The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1883-04-18
JOrT1Ngs OF a wANDEKER.
Benton Its Steady Growth and Brilliant
Future a Vast Tributary Region
Soon to be Opened to
Settlement.

Travelling Corr. spondent Of IT, Heena Herald.l
Ia strolling through Benton [ am inn
pressed by the improvements which
have been made i'll the past six months.
During this time many costly brick busi-
ness blocks have sprung into existence,
the number Of dwellings has materially
increased, and though the season has
scarcely opened large force Of brick
LAYERS and other artisans have already
naugurated the summer campaign. 1t
is safe to say that the present year will
witness in this place a steady growth
which will compare favorably with that
Ofany Of our territorial towns. Benton,
be it remembered, is not located on the
line of railroad, has not experienced
the 'boomn which usually precedes the
approach Of the iron horse, has not been
heralded to the world through the me-
dunn Of various advertising agencies. 1t
stands simply on a substantial founda-
ton Of available natural resources which
are developing with every passing day
and hour. The new business houses
erected and those in course Of completion
are required by the increasing demands
oflegitimate trade, and when we con-
slider how sparse is the settlement at
present in the country which supplies
this trade, it seems apparent that the
work OF building must be steadily con-
llnued for years to come.
The question naturally arises, What
are the resources that are SO rapidly IN
creasing the dimensions of this town and
promise 50 much for future years - A
great increase in the cattle and sheep
interests, q wonderful growth in agrl-
cultural products, and low freight rates,
IS the answer. The magnificent stock
ranges for which this is, and always
must remain the natural depot for sup
Plies, the multiplying herds, the lncreas-
ing 1tocks which fieck the prairie III all
directions and cover an immense extent
OF territory, the long black burrows III
virgin soil, sufficiently explain the cause
Ot Benton's prosperity.
have mentioned cheap freight rates,
ana will dismiss the subject with the
statement that merchandise from Chlca-
20 and st. Louis is laid down on TINS
eyee at from ST. so to $1.75 per hundred,
Without Classification.
1t is true the Northern Pacific cuts OH
portion of country formerly tributary
10 thetown-the Musselshell and Smlth
river valleys-but that loss is more than
made good by the rapid growth in popu-
laton and wealth Of those sections fol
which this is the natural market and
shipping point.
The Barker mineral district is also
materially increasing the volume OF BUS
mess, and promises this summer TO De
soMe so very lively camp 4 large
amount Of capital will be invested there
u erecting hosting works and prosecu1
Ing developments, and a rich yield O
AlDer bullion is the assured result;
:. But there is another reason for belleV'
lug that Benton has splendid future
oeiore her. for in addition to the devef
vtEPment of the country already tributary
itiefe lies to the north region SO vas
u extent. so fertile in diversified re
sources, as to constitute in itself an EN-
Rpife; This section extends from IN
iheolclky Mountains on the west TO tnt
sv4h degree Of west longitude, yafle
Aoin Is to l05 miles in width, ana con