Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1904-11-18
EXPANSION BY PERKINS CO.

EXPANSION BY PERKINS co.
Northwestern Commercial Company
Proposes the Building Of Several
Fast New Steamers.
The Northwestern Commercial Com
pany, of which w. T. Perkins, formerly
of this city is the auditor, and J. D.
Trenholme, formerly of Pemblna coun-
ty is manager, intends to increase its
shipping facilities and to open a new
transportation line. The Seattle Post
Intelligencer of a recent date says of
the company's plans:
The Northwestern Commercial Com
pany, a pioneer in the Nome carrying
trade, proposes to establish a steam.
ship line between Seattle and Valdez.
This announcement was made yester-
day by J. D. Trenholme Of the manage
ment of the corporation. Mr.. Tren-
holme stated that such move is made
possible through the rapid develop
ment of Copper river valley and Cook
Inlet district had and has been def
nately decided upon.
The plan provides for the construc-
ton or purchase of two fast 1,500-ton
steamers. Meanwhile, it is proposed
to establish the line, early In the COM
ing year, the service to be regularly
inaugurated about the middle of
February. To enter the new field by
that time the company will place
three Of its Nome feet, tho steamships
Victoria, Olympia and Tacoma, on the
route. They will be continued on the
run until the opening of the Nome sea-
son, by which time two vessels of the
size named will have been purchased
or constructed.
Mr.. Trenholme stated that the COM
pany is inclined to build the steamers,
as in that way it can supply just the
kind Of vessels demanded by the Cop.
per river traffic. If such q course Is
adopted it means the building, most
likely on Puget sound, Of two fast pas
senger and freight vessels at a cost Of
from $450,000 to 100000. That
amount Of capital, the company be-
lieves, should be invested in the two
vessels in order to give an adequate
service. Plans and specifications are
already being drawn with view to
letting the contracts. 4
The proposed steamers are to have
accommodations each for $50 first
class and $50 second cabin passengers
and carrying capacity, exclusive of
fuel, Of $500 tons. 49,. ]
The plans being drawn provide for
a vessel Of the same general descrip-
ton as the steamship Senator save
that they will have greater beam and.
less draft. They are to be equipped
with such powerful machinery and
equipment as will enable them to
make fast time. Neither vessel will,
when fully loaded. draw more than
twenty feet.
Mr.. Trenholme stated that his COM
pany, which together with the North
eastern Siberian Company owns and
operates q fleet of seven vessels each
season in the Nome and Siberian
trade, has contemplated entering the
Copper river field for nearly a year.
Mr. Troniho1nno said.
The Copper river country has come
to the front rapidly during the past
several years. 1t is growing and will
be developed wonderfully fast in the
future. This will be the winter route
that is, from Seattle via Valdez and
the Copper river valley to the new
Tanana district. In fact It is the only
practical one, and I look to see a
great movement into the Tanane by
the Valdez route during January,
February, March and April. Many
people went in this way last winter
and they demonstrated that it ia the
quickest and best trail.
1ud SulpmSuL VI 1nluOAo ouPpAlSo
and general merchandise to the Cop,
per river and Cook Inlet ports has
been heavy for several years winter;
and summer: The provisions needed
for the miners of the placer districts
Of the Copper river valley: are largely
hauled in from Valdez over the ice
and SNOW. It is necessary to begin
the movement early in order for the
miner to reach his property by the
opening OF the summer season.
What Is particularly needed for the
more rapid development of the Copper
river valley and Prince Williams
Sound sections generally is better
transportation facilities. Faster yes
sells and with better accommodations
/ 10th -. IN oe.a,, xors. onH fros<1,k ora