The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1885-12-02
NEIHART

A visit to this promising camp is calcu-
ated to fully convince one that it is des-
lined in the near future to contribute
largely to Montana's production of The
precious metals. There is probably no
mineral field in the territory, only meager-
" developed. where the indications of rich
and extensive mines are better or the
promise for the future of the camp 10
brighter. 1t is now about five years since
the first discoveries were made at Neihart.
and the development and progress OF the
camp, as is usual where the mines are
owned by poor men, has been slow and
tedious-but not more go, perhaps, Dan
in the average quartz district without con-
yenient TRANSPORTATION facilities. In the
past two years, however, capital has be-
come interested to some extent, and as q,
result most favorable showing has been
made. sufficient to warrant the conviction
that Neihart is now well entered upon an
era of prosperity.
Ic is the general opinion of the miners
and those who speak from experience and
observation that for the amount OF work
done no district in the territory can make
a better showing. The ores of the camp
are as rule high grade and easy OF re-
duction. Every mine in the camp with
out, we believe. single exception, has
improved with development, both as TO
the extent and value of the ore. The
Mountain Chief, the property of the Hud-
son Mining company, was three or four
feet wide at the surface, while now, at
depth of 225 feet, it shows a vein of seuen-
teen feet, carrying very high grade ore.
Similar improvement in proportion to the
work done has been shown on the Montana
Bell, st. Julian, Dakota, Whippoorwill,
and in fact every lead in the camp that has
been worked. The evidence is conclusive
that the veins are true fissure and that the
mines, when greater depth is attained,
will be marvels in richness and extent.
The Hudson Mining company has just
completed model smelter at Neihart, and
we publish to-day the gratifying inteli-
gence that it started up on the 26th ult.
and is running successfully. This COM
pany is the first to undertake the construc-
ton of reduction works at the camp and
the success they are certain to achieve will
soon lead to other investments of the
kind.
What is particularly needed to make Mel
hart one of the most fourishing mining
camps in the territory is a railroad and
that we believe it will soon have. The
programme of the Calf railroad company,
as now marked out, is to build standard
gauge road from the Canadian Pacific to
this city and then extend a narrow gauge
to Neihart, with short spur up Dry Fork
of Belt to Clendennin. This programme
we believe will be fully carried out, and
that within the next two years.
Meantime the residents of Neihart and
others interested are taking steps to open
road down the valley of Belt creek
which will give them easy communication
with this city at any time Of year-the on"
" feasible inlet and outlet for the camp.
Until the advent of the iron horse in the
Belt Mountains this road will aid material
/ " in advancing the interests of Neihart.
Workmen are now employed in cutting
] out the road, and it will doubtless be
ready for service early next season.