Rocky Mountain husbandman. [volume] (Diamond City, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1876-01-13

act to aid the construction OF Il railroad to
Montana, a question of moment arises Oh
which it would be we'll to have some light.
Has a Territory the power to grant such
aid to a company in the building of a rail
road outside of its domain, over Which it
has no legislative control, and which will
not be subject to its laws? We do not recall
an instance of any Territory. or even any
State, making such loan or Gift, or any de-
cision bearing Upon the point. The ques-
ton turns upon whether it is a 'rightful sub
ject of legislation delegated to the Terrific
ries. In the event of aid being given the
Utah Northern, a large portion of the road
would be constructed in Idaho and subject
to the legislation of that Territory. VIII
some of our legal luminaries please dawn on
this point and enlighten many who have
grave doubts as to the constitutionality Of
such legislation 2"
The subject named by Bro. Mills, of the
New North Vest, is important. We are not
one of the illegal %luminaries," but cannot
assign any reason why the legislature of
Montana has any right to subsidise a rail-
road to be built outside of our Territory.
We are OF the opinion, however, that the
farmers and taxpayers would oppose such
a scheme, Or any other project wherein
there is a doubt of a return OF full reward.
THE first number of the Bozeman Times,
under the editorial management of Mr.. Z.
S. Wilkinson, is at hand. It has a bold and
fearless tone, characteristic of it's veteran
editor, who in q full column salutatory.
clearly defines its relation to the people and
the course to be pursued. We admire its
boldness, and believe it will prove a valuable
auxiliary in the development Of Montana's
hidden greatness. He speaks particularly
of the improvement and navigation of the
Yellowstone, but promises "to treat all sub
jects of public or local Importance with fair
ness, candor and impartiality." In politics,
it is to be an "independent Democratic
newspaper" Its columns are well filled,
and the price of subscription is $500 a year.
We are not like some who feel e%nvious, and
consequently claim that the business is great
ly oyerdone. We hold that the more pa
pers there are, the more our people will
read, and the more they read, Crowded it is
Of Il proper character,) the wiser and better
citizens they become. We therefore greet
the Times with a hearty welcome, and wish
it a long, prosperous, and useful career.
In the BENTON Record Of December 25, the
editor deyotes two columns to the subject of
legislative representation for Choteau coun-
ty. lie says: CAS- we understand it. the
present apportionment is made from the
Census of 1870. Six years have elapsed
since, during which, Chouteau county has
emerged from comparative obscurity, her
population has increased, many acres Of her
soil is under cultivation and her stock-rais-
ing and agricultural advantages have become
an acknowledged source of unlimited
wealth."
Our ~neighbor has taken a bold stand in
behalf Of the citizens Of his county. and is
entitled to a proper hearing from our law
makers. A fair and equal representation is
one Of the essentials to the prosperity of our
country. Chouteau, as a stock-raising and
agricultural county has but few equals, and
it is but justice that she should have equal
representation with the other counties Of the
Territory.
LEGISLATIVE NEWS.
Notice of the following bills was given in
the Council, on the 7th: An act to amend
~ 4-M A4 a l