The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-07-14
"a :! 6est Properties are Making
8 arrangements for Increasing
~ Their Output.
Rerooptible Increase Noted In
the Productive Capacity Of
the Camp.


Of the past week, and their impetus has
Deem felt IN every industry represented
here. On every hand the best properties
are making arrangements for increasing
their output or are in some other way pre-
pairing for this new condition of affairs.
a perceptible increase has been noticed al
ready in the productive capacity of the
camp, but it will not be until the figures for
the year have been made up that the full
weight Of the change will be felt. Perhaps
the most direct effect of the change has
been seen in the increase that has been
brought about in the number of men who
properties about this camp. A great many
OF the mines scattered through this region
have long been considered worthless be-
cause Of the grade Of ore produced and a
great number of them have been aban-
doned as worthless after large, e1pendi.-
ture in the way of development. Almost
without exception these properties have
been taken up by these leasers Bnd are now
produclng ore that is paying good margin
at the present rates. These various IN
dustries have added no little to the general
output of the camp as whole and has
been the factor most felt, especially by the
smelters working on job ore.
Another new influence has virtually been
brought into the field during the past week
which. while not q producer. has had its
due influence upon values in this city. The
influence referred to is that of the stock
exchange which may now be considered
permanent institution. The stock exchange
does nothing to create values, but it does
bring to the public notice the properties
that are considered of value by the men
whose opinion should be of weight and it
gives to the public the concensus of that
opinion in the shape of a stock quotation.
Even here where mining is SO nearly the
sole interest the stock exchange has created
a new interest in mines and mining mat
ters generally and has brought to the atten-
tiOn of all our citizens many valuable prop
critics that were previously unknown be-
yond their ownership. It has also fixed a
value upon many others that were held at
the caprice of the moment and has in every
way strengthened the situation.
For some time past the Blue Bird, one of
the best silver producers in this portion of
the state, has been entangled in the meshes
of the law and has done nothing except
some little in the way of development. The
action referred to has been pending in the
local courts for some time and determined
effort will be made to have it brought up at
this term of the court. Suit has been
brought by the owner of the Little Darling,
an adjoining claim, who claims that the
apex of the Blue Bird is in his ground and
that they have been working his rock. The
the adjacent properties and all are deeply
interested in it's outcome and in having it
concluded at once. While the mine has
been shut down under an injunction,
the work of development has been
carried :. wtho Sana Cessation to and tu,n it
out an almost unlimited quantity of ore as
soon as therestiant imposed by law lis re-
moved. At the same time arrangements
are being made for shutting down the mine
completely and flooding it should the case
not Be brought up this term. The company
declare they will not daily with the matter
much longer, but will put an end to it in
this way if forced 90 to do. A similar
case tried few days since was decided in
their favor and they have no doubt of sue
cess If the matter can be brought before
the court.
One Of the best mines in this camp is
still ono of the best paying. The mine re-
ferred to is.the Gagnon which was among the
very first of all TO- pay dividend and is
still engaged in that pleasureable under
large scale was recently commenced and is
now being pushed with allpossible rapidity.
The shaft is now down nearly to the 1000
mark and sinking will be continued without
interruption to the LOCO. The mine will
then be thoroughly developed to that
be built which will be second to none in
this region and which will place the Gag
non still further up the list as the very best
in Montana.
Among the old properties that have re-
GENTLY been taken in hand and made to pay
by proper management is the Tiger Lily.
This mine was recently taken in charge by
i. B. Cameron, and under his efficient man.
agement great change has already been
produced. Crosscuts are being run to cut
the south vein and drifts are being opened
for the purpose of ventilation. AS soon as
the vein is reached work will be commenced
ON three compartment shaft and upon the
erection of hoist that will meet the capa-
city Of the shaft. The work of reopenine
the Anaconda and st. Lawrence is being
pushed rapidly and is nearing completion
dispite the fact that hardly a day passes
without some of the men being overcome by
the foul air in the bottom of the shaft. Il
is now thought but short time need elapse
before both these mines will be producing
At the same time the improvements upon
the Anaconda smelters are being rushed in
order that both may be done together. II
il the purpose of this great company to ar
range sufficient capacity to turn out $4,000
tons Of copper next year.
Police Court News.
Tho nOforious nair Mr. and Mrs Por<ar