The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1882-08-11
PUTATIvE MINES VS.. ACTUAL TOWN
LOTS,

Butte, 1t seem to us, has at least Its full |
share of troubles. Among the general ha-
rassments latterly have been the school
house matter, the Bell Company disaster aud
the coal burning innovation. And now comes
the institution Of suits by mineral claimants
throwing q cloud upon the title OF nearly all
the valuable lots In the town site, and there
by unsettling values and to great extent
barring the further construction OF buildings.
The parties bringing these suits set up that
these mineral land titles give them rights 10
certain surface ground TO which the town
site titles are subordinate, or with which
they are in conflict, and that they having
prior and superior title can hold such surface
ground as against town lot owners. Lot
owners have indignantly protested against
this claim and against the assertion OF 1t, and
at public meetings held it has been deter
mined unanimously to fight these mineral
suits II necessary from the lowest to the high
est judicial tribunal in the land. Consider
able talk of more vehement nature was IN
dulged in, but this appears to have been the
mature judgment of lot owners interested;
all schemes OF compromise or concession
was voted down, and the old motto, "Mil-
lions for defense; not one cent for tribute"
| voiced the general sentiment.
The great, fundamental substratum OF
human nature Is selfshness. 1t may yield
to better influences, be directed, controlled,
| modfed-concealed, perhaps-but Is
there. phase of 1t Is admitted IN the ac-
cepted trusm that self-preservation Is the
first law of nature" and 1t crops out in every
circumstance of life, from the modest re-
quest of the old philosopher that the king
should step out of his sunshine, TO going for
the best seat In coach or driving hard
bargain with a neighbor when you have him
at a disadvantage. II Is not altogether an
evil instinct, for with kindred and control
ling qualities 1t is that which inspires men to
better their conditions, and from this come
the comforts of life, the security of govern
ment, and the practical achievements OF civ
ilization. 1t Is not, however, classed as ont
of the noble impulses, and when misdirecte'
or given too free rein often leads to evil re
suits. Even modified exhibitions of thi
spirit, when coming in conflict with othe
, interests, involving, 1t may be, to considerable
extent the same selfshness, are resented ant
, opposed, and hence, largely, the necessit.
2 for laws establishing just to what extent tn
| selfshness of one individual may encroacI
on the selfishness of another and fixing tn
: penalty for overstepping this limit. occs
: sionally the laws do not strictly define thes
i limits, or, If they do, pending the slow &c
Q Indication some one files of the handle an
n the rude old law of Might Is hastily invoke
IS to determine the issue. 1t Is generally be
Q ter In the end, in fact at both ends, If this
9 not done among people who assume TO I
law-abiding, as it destroys the consistency
government when one law Is Ignored and
other enforced, where one Is defed and q
:. protection of another sought. AS long
. there Is law defining rights, and that law Ct
:. be enforced and the courts and officers a
=, willing to enforce 1t, and there is no peril
N life or legal rights In awaiting that adjudi'
!. ton, It Is better for law-abiding people
-. await that determination. The delay m
:. be irksome, it may be to an extent det
A. mental, but 1t is generally the lesser OF u
- evils. Hence we believe the conclusion
"A the citizens meeting in Butte was right
refuse all compromises and fight the Issue
,o the courts.