile, and no considerable eroson of the
soil could be made. The greatest cost
would be in the pay Of canal srperinten-
dents, whose duty it would be to be con-
FINALLY Oh the canal. AS to the benefits
to be derived from the completion of
such canal it seems to be superfluous to
say anything, as all who know the value
of irrigation in Montana, must admit not
only its benefits, but the necessity of just
such an enterprise, but outside Of this,
there are other benefits which will be
shown in speaking Of the uses to which
such canal can be put. First it will
afford cheap and safe transportation for
lumber. wood, grain and, in fact, every
commodity which seeks market. Water
from it could be conducted into Bozeman
for irrigation, protection from fire, for do
nestle purposes. It could be used as a
mode of travelling in small boats, besides
the different uses Is which it may be
utilized for pleasure and recreation. In
conclusion permit us to say to the people
Of Bozeman. You may be called upon
to assist this enterprise; ifso, do it cher
fully and generously, twill pay you to
1T. Ifyou cannot aid it with money
give it your aid i'll any way you can. We
regard it as the most important enter
prise ever undertaken in Gallatin valley.
Every foot of your valley will be taken
up. Farm houses will dot every quarter
section. What this would mean to you
and to Bozeman is patent to you. Do
not let it anguish for want Of funds, but
come forward and subscribe for the cap
ital stock of the corporation. Do not
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