The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-16
Mr.. Stedman's Plan to Advertise
the Natural Resources Of
the State.
Mine Owners Invited to Send In
Ore Samples Cor Permanent
Exhibition.
E,rhteen New Members Elected At HI
Builders and Manufacturers Elk
change Last Night

meeting of the exchange last night to hear
President Stedman's remarks on the propo-
sition of holding a convention in Helena
during the coming fair week. Mr.. Sted-
man said;
''rhs time is coming whom We OF to-day
will look bach and wonder at our blindness
in respect to the natural resources of our
state and ask ourselves why it should re-
ouire years to bring to light the possibili-
ties which ought to have been apparent to
every one from the first. The search for
gold, silver aud copper has been, up to the
present time, prosecuted as il these were
the only treasures the earth contained that
were worthy Of consideration, ignoring the
existence of other sources OF wealth which
will in future be of greater value to the
state and will enhance its reputation and
business prosperity to a much greater ex-
tent than mining for precious metals.
Experience has proved that no COM
munity or state oan count upon continued
and permanent prosperity and growth from
gold and silver mining alone, however rich
and numerous their mines may be. Cali
fornia may be cited ss q notable example
of what may be expected of all mining
countries. At one time the richest gold
anu 0llVoI RIOOuCAuk No0As1 OSCA AA0~hs
We find that that industry has already
taken second place. and it will be only \
matter Of q few years until gold INC silver
mining will cut but a small figure amongst
the wealth producing industries Of that
state. It is doubtless true that mining ID
vet In It's infancy in this state. I believe it
TO be true also that the character and e1-
tent Of our gold and silver mines
are a guarantee of a greater prom
inence than those of almost any other
region yet discovered. Still 1t will be only
a matter of time when they will be
exhausted to such an extent as to bring
about q greater or less degree the condition
of things as seen in Nevada 'since the days
of her glory were Ger" as a mining region.
That we should endeavor to establish manu.
factories and other industries during the
days of our mining prosperity. while money
is plentiful by reason of the vast amount
constantly being taken from the earth, is a
question which admits of but one answer.
Many will say that the proposition that any
a profit is ''too previous:" that the time has
not arrived when any manufacturing
industry will pay. Some will assert that
manufacturing never will pay here; that our
mines are all We have or ever will have to
to depend upon. But such opinions are
beneath the surface and who need no
Bellamy to give them lessons in Looking
Backward
II do now hesitate to say that there are
several new industries which, under present
conditions, might be carried on to advan-
tage, especially those involving the use of
large quantities Of heavy material, notably
iron and the products made from clay. Few
of us, l believe, have any very clear concep-
ton Of what We have in this country in the
iron, fire clay, clay suitable for pottery,
terra Gotta or pressed brick, graphite, soap
stone, material suitable for mineral paint,
ochre and probably gypsum and cement
limestone. and doubtless many other earths
and minerals, the existence of which is
known only to the few who have met with
them accidentally, and they, supposing
them of no value, have never made their
existence Known. Now, what 1 have said
is simply Introductory to a proposition which
/ wish to lay before this exchange and ask
them to consider and act upon it if thought
best.
IT suggest that our secretary DO instructed
to take steps to have published in every
newspaper in the state that We contemplate
calling a convention, to meet at this hall on
some evening during fair week, of those
interested in the material prosperity of the
state in the direction of it's mineral re-
sources; inviting them to attend and either
send OF bring with them samples of such of
the natural products of the state as they
may think would be of interest or value.
Thu object of this convention would be to
make known to the world what we have in
the way of natural resources and to con-
slider as to what would be the best course
to pursue to secure the attention and as-
s~istance of capitalists in their development.
/ would suggest further that the score
tary be instructed to correspond with
the various mining companies and mine
owners, asking them to send us
specimens of their ores, the ex-
change paying all express charges
and agreeing to place the specimens on per
manent exhibition with such description
attached to each az the senders may furnish.
] believe If n sufficient interest can be ere.
ated in the matter to bring together a good
strong delegation from the various parts oil
the state that We will be surprised at the
number and importance of the subjects pre-.
sented. and that the value of the action o.
such a body may, in the future, affect to &
very great degree the business interests O
the state.
II have presented this subject to you in {
brief form and if you think it is worth pur
suing further l shall gladly assist and CO
operate In any steps you may be pleased t.
take looking to Its contamination"
The following new members were elected
" L. II. Wilson, of j. 2. Woolman d Co.; Fl
Tom, e. H. Bunnell, Jacob Loeb, Wilson
j. burnett, Grand Central barber shop;
?. Mclaughlin, L.. A. Walker, of Helen
Hotel company; O. j. Holmes, F. E. Ward
Henry Eisher, Sam nchwab, William Mutt
Nj. Reinig, William Reed, Of Grand Contra
hotel; James Twiford, G. L. Payne, A. L
Gates, @. K. Wells.
Brick m