The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-05-03
Something About the Promising
Prospects Being Developed in
This District.
The Town Of Champion and the
Mine of Same
Name.
Am;cable Settlement of Troubles in the
Observation-Disclosures Which Will
Develop Into Valuable Properties.


never Deen u.4ec,ed to the promising pros
poets being developed in this new district
which are worthy of extended mention.
The town of Champion, 80 frequently
brought to public notice within the last
year, seems to have received but little at
tention outside the radius of the Champion
mine from which the town derives Its name
and distinction. The Gospel mountain,
upon the crest of which the town and mine
is situated, also contains the greater pro-
portion of the mineral deposits of the Orc
Elmo district, and is an inexhaustible store
house of wealth, practically nnexplored as
vet 1t is the general opinion OF mining
this district will develop into one OF
the richest mining sections III
this country. What is needed
most, however. is outside capl.,
tai and plenty of it. The prosperity OF
this camp depends almost entirely upon the
success of the working of the Champion
mine, it being the only producer as yet, and
naturally the very life of the district. 1t
was incorporated in 1883. The equipment OF
this company consists of 600 feet capacity
has now reached the depth of 400 feet. The
Champion shipped three bars OF bullion
from the mill last week. amounting to over
$500. For some time strife has been 60
ing on againt the management, which mas
had the effect of retarding. progress at TINS
mine, but at recent spirited meeting OF
the Champion Mining company an AMIGA
BILE adjustment of all differences was eff
fected and the old management endorsed.
giving cause for congratulation on the part
Of the people here, and adding new life and
business to the place, which is already be-
ginning to show signs of renewed activity
as a mining camp. Touching the history OF
the famous Champion mine, so much has
been written it is only neces-
sary to add that its future
is one of assured prosperity and not mat
ter of speculation. From all information
the stockholders are to be congratulated in
having well-equipped and developed mine
with the assurance of large dividends in the
near future. Silver bricks from the mill
are on exhibition in Deer Lodge at the store
Champion are Deer Lodge business men,
and with the exception of vice-president,
which Office is now filled by w. Bennett, all
the old officers were reelected at the last
meeting.
There are many other promising poperties
here which are practically only prospects as
vet, but destined to develop into producers
before long, Prominent among these may
be mentioned the Phoenix, which is lately
attracting considerable attention, owing to
the recent rich find OF ruby silver ore,
specimen of which, assayed at Deer Lodge,
went 97.71 ounces of silver. The stock
holders feel greatly encouraged under the
new management. Messrs. w. b. Mathe-
son, Anshutz, Taylor and Brophy have
taken the contract to sink 225 feet, running
has already been reached. Three eight
hour shifts of men are employed and the
work is being rapidly pushed forward. The
shares have been sold on the subscription
plan thus enabling bIa4s persons of mtsa
property. sufficient amount of stock has
now been disposed of to insure the required
development, and none can be obtained
now unless from individual holders. In the
slang vernacular, it is predicted that the
Phoenix will become what its name implies
"a bird,'' among the mines of this district.
The annual meeting of the Mountain Lion
Mining company occurred in Deer Lodge
recently. The business of this meeting was
to make the stock assessable, and for the
purpose of discussing the best methods of
developing the property. All the old trus-
tees were reelected. Articles of incorpora-
ton were filed, and the stock of the new
company issued under the name of the Lion
Mining company. The past work of this
property shows it to be good one. From
James McGrath, the superintendent. we
learn that the assessment will be two cents
per share, which. on the 100000 shares, viii
aggregate 5000. The monthly expense
will average 81 500. The Lion will soon re-
sumo work. This is the only mine operated
sessable plan.
The Keystone Mining company, formerl,
known as the Washington property, which
has been closed down since last fall, has re
sumed development work. New York CAPT
tai is interested in this property, and man
Improvements will be made. To this, AM
many other promising prospects, attention
will be directed in the future.
The High Tariff, which as yet is only
prospect, is soon to commence development
hat ha will H..
the nanac ement Of the American Ruby.
1t is said there are thirteen incorporate
companies operating i'll this district; an Il,
count of each will be given in time. II
above facts concerning the history of Il
Orc Elmo prospects ana development a
not gilded, calculated to mislead anyol
into the belief that fortunes are easily ma.
here. Labor and capital are both require
At a special meeting of the county COZ
missioners recently number of the bus
ness men made application to establish
school district at Champion. A publ
school is needed here. There seems to be
lack of earneStnesS and enterprise on ii
part of these interested i'll the townsite
regard to building up the town of Chan
pion. They either distrust their abilitie
or have some well-defned motive for holt
ing the ground 80 securely. 1t Is a wei
established fact that more people wou
come here to live if there was any Undue
ments offered in real estate. The few fan
on which to build home. and the exhort
tant rents would soon bankrupt one wi
limited means, and until this serious dra,
back is obyiated, the population will II
increase very rapidly.
The knights of Labor have organized
lodge in Champion, with charter membe
ship of twelve and three by card. w.
Matheson is master workman. In Chal
pion, as in all Arab mining towns of mus
room growth. the rough element predon
mates. The town consists of rudely &C
structed board houses and log cabins. wi
the usual complement of hotels, restaural
and saloons, the latter with its commod
being we'll patronized. There are ma
disadvantages to encounter here. Nor
is bound to change hands, whether tax
from the mines or carried in by the peor
Building and improvements are going ,
and the merchants interested here feel Il
the outlook for a prosperous business
never more favorable than at prese
There is no boom, but a gradual incre
in trade gives indication of business !
manency. 1t is the portion of every
coming here, irrespective of distinction.
be treated with civility who pay their b
promptly without scanning items too clos
or manifesting fastidious regard for a
thing pertaining to life in a new and 70,
mining camp.
"A stitch in time saves nine" and if you
Hoods Sarsaparilla now it may save months
uture possible sickness.
What Do You Know