The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-07-31
Much Prospecting for Oil in the VI
cinity Round About Column
bia Falls.
The Electric Oars Running Re9u-
larly Through the Streets
of BOzeman.
Opening OF the Crow Reservation Not
Far OH-News of tho Week at
Great Falls,

COLUMBIA FALLS, July Especial. -
Several strong parties wall equipped arc
exploring the oil regions of the North Fork
of the Flathead. Oil men from Ohio ana
Pennsylvania predict great results. They
assert that the presence Of oil springs in
the vicinity of such enormous coal
measures as have been DEVELOPED on the
North Fork are enough to establish the
character of the country, and that it is only
question of intelligent work when another
great resource will be added to Montana's
long list Missonla people sent up party
last week equipped for work.
Messrs Gaylord and Tibby, of Butte, ar
rived in town yesterday with their families.
They are guests at the Hotel Gaylord for a
few weeks, and it is understood that the
gentlemen. with Mr.. Talbot and others
from here. will examine tho oil country be-
fore their return to the Smoky city.
Mr.. Copeland, of Helena, (of the arte-
sian weli) has been here for several weeks
trying to arrange with parties to take in
boring machinery. 1t is thought great
difficulties will be encountered in taking in
suitable machinery. 1t will probably be
necessary to construct boats for the pur-
pose and tow them by hand up the North
Fork.
Fine specimens Of gray copper ore are
coming in daily from the South Fork coun-
try, about thirty-ivs miles southeasterly
from Columbia Falls. From fifty to sew
enty five men, including several we'll known
miners from Butte and Anaconda are de-
velopinR claims in this camp. and without
exception they are enthusiastic over their
prospects.
Free gold ores have also been found re-
Gently on the western side of the valley on
the South Fork Of the Saltwater, that for
surface indications are good and will Justify
further work and exploration.
Generous samples of the Kootenai lead
acquainted with the district are Of one
opinion, and that is that the Kootenal dis
trict is the coming lead district of the west.
An Indian brought in three and halt
ounces of placer gold the other day and
sold it to Ramsdell Bros, but would give
no ,nfnrmation rs to where he got it.
Our town has been seriously menacsd by
FIRE several times 0, late. As a result Of
the extensive logging and tie making
operations carried on all around it the
brush and underwood accumulated on the
ground and during the recent dry and
windy weather, fire got started and at
times seemed uncontrollable. 1t burnt over
large areas and at one time. when the wind
was blowing gale and burning trees fall
ing in all directions. the alarm was given
At the company's mills and lumber yards.
where million fsst of dry lumber is piled.
The fire brigade, 800 strong. with buckets,
axes, shovelg and water wagons, responded
nobly and the charred sides of several
piles of dry lumber bear testimony to what
brave hearts and willing hands can do in
an emergency.
Mr.. Preston, who is building Touring
mill here, arrived with his family last Fri
day and will push the mill to complstion.
Messrs. Drake d Kerr, contractors, think
they will have the building ready for the
machinery in about three weeks unless
further delayed for timbers.