The weekly tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1891-1894, 1891-06-19
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regard to Montana, it's climate, its re.
sources and its possibilities. 1t would
require a volume to answer all these
questions in detail, but the main points
in the numerous inquiries may be an
swered in a general way about as follows;
Montana is an empire in area. 1t con-
tains in round numbers 10000 square
miles or 93,296,6iO square acres. Some
idea of its vast size may be better gained
by comparing it with other better known
countries and states.
If Great Britain and Ireland were
laid down in Montana there would still
be room enough left for Vermont, New
Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode
Island. 1t has a greater area than Iowa,
Ohio, Maine and New Jersey combined.
and can furnish a resting place for South
Carolina, Georgia and Florida. 1t could
take in Italy and have spare room for
Greece beside that kingdom of dagos.
Chill and Denmark would fit very nicely
within its boundaries, while Austria
proper and Belgium could find plenty of
sea room within its magnificent proper
tions. 1t will thus be seen that Montana
is really an empire in domain as far as
area goes.
It's average low altitude is quite as sur
prising to those who have not ~takenssthe
trouble to consult authorities concern
ing it. According to Prof. Gannett of
the Hayden survey the mean altitude of
Montana, including its mountain peaks
and valley lands, is 5000 feet above sea
level, being 1000 feet lower than Colora-
do, 5000 feet lower than Wyoming, and
1900 feet lower than New Mexico. The
state occupies q great depression in the
Rocky mountain system, through which
the north Pacific trade winds, warmed
by the great Japan current, blow almost
necessarily during the winter months,
thus greatly m~odifyingits climate. These
winds when unusually warm are called
''chinooks," a name given to them by the
Indians by reason of their coming from
the country to the southwest occupied
by a tribe of Indians bearing that
name. This much as to the area and al
titude of the state.
Montana is a healthy country, with a
climate which will compare favorably
with that of any other state in the union.
1t abounds in mineral, agricultural and
grazing wealth. 1t stands at the head
of precious metal producing states and
still the mining industry here is only in
its infancy. 1t is abundantly watered,
of its streams, notably the Missouri
at the city of Great Falls, affording water
power sufficient to move the machinery
of a continent. Choice farming lands
may still be obtained under the home
stead and desert land laws. There is
timber enough for building and fencing
purposes to last for ages, while its extern
sive coal measures in the northern part
of the state, of which Great Falls is the
center, form a fuel reserve that is prac-
inexhaustible. Its soil is easily
very prolific and farmers reap
a rich reward for their toll. Its grasses
are nutritious and afford pasturage for
stock throughout the year. 1t is the
home of sheep and will soon take
enviable position beside the first wool
growing state. in the union.
Montana has a ll-digested school
and public schools are supported
in every community. Churches rear their
spires in every town and city, and about
every religious denomination has it's
place of worship throughout the state.
Its people are hospitable, industrious,
law-abiding and are inclined to
cultivate harmonious social relations.
Refined and cultured society may be
found in every community. Fine pri-
vate residences, costly business blocks
and imposing public buildings may be
upon every hand. Two excellent
colleges-one at Deer Lodge and the
other at Helena, afford abundant Oppor-
t~unities for obtaining a higher education.
Railroad transportation facilities are
the reach of nearly all and speedy
is assured.
To the tourist in search of pleasure,
Montana presents magnificent scenery,
abundant game, and other attractions
not found elsewhere. To the invalid in
quest of health it offers pure, bracing
air, cool wholesome waters, and unrivallcd
medicinal springs. To the capitalist it
opens a field for profitable investments
in land, in stock and in mines. To the
labOring man in the o~vercrowded districts
of the east it offers comfortable homes in
its fertile valleys and rich plateaus. To
all Montana extends a hearty welcome.
cast her in a heroic mold and
created within her magnificent possibili-
ties. The energetic, the industrious, the
perservering may find and work them to
a profitable end. Vast in area, rich be-
You'd compare in resources; possessing