The Virginia enterprise. [volume] (Virginia, St. Louis County, Minn.) 1893-19??, 1914-02-27
" nty ears Ago

From the Virginia Enterprise Of
March 2, 1894.
The acquisition by Mr.. Rockefeller
Of SO large an interest in the iron
deposits of Minnesota is an important
and significant fact. Taken in connec-
ton with his reported control of the
mines Of Cuba, it means that he is
carrying out a plan to control the en-
tire supply Of iron ore Of higher
grade available for the American
market. This policy pursued in the
face Of possibility that the whole duty
will be taken from iron ore at an early
day, seems to show that Cuba is the
only competitor which shrewd fig
urer believes he has to fear. Mr.. Roc
kefeller does not often reckon without
his host, or invest millions in los
ing deal. We may be sure that he
regards this as one of the most en-
ticing opportunities open to capital
in this country. The local interest in
the matter lies in promise of an ample
development Of one of our principal
resources. With the money Mr.. Rookie
Teller can command available, and
with a huge capital depending for it's
return upon the sale of the Minnesota
iron product, we may expect great
developments in the Lake Superior
region. The investment means much
for the future of Minnesota.
| No. 2 shaft house at the Franklin
will be in shape for active operations
within the week, and it is expected a
few men will be put to work under
ground at this property at an early
date. This shaft is 220 feet deep,
we'll timbered and an excellent work
ing shaft in every particular. No. 1
shaft is down to depth of 1852 feet,
but no work is being done there at
present. The management has got
everything in shape for quick work.
if at any time desired. The sawmill
was started Tuesday and is putting
out about 10000 feet per day. A large
store building, boarding camp, labra-
tories and Office buildings have been
erected the past winter and quite a
location is already being built up
Wages offered here are 80 cents 8
day for surfacemen and 81 per day
for miners.
Some sixty men are at present en-
ployed at the Norman, day and night
crews being worked. Good work is ap
parent at the property during the pas
month. The ore will be struck within
some 80 feet to the north, at the pres
ent level Of the cut, when a secone
cut will be started back over thu
ground already uncovered, which will
clean to the ore. The management O,
the work have erected warm and com
modious camps, which are kept scrup
ulously neat, and many Of the me1
employed on the, work board with tn.
company. $1.20 per day is being paid
N. Ellsbrag, the contractor who has
the work Of putting in the Iron Kinl
spur, has about $50 men on his pay
roll, and is making good showing il
the short time since the work com
menced. The force will be increased
to 200 men, as room is made. Mr.
Ellsbrag has other contracts in view
in this vicinity which will keep gooe
force here during a greater part of the
summer. $1.20 per day is being paic
for labor.
| At the Iron King they are making
extensive arrangements for the com
ing season. They are putting down
a large incline shaft, 6x18 feet, south
of the stripping, and are working ali
the men possible to get the property
in readiness for stripping. Capt. w
J. Richards, of the Minnesota mines
at Tower, is ably assisting Capt. G.
w. Wallace in the development of the
mine.
We understand that papers have
already been drawn up looking toward
the organization of a new TOWNSHIP on
that portion Of the mining properties
adjoining Virginia on the east, and
which property was a portion of that
refused admission to this municipality
at the polls of the 28th. This move is
not an unexpected one to those who
have given the matter consideration.
Jas. H. Knowles & Co. are clearing
for 5000 cottage at the corner OF
Central avenue and Spruce street. 1t
is understood they will erect three
similar buildings in the same locality
at once, and no more paying property
could be found in these times of bust
ness depression than residences for
rent. The work will be done under
the supervision of Architect w. R.
Graham. =
At the special election to vote upon