The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-17
THAT CASTLE RAILROAD.
A Practicable Route Can be Found
Direct From Helena Via
Whites GuIch.
Some Sensible Suggestions that
Demand Thoughtful Con-
sideration.
Montana Can Compete With Eastern
SmelteFs II tho Railroads
Will Assist.

II have read with some degree Of amuse-
ment the interview you had with North
ern Pacific official relative t., the Helena
Castle project upon which he seems to show
decided tendency to shower cold
WATER" said gentleman out at the Broad
water hotel last evening to an INDEPENDENT
scribe. II don't know who the official may
be but he must have some motive for making
such statements as he is credited with.
consider myself about as we'll informed on
the lay of the country from Helena east to
the Montana boundary as any man in it and
particularly with that portion lying be-
tween Helena and Livingston. The official
does not entertain for one instant the FEAST
bility of a direct route from Helena direct
to Castle. I know positively that most
practicable route can be found, on an easy
grade and not more expensive than
any other line in q mountainous coun-
try. There is no question about the
practicability of route up Sixteen Mile
creek, but if the Northern Pacific will not
build there the people of Helena can find
direct route from Stubbs' Ferry and across
country to Whites gulch, and over the
range on three per cent grade, thence
through the Smith River valley keeping
little west Of White Sulphur Springs and on
to Castle. There would be very little tun-
neling to do and very little rock work to
encounter.
'"The question, however, resolves itself
into one of does the Northern Pacific take
and make traffic. Traffic and business is
created in the money centers and localities
Of large population, and it would be an up
hill business to detract from their import
ance and worth to a railroad. To start of
with, the Northern Pacific derives its prin-
Helena Deer Lodge. Anaconda, Philips
burg, Granite and u5iKhbc-;nR towns.
Now the disadvantages Of the
long haul ere sst up by the
official as objections to hauling the Castle
ores westward: Let US see. In the first
keep the business in Montana. The haul
from Castle to Butte would be about 40
miles, and from here to Castle possibly
eiRhty-fve miles, and by direct route
much less. From Castle via Livingston to
Butte and Helena the distance would be
the Northern Pacific would create business
for itself in the money and smelling CEN
ters, Butte and Helena, whereas by the
Livingston route it is doubtful if Is per
cent. of the ores would not be shipped to
Denver, st, Paul and Duluth for reduction.
While this would afford the road longer
haul, it cannot be said that such plan
would be building up business for the rail-
road. The eastern towns would derive the
great benefits. The money made in mining
would go there and supplies would I'M
doubleday be purchased in the east.
J At the present day the western portion Of
! Montana is the center of population and
business. The daily travel shows that
miners, ranchers, stockmen and capitalists
come to Helena to transact their business
ana it therefore stands the railroad COM
pany in hand to extend that business Of
much az possible. By hauling the Castle
ores to Helena, Butte and Great Falls, thif
, business will be increased. Our merchants
, will require more freight from the eastern
: markets to supply the demand of tn.
i afterwards be shipped to points east ant
, west of the smelling works to market.
. 'Then the theory that the company woult
j., have competition is advanced, and that t.
+ make the business on the main line pay, i,
would be necessary to haul the ore free o
of course means if the Sixteen Mile route il
4 adopted. This theory, which issyery vague
brings up another argument. 1.-THE North
ern Pacific or any other railroad
would furnish the smelling and reduction
companies with cheap coal and coke, Mon
smelters. There's the whole thing in a nut
shell. It all depends on the Northern Pa
: cific. If that road has enough interest il
Montana to build it up and make certain
concessions. the road via Sixteen Mile ca
be made profitable branch. It will
like a merchant who offers one article 70
sale without profit or a very close margil
just to draw customers, and he will max
up the difference on other sales. By som
concession on the part of the railroad,
will build up q big business for itself by th
subsequent increase in population, trad
and general business.
rs 1.-The importance of having road to Ca
III tie is growing, and the knowledge that
a new Leadville lies at the very door of Hell
-. ena is sufficient in itself to create an enel
y getic and gigantic effort on the part of on
IN citizens to build a road in there. We nee
ke not fear eastern competition from the Lii,
ingston side. A route can be found dire,
from Helena. the well-informed Norther
Pacific official to the contrary notwitt
standing"
To Sportsmen.