The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-10-18
WE WANT MORE RAILROADS.

The history of speculation In Thu!
country tends to show that the spiri
takes possession of the public in a series
of manias, apparently devoid OF any
rule or system, but a deeper insight de
velops the fact that not only is there ar
underlying controlling principle OF
action, or perhaps more properly ex-
pressed as a succession of causes and
results, but that the ebb and flow goes
forward with the same measured regu-
larity as the ocean tides.
As meteorological observations estab-
lisH cycles of dry weather and wet
weather, of resulting good crops and
bad crops, of immigration and stagna-
ton, SO do financial statistics illustrate
with equal fidelity the wavering gauge
of high and low prices, Of prosperity and
panic.
Confidence is the father OF specula-
ton, reaching in pendulum-like motion
it's apex in a commercial crash; then,
after the descending period Of liquida-
tion, under falling values, the strength
is gathered for another rise. The i'm
pulse is first absorbed with dealings in
stocks and bonds which, in troublous
times, on being the most ready of con-
version, are thrown overheard in the
greatest quantity, and consequently
most depressed by the weight of offer
ings.
The advance from the depressed to
the real value yields large profits and
gives to the operator the resources as
we'll as the confidence to widen his field
Of venture. We witness, therefore, q
center Of great activity in railroad
securities surrounded by a broad belt
of abnormally stagnant industrial and
real estate interests.
The demand for securities creates
openings for new and additional issues,
and thus a railroad building boom is
inaugurated which, through its stlm-
illus to the rolling mills, iron furnaces,
and other sympathetic industries, CON
municates the whirl of prosperity, with
gathering motion, to the periphery.
The local application is that we are now
on the eve of just such a condition, and
the time is ripe for Helena capitalists to
actively take up projects for the com
pletion of the railway system of this city.
First and foremost is needed a line to
Castle with a branch leading to Lewis
town and the rich Judith basin.
Second-Communication with the
great valleys Of the upper Dearborn and
Sun rivers, a tract of land equal in ex-
tent to an average eastern state, of ex-
ceptional fertility and we'll watsred. If
physical obstacles are not too great, this
line should be extended across the main
range to the coal and timber of Flat
head.
Third-A direct line to Virginia City
and Dillon, making connection at the
latter place with the Union Pacific.
Fourth-A branch of the Northern
Pacific from Avon station to Columbia
Falls and Kalispell, opening up the
mining, agricultural and timber re-
sources of the Big Blackfoot and tribu-
tary country.
Fifth-The completion Of the Wickes
oiaAcH VI tlie NoItEeIn racine through
to Butte.
Sixth-The early construction of the
Burlington via Billings and the Mussel-
shell river.
Seventh-The Northwestern from
Casper, Wyoming, through the Big
Horn valley.
The building Of these lines will alone
give Helena that pre-eminence due to
her position in the commonwealth.
They will make her the metropolis of
the mountains, the mistress Of every
mine, cattle ranch, lumber camp and
coal bank in the state. 1t would seem
policy to accomplish the greater, which
in the accomplishment creates the less.
Build the railroads and the city will
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