The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-09-28
A WORD ABoUr HELENA.

social center of a territory extendin
i nearly 1000 miles from east to west an
from the British line to Idaho; the
know by the map that Helena is TIL
= geographical center of this region an
that it is the only point whore tw
} trunk line railroads cross and extend i
opposite directions; they know tina
more diversified interests Throughout
the state are oentsred here and that TO
these various reasons Helena is not onl
the natural but the most desirabl
meeting place for Montanians from
every corner of this great state. These
in q general way, are Helena's claims t,
a prestige recognized and deserved ant
which has been maintained for man,
years.
In the meantime the city has grown
into that prosperity which to-day is the
best evidence Of the conditions brief,
outlined above. 1t is not necessary to
go back to the transitory period Of min
ing camp days for a comparison. Look
at the Helena Of three years ago and
note the changes. In the appearance
OF the city recall the many improve
ments and then study the business and
banking figures for evidence of the
rapid and solid commercial growth.
Less than three years ago there was a
single line of horse cars through Main
street and a smoky motor line from the
Northern Pacific depot to the newly
opened Hotel Broadwater. To-day Hel
ena has a larger and better system of
electric railways than is to be found in
any other city of it's size in tho country.
These lines run not only on the business
thoroughfares but through principal
residence streets and into the beautiful
suburban districts which have been laid
out and populated during this period.
The system is now being rapidly ex-
tended in various directions from Main
street, which has been but recently
covered with the best pavement to be
found.
The other things necessary for the
public welfare of a community have
been promoted with great Energy. 1t
is rather astonishing to know that the
expenditure for new school buildings
and improvements within the past two
years has reached more than s25O,OOO.
Besides the fine new high school five
other handsome school buildings have
been built during that time, and for
these o but the best equipments and
the best instructors have been secured.
The largest and best arranged free
public library is also found here.
The educational opportunities to-day
are all that money and the study of
modern onvenlences can contribute.
The lighting and water systems of
Helena are very satisfactory. The
water is pure, the supply is at all times
adequate and during the year the mains
have been extended SO that all parts of
the city and the suburbs have been
reached. The system of gas and cleo
trio lights has been perfected to the de-
gree where it is unexcelled in any of the
larger cities Of the country.
If we add the best hotels to be found
in the northwest and a large new
auditorium capable at all times Of
for large gatherings it will be
found that Helena has all the require.
ments complete of a prosperous and
healthy city, a city possessed not only of
but with the attractions for all il
of a pleasant home life or a days
visit.
The business and financial solidity of
Helena has become proverbial with the
name. The clearing house reports will
show each week that Helena's clear
ances are greater than in cities like
Syracuse, n. y, with 100000 people,
LOS Angeles, Cal, with $1,000, or Spo-
zane with 10000. To-day the bank de-
here are greater by $780, 900
han ever before. The business inter-
OF the city on the other hand are
IN every way and the wholesale
md retail trade is extending into all
Of the state. The growth of
Helena manufactures is most
ng. The smelter at East Helena is one
If the largest and it 10 said to be the
most complete smelling plant in the
The capacity has recently been
doubled and it is now running with u
ull force. The sapphire fields recently
'pened up will soon offer employ
nent to a large force of men
Who will contribute to Iielena's wealth.
The Stedman iron foundry is now
ne OF the largest concerns of the kind
n the west, and from that down to the
'mallest manufacturing industry there
8 prosperity. The coming of new enter
rises and the the building of another
lew railroad make certain Helena's
as the manufacturing and
abroad center of the state. That our
'wn people are interested and are work
ng is shown by the fact that 81 100000
ave within the past two years been in
ested in public improvements, new
business enterprises and in the row of
lately and handsome blocks of granite
nd brick on Main street. It should be
emembered that this work has been
DING on during a remarkable period of
rade and financial depression through
ut the country. The figures show that
1elena weathered this storm better
han any OF her sister cities in the wast.