The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1908-04-17
DAMAGE ALONG MISSOURI RIVER
AS RESULT OF BREAK WAS
EXAGGERATED.
TRAFFIC DELAYED
Are Taken at Great Falls
to Prevent Water From Doing Great
Damage-Town Of Cascade In No
Great Danser-carcasses o. AMI
mails Float Down River.
Especial to The Gazette.)

Especial to The Gazette.)
Helena, April 15.-After a careful
examination of the partially wrecked
dam at Hauser Lake today M. H.
Gerry, Jr., general manager Of the
Helena Power Transmission company,
last night authorized the statement
that the structure is not damaged to
the extent that 1t was first estimated.
MI. Gerry now believes that the dam
can be repaired for a sum within
100000. Former Governor s.. r.
Hauser, who is in New York, late
today tefegraphed a prominent Helena
business man that the dam will cer-
tainly be repaired at once and that
the accident will in no way interfere
with or delay the building of the third
dam at Wolf Greek.
Authentic reports from Craig, Cas-
cade and Great Falls are also most
optimistic. The reports that have
been circulated, and accepted by news
papers in good faith, regarding the
property loss in the several towns
along the river have been greatly ex-
%aggerated. It now develops that while
the greatest damage to property has
been at Craig, in the northern part Of
this county, the rumors that the en-
tire. town was swept away is not true
Water Moves Depot.
As a matter of fact, only about one
half dozen buildings, for the most
part cheap shacks, were carried off by
the flood waters. The depot Of the
Great Northern was taken from its
foundation and was left standing on
the railroad track. This building,
however, is in good condition and can
be replaced at a small cost. The
hotel, stores and more substantial
residences of the small village are in.
tact, although the contents Of some
Of the buildings were damaged by
water.
Now that the flood waters have
passed down the river, and no further
damage is possible, many OF the
ranches, especially those in Chestnut
valley, near Cascade, while deploring
the accident, declare that their farm
lands have been well irrigated and
that as a result Of the break in the
dam they will be in a position to
raise the largest crop that has ever
been known in that section.
Ranchers Suffer Loss.
In some instances ranchers have
suffered property loss, but It is
thought that this will not amount to
any large amount OF money. "A few
barns, outhouses and other frame
buildings, and in several cases live
stock, was swept down stream, there
has been no report Of any loss Of life
resulting directly from the breaking
of the dam.
The people OF Helena we're today
much concerned as to the probable
damage by the flood waters in Great
Falls, but the progress of the water
was impeded to such an extent that
the stream at that city did not begin
to rise until about 4 O'Clock In the at
ternoon. At midnight, Mr.. Herbert
Strain, a leading merchant Of Great
Falls, in a message over the long dis
tance telephone, assured the people
that there was no danger whatever of
property loss. The water at that hour
was seven feet above normal, but vas
receding. MI. Strain announced that
the Boston & Montana smelter is not
in the least danger and that no prop
erty loss is anticipated.
Hauser Makes Statement.
A prominent business man of Hell
ena today received from Governor s.
T. Hauser, president Of the Helena
Power Transmission company, who is
= - WV AOAAp D. IOAC61dM WuACA 4OI.
lows:
1.-The dams entire cost represents
only about 10 per cent Of the entire
amount invested by the two compa-
mics, hence there is NO fear but that
the dam will be repaired or rebuilt II
necessary. The third dam will also
be built, as we have the money and
the government has approved the
plans, besides our companies Gus.
toners W every year o than
the cost Of the dam"
Another message from former Gov
ernor Hauser addressed to the citi-
ems Of Helena in response to the mes
sage sent by the leading business
men OF the city on Tuesday night, fol-
lows:
ITO the Citizens of Helena. Nom
tana: Your several kilograms re-
ceived and greatly appreciated. Your
support and cooperation give con-
ddence here and materially aids. The
dam will be rebuilt and the third dam
constructed. (signed).
"s. 7. HAUsER."
Statement g Press.