The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1900-12-18
THE SHORT LINE TO BUILD.


extensive railroad construction
in the state of Idaho, says the
Salt Lake Herald.
The line has been surveyed to
Houston by party of engineers,
who have returned to this city.
1t was not difficult to establish
an average grade, and their re
port having been submitted, along
with the estimates, to the offici
ais in New York, a final decision
from them is all that awaits the
beginning of operations. From
Blackfoot the line takes a course
directly northwest. following the
route of the stage line closely
until it reaches its first destina-
tion, Houston.
The great benefit to Idaho and
Utah from this project is obvious.
While copper seems to be the
magnet that is drawing the road
in that direction, there is any
amount of gold in that neigh
borhood and further on. From
its inception a freight traffic is
assured.
The Burlington's line coming
from Wyoming and now, accord
ing to report, getting near st.
Anthony, will strike the new ex-
tension at right angles. The big
road was industriously working
towards the Lost river country.
and this was one of the chief
reasons for the awakening of the
Short Line. 1t has to build up
there as a matter of self -protec-
ton sooner or later, most likely
sooner. The country is not built
up as it should be, but the ad-
vent Of railroad will revolution
ize it's condition.
No survey has yet been made
by the Short Line farther than
Houston, but unless all signs fail
that will be the next step. The
extension of the line. to Challis
and then on to Salmon City
would be hailed with delight by
the people of Idaho. 1t would
give To a country already pretty
we'll settled, but not half develop
ed, what it has needed for years,
means of transportation. And a
big business for the Short Line
would come with it. Between
Houston and Challis building
will be expensive because of the
heavy grade, but that is a pay
ing proposition railroaders free
ly admit.
Some fine engineering will be
required between Blackfoot anC
Houston, the line traversing lava
beds where there is not spear
of vegetation for some distance
After leaving the lava beds they
pass into a farming region
where it is comparatively plair
sailing.
TThe Oregon Short Line doe:
little talking but considerable
actual work, which proved to be
just the reverse with the Idah'
Midland proposition. If the
Short Line builds Houston vii
never be the terminal point. fol
the heavy and vast freight @
this region-mining freight. il
on Salmon river, while Big Los
river is the great farming sec
ton. The route from Houstol
to Challis is considered by thos
who know best, to be very prac
tical and an easy grade. In tn
whole distance of go miles, ther
is but one summit to cross, an
this can be missed by buildin.
( down Warm Spring creek. No
2 do we expect Challis to be tn
! terminus, for the road will seel
: to push on into the mining dis
i tricts of Lemhi county, the OF
t iective point is probably th
! great Blackbird copper mines
r This being the case the roa
would follow down Salmon rive
and up Morgan creek and theme
on to Blackbird. This is with
out doubt by far the most praC
: tical and cheapest route to ia
this camp. TO run the line dow
Salmon river to Salmon City
t they would find that the Idah
\ Midland has the right-of-wa
!, nrettv well secured