The Anaconda Standard

QUEEN OF THE HILLS.

Great Satisfaction Over the Announcement That Work Will Be Resumed.

GREAT FALLS, Dec. 31.—The Standard correspondent hears a great deal of satisfaction expressed in this city over the settlement of the difficulties of the Queen of the Hills Mining company so that work will again go ahead upon what is the best known property in Neihart. Everybody upon the outside had come to the conclusion that the troubles were unbridgeable and that its claims and appurtenances would have to be sold at sheriff's sale, as they were advertised at White Sulphur Springs last Saturday. No one has ever doubted the richness of the properties, but bad luck seemed to follow the company. Heavy obligations were incurred at an unfortunate time. A great deal of machinery was purchased, the stockholders could not agree among themselves and finally the big crash came. Then it seemed as if the end was near as far as concerned the present company. Besides the $17,000 indebtedness to the First National bank of this city a large sum was owed to Conrad Brothers.

But a way has been found which at least is looking out of adversity. An arrangement has been entered into whereby the Conrad interests will be in control and the profits from the mine will be devoted largely to wiping out debts. There are a number of small stockholders in Great Falls who are feeling about as good over the adjustment as the large owners. There was a long time when Queen of the Hills stock was worth more than $2 per share. Then again this insures the addition of at least 50 men to the number employed at Neihart and will bring more ore to the silver smelter here. It is remarked by mining men that the company has shown good judgment in placing Jonathan McAssey in charge. He is a man of large mining experience as well as one thoroughly acquainted with the possibilities of the property he will manage. The present low price of silver is doing one thing for Neihart; it is advertising to the world what a wonderful camp will result if the white metal ever gets the hoped for recognition.