The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-05-22
ACRES OF FIRE CLAY
The Silica Brick and Tile Plant Near
Great Falls.
FOR A TEST OF THE PRODUCT
Northern Montana's Recruiting Of
flee of the A. r. IA Lemo-
cratic Candidate From Cho-
teau County-Notes.

Great Falls, May 21.-Within five
miles of this city. at Fields station, on
the Sand Coulee branch of the Great
Norther nrailroad, is located an extern
sive plant erected for the manufacture
or fire brick, silica brick, sewer pipe
and building tile. This industry pre-
sents the best opening for the manu-
facturer of any in the vicinity of Great
Fails. The products are needed, not
only in this city, but in every part of
Montana. The consumption of fire
prlck In the numerous ore reduction
works in the state amounts to proba-
bly, in the neigIhborhood of 10000 900
bricks each year. These, with few ex-
ceptions, are imported into the state
from long distances-Wales, Pennsyl-
vania, st. Louis and Colorado. Aside
from the brick used in ore reduction
works, many thousands are utilized
each year in the construction of fire.
places, chimneys, fire boxes, furnaces
and the like. The great distance these
fire brick are hauled makes the freight
charges enormous. and the very cheap
est they can be laid down in Great
Falls or other cities of the state is
about $50 per thousand and the price
ranges from this amount upwards, ac-
cording to the quality of the brick.
Two-thirds of this price is consumed by
freight charges and other expenses in
getting the brick here. When it is con-
sidered that the fire clay in the vast
deposit within five miles of Great Falls
is equal to the best clay in the world,
and that pure silica is also found in
unlimited quantities with the clay, it
can be readily appreciated that grand
opportunity is onered here for the man
ufacture of clay and silica wares.
Many miles of vitrified sewer pipe are
used yearly in Mntana, all of which is
shipped into the state at enormous cost.
The mAnlfaRfnraF nf these nrOdlIptc in
Montana has everything in his favor
to build UP a large and profitable bust
ness without fear OF close competition
from outside concerns. The plant at
Fields station is most desirable in
every respect, having been erected and
equipped at cost of nearly $4,000. 1t
has cheap fuel-lump coal can be laid
down at the factory at $3.50 per ton,
tn slack and nut coal much cheaper
and there are 120 acres of clay land, so
acres of which are fire clay, and the bal
ance the best red brick clay to be
found in the vic dty of Great Falls.
The fire clay is overlaid by a heavy
cap of pure silica rock. free from iron.
and which makes pure white silica
sand when ii is ground. Analysis of
this clay show that IL compares favor
ably with the best fire clay known
This plant, If properly managed by
men having means to invest in the en-
tIiPlOy AuIQIGQS VI
men and would open up one of the
me- important Industries in the North
west. AT present 1t lies comparatively
idle, only a few men being employed
to get out a few cars of the clay and
silica each week for shipment to the
smelters at Anaconda, where expert
ments are being made with it at this
time.
regularly established recruiting
office for the A p. A lodge of Great
Falls is said to have been established
in one of the office rooms of the Phelps
block, on the corner of Central avenue
and Third street north. The headquar-
tiers are alleged to be in . charge of
three public officers. Sho devote their
time to soliciting recruits for the secret
political organization that meets reg
ularly at Groves hall.
new and handsome little Catholic
church was dedicated at Havre yester-
day. A number of priests from ada
cent towns were present and took part
in the imposing ceremonies.
Hopes are entertained that Conduc-
tor Tom Richardson, who was injured
at Neihart yesterday, will not lose his
leg. The front and ball of the foot was
badly crushed, but attending surgeons
be necessary. Tom is one of the most
popular conductors on the Montana
Central, and has the sympathy of
wide circle of friends In his trouble.
r. H. Holmes, representing the To-
ronto World, called at the Great Falls
Office of the Standard last evening. Mr..
Holmes is en- route to the mining dis
tricts of British Columbia and Alaska
and is commissioned to furnish the
World with a series of papers descrip-
tive of the resources of those districts.
Dr. Brown, a well-known evangelist,
arrived in Great Falls last night and
will conduct a series of revival meet
ings at the First Methodist church.
The first meeting was held tonight
and large number of those who ought |
to be better-and know it-were pres
ent. Mr.. Brown should not be confused
with the gentleman from San Francis
co: he is of different family. and dur
ing his work in this city will be assist
ed by local clergymen.
The democrats OF Choteau county
and there is a right smart sprinkling of |
the faithful down there yet-will ask |
for Judge Tattan's nomination for at |
torney general this year. The judge is |
like David b. Hill-he is a democrat !
and proud of that fact Northern Mon
tana is entitled TO recognition on the |
state ticket and Judge Tattan would |
make an admirable attorney general IL |
elected.
Nick Baatz OF Columbia Falls has Sc
cured contract to make 400. 900 brick l
at Havre this summer. The material |
will be used in the construction of bust /
ness blocks at Havre and new quarters
at Fort Assinaboine.
REPORTS