The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-12-28

II
Sl,ooO. In 1878 the assessed valuation was
poSp,1S2, an increase over the preceding
year Of 5O,872, and the registered iDebted-
ness increased to 50, 121, and the population
likewise increased to 800 being a per cap
ifa wealth of about $$33332, and q debt Of 40 "a
tor each inhabltant. In 1879 the assessed
valuation was $1,179, 638, an increase Of
S5S2,916 in one year, and the debt was ST.
$50. Compare this with the condition of the
finances IN 1875, al we find that during the
four years the wealth of the county Increased
1900 per head, with q debt Of only Sd IS to
each lnhabitant. During all those years the
taxation remained at 16 mills, a much lower
rate OF taxation than that of any other coun-
ty in the Territory, save Meagher county,
whose rate Of taxation, in 1879, was reduced
to Is mills.
IN 1880 the assessed valuation was 81, 542,-
773, being an increase of 1886, 1876 over the
preceding year. The rate of taxation was
16 mills, the Indebtedness increased to $$24.-
603, and the population to 8, O5S, being a
three fold increase over the population Of
1910. The principal cause Of the increased
Indebtedness during that year was the build
ing OF 9 court house and the making Of roads
improvements necessary to the advancing
growth Of the county. In 1881 the assessed
valuation was 81, 758, 558, and the registered
Indebtedness, with interest, amounted 10
SS39, $50, being IN increase of the wealth Of
county, for the year, of 1915, 1856, and of the
the debt Of SIS 253, which shows q per cap
tia valuation of $503 and a per capita in
debtedness Of Sill. And here we note the
assessed valuation of the respective des-
criptions of property referred to in connec-
ton with the year 1876 Improvements on
public lands, $72, 300: Improvement on town
lots, $500. 40; horses (3,212), 1924, $50
stock cattle 3 1920, 1851, 065 merchandise,
$s222,190. In 1875 there was no list Of pat
ented land now the value of the same is
1874, $50. Not until 1877 were there any sheep
in the county, now the value of such proper
tY amounts to $50, 115. During this year a
Jail was built, for the cost of which bonds
were issued to the amount of $12. 600. and
which were sold to residents of the county
at 1-16 premium. The floating indebted
ness was funded by the issue of Z per cent.
bonds, to the amount of $40, 900, which
were sold at a premium.
This brings us towards the close of the fs-
cal year 1881, and we venture the following
estimate of the financial condition of Cho-
teau county, feeling assured that no material
variance will present itself when the official
statement is made tpublic 1~SS2-Popula-
ton, $500; registered indebtedness (bonded)
$50, 000ll; assessed valuation, S2,17O. 600,
being q per capita wealth Of 5000, and q per
capita Indebtedness Of $14.8O {. The rate Of
still remains the same as in 1875.
10 mills on the dollar, with no probability Of
Its being increased, save at the option of
districts for school purposes. During
the past five years school houses have been
built at an expense of over $12. 900, and the
school fund Of the county has to its credit in
the treasury over So. 900 of q reserve. For
this Indebtedness of $50, 900, Choteau county
show, as direct and available assets.
county buildings Of the value of $25, 600;
real estate of the value of So, 900; school
buildings of the value Of $15, GOO, and indi-
rect assets and resources to the amount Of
$2, 40, 900 assessable property, the true
value of which is over 49, 600, 900.
AS already stated, to enter into more than
brief summary of the material factors
unite in justifying the statement of
financial prosperity of this county, or to en-
1eavor to illustrate fully the cause and effect
u its progress, would require more time and
'pace than could be devoted to it within the
Of this article. Sufficient exhibit
las been made, however, of the fact that
here is good cause to believe the growth and
Of this county, which has been
made in regular and normal manner from
to year, springs from the legitimate de-
'elopment of a new and prosperous country,
nd is not occasioned BY any impuisive spirit
{ speculation. Such is the belief of the
and such must be the opinion Of any
erson who will Investigate the subject thor
ughly and attentiYely.
TINE SHELTER.