The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1883-07-20
THE SCHOOL HOUSE PROJECT.

The necessity for increased school no use
facilities In Deer Lodge Is we'll known. The
present buildings are entirely inadequate
now and each session the number OF pupils
Ia increasing. So fully was this appreciated
that when some weeks ago the Trustees
submitted q proposition under the general
law Of last winter to make loan Of si5, 900
for the purpose Of erecting aschool building,
the vote was unanimously in favor OF the
loan-a result we believe without precedent
In the Territory. Under that action the
Trustees have proceeded, procured plans and
specifications, and advertised for proposals
for building.
But in the development Of the project the
Trustees encountered facts that have some
what changed their views. II is believed
that a building sufficient for the require
ments of the town will cost considerably
more than the sum asked for. IL must nee
essarily be two stories above the basement,
aud TO give large enough rooms with COM
modious hallway running the entire length
Of the building, so that safe and rapid exit
may be made in case Of panic from any
cause, the size of the building has to be in
creased beyond that originally intended. A
worse mistake could hardly be made than to
build a school house now of dimen.
sions which the necessities OF the
place would outgrow IN two or three years.
II is better TO have q great deal too much
room In school house than not quite
enough. Then, as TO the sufiiciency Of exit
and safe approaches to building and rooms
there can be no question. 1t is one Of the
most essential requisites. The Trustees have
therefore adopted plans for building of two
stories, sixteen and fifteen feet respectively,
with stone foundation lifting 1t fairly above
the surface, so as to permit q furnace base
ment in the rear and good ventilation under
the first floor. The dimensions of the build.
ing are $3.50 feet, giving eight rooms, If nee
essary, 25x30 feet, with q 16-foot hall run
ming the entire length of the building and
having front and rear exit.
In their consideration Of the matter, the
Trustees and many citizens consulted also
appreciated the desirability of having larger
grounds than those now owned as school
house property. The present grounds are
120x300 feet, The half block directly In the
rear might have been purchased, but to pro-
cure and build in the center Of that block
would necessitate the removal of q portion
of the present building at once, and 1t Is not
anticipated now that the new building can
be erected and made ready for occupancy this
season. The Trustees have therefore pur-
chased block 80 entire, which by closing the
alley way will give lot 300x3o0 feet. 1t is
admirably situated on gravel bar with COM
plete drainage, and Is In the exact geograph-
ical center of town. There are but four in.
expensive houses on the block and these
have been purchased or their removal ar
ranged for. The cost Of the entire block is
about $4,000 and an exchange Of two lots on
the old site. This will leave the present
school buildings intact until the new one Is
completed, and the Trustees will then have
the old grounds and the two school houses to
dispose Of.
These changes have been the subject of
careful consideration and have met general
approval when fully examined into-except
perhaps by property owners Immediately
adjacent to the proposed new site. The pro-
ject, however, Is It now stands involves the
expenditure Of considerably m IRE money
than at first contemplated. The question Is,
If IL is better to make this change and incur
the additional expense by procuring ample
grounds while they can be purchased low,
and erecting an adequate, safe and slightly
structure, or to adhere to the original propo-
sition. We have now assumed debt OF
SIS 900, payable in two, four and six years.
II was at first contemplated to purchase
block 80, erect the building and push 1t as
Ear toward completion as could be done with
the $4,000 and the proceeds Of the old
property and then submit q proposition for
additional funds to complete 1t. On more
mature reflection IL was determined to 60 be.
fore the people with the facts now and sub
init a proposition for $4,000 additional
bonds, to become payable in eight and ten
years, making but . moderate difference In
the annual taxation, providing for the pay
ment Of all expenditures as they become
due, and enabling the immediate completion
and furnishing of the building, Its enclosures
etc. The proceeds of the old lots and build.
ings, when sold, can be applied TO the inter.
est or sinking fund.
We have given this entire matter thought
and believe the plan and the method now
proposed Is the best thing Deer Lodge can
do. We could &c. along with q smaller
building on the old lots. But 1t is better to
build well and adequately and to acquire
ampler and healthier grounds now. It i:
also better that our people should now con.
slider all the circumstances and facts, and, II
It meets their approval, put the project on 9
solvent, independent, and advantageous
basis at once. We have assumed . burden
for six years. Let those who are here eigh,
or ten years hence stand their portion Of It
By this method they will enjoy what we pay
for, and we will enjoy what they pay for;
the town will have forever splendid lcca.
ton for Its public school; We will have .
large, safe, substantial and enthusiastically
fine boiiding and It will be complete and
clear Of debt. Let us give the trustees what
they ask and then hold them responsible for
their trust. We hope all electors Of the
district will give this important matter care
ful consideration, and on August 9th, vote
the additional $4,000 bonds asked for.
THE TELEGRAPHERy STRIKE.
For several days the dispatches have fore
Swallowed an impending strike by the Teleg
raphers' Brotherhood for higher wages, the
direction of their energies being principally