The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-15
BOUNDARY CREEK COUNTRY.
A Region Worth More, Perhaps, Than
That DISPUTED for in Venezuela.

"A Region Worth More, Ferlaps, l. nan
That Disputed for in Venezuela.
Greenwood City. jan THE all-absoro-
ing topic or conversation and subject or
newspaper articles for a few weeks past
has been the boundary dispute between
Great Britain and Venezuela, involving
their claims in the words Of the British
premier, Ito large tracts or territory
which from their auriferous nature are
known to be Of almost untold value" It
is the intention Of your correspondent to
call attention TO tract of territory much
nearer home, and Of greater practical in
terest TO the people of the Northwest, sit
uated just across the boundary line in
British Columbia This is a portion of
territory once in dispute between Great
Britain and the United States, and be-
came part of British Columbia by treaty
in 1S45. Had the Americans at that time
had any conception Of its great mineral
wealth, 1t is probable that more strenu-
Gus efrorts would have been made to keep
it within the dominion Of the United
States; put like more Of the rich mineral
districts of British Columbia, it was des-
tined to lie dormant for nearly half GEN.
fury. British Columbia, at least the south
eastern portion, has come to the front as
a great mineral district within the last six
years. and American enterprise and capt.
tai have been important factors In its de-
velopment. About the time rich discover
an era of prosperity began which
has continued to the present time. though
the silver districts experienced temper
airy check from the low price Of that metal
The great center of attraction for the last
year has been the Trail creek country, in
which Rossland and Trail are situated.
1t had been prospected for several years.
many locations were made. and most of
them abandoned. The iron cap, charac-
teristic OF the country, was not at that
time considered indicative OF tho gold
bearing rock beneath. In the latter part
of 1894 two claims. the lie Roi and War
Eagle, which were being worked. sudden
ly developed into paying mines, which was
the signal for q stampede into that coun-
try from many parts, but principally from
the adjacent counties Of Washington. The
Insignificant mining camp of a year ago
is now a prosperous community OF about
1900 inhabitants. of almost city proper
lions. with its electric lights, water works,
tramway, smelter, and other evidences Of
prosperity. In the early days there were
many opportunities for laborers, mechan-
les and persons OF limited means, but on
account of the quiet times In the surround
ing towns, the supply soon exceeded the
demand, and at the present time 1t is
more inviting field for persons OF large
capital than for any other class of people.
The large number OF prospectors who
came into the country, attracted by the
rich strike" soon staked the country for
miles around, and traced the mineral belt
westward TO the Boundary creek country.
to which l have already alluded 1t al
ready. had been prospected to some ex-
tent, but the surface showing was unus-
ual, and generally of low grade: but the
fact that rich gold mines were being
worked at Trail creek, where the surface
showing was similar, gave renewed vigor
TO prospecting and development work The
results have been satisfactory There are
now great many good prospects I'm this
country. and some mines with paying ore.
A number OF the best properties have been
sold 70 American capitalists from Butte
and Spokane large number Of people
came into this country last year. and sew
eral new camps started up, among which
may be mentioned Greenwood City, which
II Is predicted will be the Rossland of the
Boundary creek district. Situated in the
midst Of the Greenwood, Deadwood. Cop
per and other camps Il has many advan-
tages, and will become an important place
as the mines develop.
Want Of transportation has been a
drawback TO this country. and now that
railroad from Trail creek IA among the
probabilities Of this year, the future Of
this country looks brirN4 -~Nn-n are peo-
pie here from many countries. but Amer
leans and Canadians predominant work.
ing together with their picks and drills
and other implements OF peace, they have
no desire 70 turn them into swords. their
common enemy Is the hard rock OF the
Cold-bearing hills Next spring and sum-
mer this country VIII he the scene Of great
activity, and viii present many opportu-
mites for men OF pluck and energy.