The Montana Society of Civil Engineers 1887-1
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The advancement of the science of engineering and the interest of the profession : the Montana Society of Civil Engineers 1887-1899 by Kathleen Lucille Hendricks A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS in History Montana State University © Copyright by Kathleen Lucille Hendricks (1975) Abstract: On July 5, 1887 a group of mining, mechanical, and civil engineers, architects, and surveyors met in Helena, Montana Territory to form the Montana Society of Civil Engineers. Their purpose was the "advancement of the science of engineering and the interest of the profession." The engineers organized in response to the unique physical and technical problems presented by a new environment, problems which required the sharing of information and experience. They organized to defend their reputations against unqualified and unscrupulous men who claimed to be engineers. They advertised the presence of qualified engineers within the Territory and discouraged the importation of engineers from eastern cities. They exercised a political influence on legislation dealing with matters of engineering and technology. The paramount goals of the Montana Society of Civil Engineers between 1887 and 1899 were reputation and compensation. The association wished to appear as an advisory body above selfish interests and petty politics. The engineers complained that in spite of exacting standards of education and experience their occupation was ignored, distrusted, and underpaid. They coveted the status attained by the legal and medical professions, which they felt would ensure respect, employment, and financial security. The early Society was essentially a Helena organization, composed of railway engineers, public land surveyors, gold and silver mining experts, and a few irrigation specialists. By the mid-nineties railroad construction was declining, and many of the Society’s charter members left the state. Public land surveys decreased, and surveyors sought employment with cities and counties. Others turned to the construction of hydroelectric plants, or irrigation canals and reservoirs. The decline of silver and expansion of the copper industry drew mining and metallurgical engineers, geologists, and chemists to Butte. In 1897 the Society acknowledged changes within the profession by amending its name to the Montana Society of Engineers. Civil engineers no longer controlled the organization; increasing specialization and the growth of the mineral industry invalidated the original title. By 1899 the focus of the profession had shifted to Butte's mineral industry. The Society again adjusted, moving the headquarters to Butte. By 1901 increasing technological sophistication encouraged stricter requirements for active membership, but industrialization led to relaxed standards for associate members. In its first twelve years the Montana Society of Civil Engineers set a precedent of active involvement in the state, in technical development, in legislative action, and in professional standards. But by the end of the century the era of the civil engineers had ended. Copyright 1975 by KATHLEEN LUCILLE HENDRICKS \\ "THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE SCIENCE OF ENGINEERING AND THE INTEREST OF THE PROFESSION:" THE MONTANA SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS 1887 - 1899 by KATHLEEN LUCILLE HENDRICKS A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree MASTER OF ARTS in History ft Chqfinfyan, Examining Committee X X N L / Lr Head, Major Department Graduate Dean MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY Bozeman, Montana September, 1975 iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS A study of an institution like the Montana Society of Engineers involves assistance from many persons. I would especially like to thank Davidson Piper and Ed Nurse of the Montana Society of Engineers for their part in collecting the Society’s papers and in presenting them to the Montana State University Library Special Collections; and Dix Shevalier, Society Archivist, for his work in cleaning and organizing the collection. I would like to thank the College of Engineering, Dean Byron Bennett, and Glen Martin, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics for their, support and encouragement. Pro fessor Ralph Zimmer provided transportation to Helena in addition to information on railway location and construction. Minnie Paugh, Head of Special Collections, and David Horn, Archivist, Montana State University Library provided assistance in indexing and cataloging the collection. Nora Asano and Kjestine Carey of Montana State University Library were very helpful in collecting interlibrary loan materials. Loretta Peck, Archivist, Montana School of Mines and Technology, and Harriet Meloy and the staff of the Montana Historical Society also provided much useful information. A special thanks goes to Dianne Ostermiller, Secretary of the Department of History, Government and Philosophy, for her patient help and encouragement. Margaret Mullen, Edrie Vinson, and Emmett Ryan iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (continued) assisted with proofreading and style. I particularly want to thank my family and friends for their interest and understanding. Faculty members in the Department of History, Government and Philosophy generously gave their time, advice, and encouragement. Professors Edward Barry and Jeffrey Safford directed me to useful information. Robert Dunbar advised me on the sections concerning water rights. Richard Roeder took time from his busy schedule to read the manuscript and suggest corrections and additions. And finally, I must thank my advisor. Pierce Mullen, for, his persistence, pertinacity, and support. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page ABSTRACT. ’...................... .................... vi CHAPTER 1 AN ASSESSMENT OF SOURCES .......... .......... I 2 "CO-OPERATION AND ASSOCIATION:" THE NEED FOR A PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY 1867-1887 ...................... 9 3 "THE MAIDEN EFFORT:" LEGISLATION AND INFORMATION 1887-1889. ...............' ............ ............ 29 4 "THE ADVANCEMENT OF OUR PROFESSION AND THE INTEREST OF OUR SOCIETY:" INTERNAL REFORM 1890-1892........ .. 44 5 ' "A PUBLIC FORUM TO BE RESPECTED AND CONSULTED:" IRRIGATION, ROADS, AND SURVEYS 1893-1895 ............ 59 6 "THAT FITTING RECOGNITION OF THE CONDUCT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS:" COUNTY SURVEYORS AND A NEW ROAD LAW, MINERAL SURVEYORS AND EXPERT TESTIMONY 1895- 1899 . ....................................;. 78 . 7 "TO MAKE AN INTEREST UPON CAPITAL:" HYDROELECTRIC POWER AND THE NEED FOR A STATE ENGINEER 1895-1899. ..... 91 8 "COPPER IS THE PARAMOUNT FEATURE;" A NEW NAME, A NEW ADDRESS, AND A NEW STANDARD OF MEMBERSHIP 1895-1899. 107 9 "THOROUGHLY ABLE TO STAND ALONE:" THE YEARS AFTER 1899 .............. ............................ 123 FOOTNOTES............ L .................................... 128 BIBLIOGRAPHY...................... .......................... 148 vi ABSTRACT On July 5, 1887 a group of mining, mechanical, and civil engi neers, architects, and surveyors met in Helena, Montana Territory to form the Montana Society of Civil Engineers. Their purpose was the "advancement of the science of engineering and the interest of the profession." The engineers organized in response to the unique physical and technical problems presented by a new environment, problems which required the sharing of information and experience. They organized to defend their reputations against unqualified and unscrupulous men who claimed to be engineers. They advertised the presence of qualified engineers within the Territory and discouraged the importation of engineers from eastern cities. They exercised a political influence on legislation dealing with matters of engineering and technology. The paramount goals of the Montana Society of Civil Engineers between 1887 and 1899 were reputation and compensation. The association wished to appear as an advisory body above selfish interests and petty politics. The engineers complained that in spite of exacting standards of education and experience their occupation was ignored, distrusted, and underpaid. They coveted the status attained by the legal and medical professions, which they felt would ensure respect, employment, and financial security. The early Society was essentially a Helena organization, composed of railway engineers, public land surveyors, gold and silver mining experts, and a. few irrigation specialists. By the mid-nineties railroad construction was declining, and many of the Society's charter members left the state. Public land surveys decreased, and surveyors sought employment with cities and counties. Others turned to the construction of hydroelectric plants, or irrigation canals and reser voirs. The decline of silver and expansion of the copper industry drew mining and metallurgical engineers, geologists, and chemists to Butte. In 1897 the Society acknowledged changes within the profession by amending its name to the Montana Society of Engineers. Civil engineers no longer controlled the organization; increasing speciali zation and the growth of the mineral industry invalidated the original title. By 1899 the focus of the profession had shifted to Butte’s mineral industry. The Society again adjusted, moving the headquarters to Butte. By 1901 increasing technological sophistication encouraged stricter requirements for active membership, but industrialization led to relaxed standards for associate members. In its first twelve years the Montana Society of Civil Engineers set a precedent of active involvement in the state, in technical devel opment, in legislative action,