The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-10-19
Action Of the Butte Board of Trade,
the Result Of Some Recent
kilograms.
Orc Fino Miners Protest Against
the Issuance of Patents to the
Northern Pacific
The Mineral Land Convention TO be Called
Into session-Requests Sent Sec
rstary Noble.

BUTTE, Oct. s.-lSpecial. "A meeting Of
the board of trade was held this evening 10
consider the mineral land situation. Dele
cations were. present from Deer Lodge
and Jefferson counties. Lee Mantle,
president Of the board, presided
and the mineral land situation was
fully explained by A. b. o'Ban-
non, of Deer Lodge He stated that in an
interview with Strather NJ. Stockslager,
this afternoon he he had learned that on ao-
count of a recent decision of the secretary
of the interior in the case of the land grant
Of the Central Pacihc, il was con-
sidered extremely probable that patents
pncifc company on many of the mineral
lands of Montana. In the Oro Fino dis
trict, alone. mineral lands were claimed by
the Northern Pacific of the value Of $2,O00,-
600 MIR. o'Bannon stated that while the
Northern Pacific representatives last year
laughed nj the suggestion that their COM
pany WINS trying 10 get the mineral lands OF
Montana, the company had this year re-
vealed its hand by advertising applications
for patents in the Orc Fino mining district;
they had, in fact, adyerscd the application
of the Champion Mining company, and two
thirds Of the Champion mines were ON
ground claimed by the railroad.
Before the company took this action
Champion stock WAS selling at 10 cents in
the open market; to-day il could not be sold
for 40 cents. Mr.. 0'Bannon severely CEN
sured J. NJ. Page, who as deputy United
States mineral surveyor, surveyed the town.
ships north of walkerville TO Helena, and
returned them to the land office under the
designation of mountainous timbered
lands," which is a non-mineral designation.
He said that Mr.. Page did this in order that
he might make money, as he would other
wise not have been paid for his work.
Remarks on the subject were made by
VIM. Facer, of Garrison, Gen. j. A. Leg
gait and Leo Mantle, of Butte, and Mr..
Merriman, of Jefferson county, at the con-
clusion of which the board, ON motion OF
John Il. Forbis authorized the president Of
the board 10 send the following telegram;
nUIlf, WV iibis dOni W. lNobit,
Secretary of the Interior, Washington, ID.
c.: In behalf Of the miners and people Of
Montana we most urgently request and
urge that any order for the issuance of pat
ents to the Northern Pacific railroad COM
pany for lands in Montana be
delayed until n full and pro-
per presentation Of the facts az
to the mineral character of large portion
of them can be made. Millions are al
40 al Ia unH ttlr manila thraufapa1 with
an irreparable injury. which will bring ruin
to thousands. Vigorous measures are be
ing taken tu present the facts 20 your de
partment without delay.
by order Of the Butte Board of Trade.
LEE MANTLE, President.
Patrick Talent suggested that steps be
taken ut once to employ =. III. Stocksager
ns counsel 10 represent Butte at Washing
ton IN this matter, but tbs sense Of
the meeting seemed 10 he that the min
eral land convention should be reassembled
and action would alone be proper for them
10 take. Mr.. Mantle is president of the
mineral land convention, and it gave him
on adjournment full authority 10 call il
together again. lie stated that he did not
wish 10 take such action unless il was as
the result of general request from all over
the territory. The board Of trade accord
ingly passed motion requesting him TO
call the convention together nj an early
date, and the representatives of Deer
Lodge county drew up a resolution 10 the
same effect. The representatives of the
Oro Fino mining district then drew up and
forwarded the following telegram:
BUTTE, Oct. ls.-To Hon. Jno. w. Noble,
Secretary Of the Interior, Washington, ID.
CAS- chosen representatives of the Orc
Fino mining district, we specially urge de-
lay in the assurance Of any patents to the
Northern Pacific Railroad company for any
lands in township ., north of ranges west,
or township 6, north Of range X west. The
title 10 mines valued at $2,00O,0O0 il in
yolyed, and we ask an opportunity TO be
heard. VIM. FACER,
III. l.. HoYER,
THEo. BRANTLY.
Deep interest in the question has been
aroused in Butte in this matter and the as
sembling Of the mineral land convention
ILL 4. 4. Il. II. ...a