Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1873-10-17
AVANT COURIER,
JosErH WRIGHT. nd1tor.
TRIDAY&MorsS @, oCnslT, ls7a

rRIDAY6MoRSiNc &c. oc1slr, 1874
NORTH AND soUrHRAiLRoA
-.
tits very manifest mat siH attempt
will be made at the next ileetingoi
the Legislature IT'D revive THE scheme
of building a railroad from Montana
to the Union Pacific railroad at ol
near Ogden. In view of this, it is i'm
portant that the tax payers should in
terview members OF the Legislature
and express their sentiments. We are
well convinced that a large majority q
the people of Montana are now op
posed to voting a subsidy for a rail
road in that direction. Whilst we ad
NIT that the Territory is not as pros
porous as in former years, and that It'll
material interests would be promoted
by having q railroad connection, W.
are equally as well, satisfied that thu
attempt to build one with the limited
amount we could reasonably contribute
would be a failure. Itwould certainly
require four or five millions of dollars
oil, our part as an inducement to any
company to undertake the road. From ron
what source are we going ~ get this
money? Issuing bonds vii not secure
the means. The debt 81 the Territory
is increasing every yeir. The counties
are having as mich Of a burden as
they can bear u depressed times like
the present. Our bonds could not be
sold at anything approximating the
par value. And it is useless to conceal
the fact that on account of the low
prices for stock and produce, tax pay
ers have as much as they can do to
settle with the County Treasures, We
know it is contended that the building
Of railroad would relieve the country,
and bring prosperity. We eoncede
this, and regard a railroad as. indis-
pensable. We have no prejudice
against a North and South railroad.
Our honest conviction is, that road
to connect with the Union and Central
Pacific railways will not be Of any real
ll.<.s 2 Z Va
benefit to Montana. 1t is not our proper
connection, and if ever a road is built
N that direction, it will soon be seen
it will be no real advantage and will
not, do us any good or relieve. us from
,he embarrassments that now surround
rs. We believe that the citizens of
Montana would be willing to make
leavy sacrifices to secure early rail |
Dad connection, if the proposition was
o build road in the direction of Bis
aarck through our own Territory,
hereby opening up the best portion of
'ur immense domain. We dc not say
his on account of any sectional feel
ngs. Our opinion is founded on the
opinion that such road would be
and profitable, and afford
he certainty of cheap transportation,
md on natural line. tl
just now it would not be the part of !
wisdom for our people to engage in any
abroad enterprise. There is great
in money matters railroad
has received a severe check
ately, and it would be utter folly for
dodtana to enter OH the market with |
Ter bonds for the purpose of building
J railroad. She would be laughed to
corn. 1t does seem that it will re-
Iuire great deal of cheek, if parties
an be found who will make an effort.
1t the approaching meeting Of the
legislature to get mp another railroad
project. .e3 Il
Aside from all these objections, there
S a great continental railway making
powerful efforts to reach Montana.
The entire route has been surveyed |
through our borders, and If there is
my company able to build railroad,
md likely to do SO, it is the Northern
Pacific. We have full faith in the
prosecution Of this great enterprise,
md its final completion. No sensible
person doubts that the road will be
inished to Central Montana as soon as
my other road could be built. There
ore, we. think no attempt should be
made to involve the Territory in a
leavy Indebtedness at this time in the
yain undertaking Of building q North
md South railroad. rLet us exercise a
title. patience, and wait yet awhile,
md see what day viii bring forth. |
yow is no time to run risks, by which |
he future OF Montana may be seriously
rippled. '
THE New York World, Of October
d, says |: A letter from Camp Siam
laugh. Wyoming Territory, Of Sep
ember 20, says that an expedition sent
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