The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1885-11-11
RAILROAD 6UNORS.

At no time in the history of this terri
tory has railroad rumors been so rife or
the prospects of rail connections with
our leading towns so flattering. One po-
tent need of further rail facilities is APP
parent to all who will take time to in
vestigate the present main line route of
! the n. p R. r. from Bozema to Missou-
la, distance of 223 miles The route as
now followed crosses the only sterile
portion of the Gallatin valley and then
winds along the base of hills and noun
tains until it touches the Missouri val
ley. From Helena its track is difficult
and expensive one, requiring two en-
gines in summer to every train and as
many more in winter to clear it from
drifting snow. Then there is the long
Mnlan tunnel which cost large amount
of money to make, and a constant outlay
to keep in repair and guard. The adv
antages to be gained by leaving the pre-
sent main line at Bozeman, after the
only natural pass in the mountains had
been taken advantage of, and crossing
the most fertile portion of the Gallatin
valley to the rich mines of Red Bluff,
through the Plpestone pass to Butte. the
richest mining camp in the world, then
and now depending upon the Union Pa
nifc system for its supplies, theH ON tn
Missoula or else direct to the populous
Walla Walla valley, can now be easily
Sc IN and sh )uId have been foreseen.
Had the latter route been followed st.
Paul and Minneapolis would have re-
ceIved large increase of business from
this section, secured large volumne of
trade from the Red Bluff mines and en-
tered into competition with Chicago and
San Francisco merchants in the immense
wholesale trade oiButte. But the mar
row gauge policy of the N. P. manage
ment and engineers at that time killed
the project and it is hardly possible that
it will ever be resurrected.
From headquarters we learn that the
Northern Pacific now have two survey
ing parties in the field running preli-
minary line from its main line at Garri-
son to Butte; one has already reached
Butte and the other is expected there in
a few days. 1t is furthermore reported
that careful examination having been
made of the mining camps along the line
of the proposed railroad between Boze-
man and Butte, by persons representing
large capital, and very heavy coal opera
tors now examining the coal fields In the
vicinity of Bozeman, say that the route |
is entirely practicable and that it will pass |
over continuous mineral belt for the |
entire distance passing no less than
thirteen mining districts or camps, some
of which would be at once large ore-pro-
ducers, and furnish the road an extern |
sive and lucrative local traffic. One |
gentleman states that he did not believe |
there was road in operation on the
continent that traverses- such q wonder |
full mineral belt, which connected with
the coal traffic that its construction
would develop, would make the road /
entirely independent and one of the
best paying railroad properties in Amer
lea. That this road will be built in the
near future there is not the shadow of
doubt. With this connection the rich
silver ores along its line would pour into
Butte, be mixed with her copper ores
CARRYING some silver but not
enough to pay to seperate from the cop
per. Her smelling interests would be
largely increased and every branch of
industry greatly stimulated, while the
coal fields of Gallatin would be worked
and furnish fuel for Butte and other
points, giving employment to many
miners. The route that the
Northern Pacific now contemplate build
ing from Garrison to Butte would give
Butte far better facilities for procuring
lumber from the west than at present.
The Bozeman line would cross the West
which drains one of the great.
sst lumber producing sections in Monta-
ia. thus she would be able to procure
uel, lumber and ores in vast quantities
,ver short and direct line. With these
advantages Butte would be the greatest
center in the world.
Towards Benton surveying party is
headed from the Canadian Pacific with
he aim Of building road To the British
Columbia line. from its main line in
rider 10 obtain portion Of the cattle
hipping business, which oil late years
las become Sd large and profitable to
many railroads This railruad will tap .
he immense ranges of Choteau county,
ang,s that will for many years be COW
red with cattle and horses. The early !
ompHetion of this road Is now almost an
bsolute certainty.