Union County courier. [volume] (Elk Point, Union County, D.T. [S.D.]) 187?-1913, 1882-02-01

Tvvo Nindo of CitiSens.
j rhe ~ M . many favorably
tdwnd| Ind sman cities cons
Time al stand ALL year n and
year ont, while other places less
lAyorably situated grow and prosper,
has long been 1 source Of conjecture.
The same measures will not remedy
the evils Ia all such cases any more
49, 90 particular mode of treat
ment yiIIcure all the ills Of hui
mainly; but AZ there are some dis
eases more common to the human
family than others, 80 also there are
some causes which hinder industrial
growth more than others. While ~
II not necessary TO enumerate the
numerous causes which effectually
check advancement in this direction,
there i one cause in particular
which, more than any other, brings
about this state Of affairs.
There generally live in every
small city, a few wealthy individ-
uals who own all the desirable pro-
perry within q mile Or two Of the
place. These men either compose
the local government Or exert a great
influence over its members. Like
the rest Of the race, they are either
greatly interested In public affairs,
or are sntirely disinterested, as the
case may be. The former are ever
ready and willing to do all in their
power for the permanent good Of
the place. If o manufacturing con.
Germ seeks a suitable location for fac
tory or mill buildings, they sndeav-
or BY all honest meanS to induce
it 10 stay with them, in many in
stances donating either money or
lands, and securing other induce
ments, like low taxes, etc. Other
places have been unfortunately
handicapped with leading citizens
who seem to be opposed to anything
like industrial advancement, who
make no exertions for thcir city's
welfare, but, possessing plenty Of
the worlds goods, for themselves
and lamilies, settle down to a
dreamy, motonous existence, caring
for nothing, and thinking Of moth
ing, apparently, but themselves.
The following instance may illus
trate the latter: The proprietors Of
a large nail mandatory sought
suitable location for a new establish
ment, and asked certain reasonable
concessions from the owners Of suit
able lands adjoining pretty little
city now unknown TO industrial
fame. Not only were the conces-
sions refused, but, under the mis-
taken impression that they were de-
termined to buy at any rate, a price
far above the real value demanded.
Disguised, they located in neigh
Il
boring city, where they now employ
scores Of workmen, besides adding
greatly to the city's interest. The
place whose citizens for the sake Of
gain frightened them away, will pro-
baby remain just what it now is
% nice place to live for q man who
can afford to be idle, but no place
for business at least, 80 long as the
present generation shall live.
The mistake Of placing fictitious
values on desirable sites for manu-
factories Is q common one, owners
seeming to lose sight Of the fact that
the enhanced value Of their remain
| ing lands would amply compensate
for selling the few acres wanted at
reduced rates or even donating it.
While useless extravaganza is al
ways to be condemned, wise OUTLAWS
for the good Of your fellows is al
| ways to be commended. OF course,
every man has perfect right to do
just as he pleases about such mat
| tiers; but the city that is borne down
BY these human dcad-weights is in
deed deserving Of sympathy
Fdrbank's Monthly.