The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1883-08-03

The necessity for increased school house
facilities in Deer Lodge is well known. The
present buildings are entirely inadequate
now and each session the number of pupils
is increasing. So fully was this appreciated
that when some few weeks ago the Trustees
submitted proposition under the general
law of last winter TO make loan of $4,000
for the purpose of erecting a school 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. It is believed
that building sufficient for the requirements
of the town will cost considerably more than
the sum asked for. 1t must necessarily be
two stories above the basement. and to give
large enough rooms with n commodious hall
way running the entire length of the build
ing, so that safe and rapid exit may be made
in case Of panic from any cause, the size Of
the building has to be increased beyond that
hardly be made than TO build a school house
now Of dimensions which the necessities Of
the place will Sutgrow in two or three years
1t is better TO have great deal too much
room in a school house than not quite
enough. Then, rs TO sutliciency of exit and
safe approaches to building and rooms there
can be no question. lt 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 il fairly above
the surface, so rs TO permit furnace base
ment in the rear and good ventilation under
the first floor. The dimensions of the build
ing are 53xS0 feet, giving eight rooms, If
necessary, 2Jx3O feet, with n 16-foot hallway
running 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 rs school
house property. The present grounds are
110x300 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 n portion
of the present building at once, and it is not
anticipated now that the new building can
be erected and made ready for occupancy
this season. The Trustees have therefore
purchased block 70 entire, which, by closing
the alley way, will give lot 3OOx300 feet 1t
is admirably situated on a gravel bar, with
complete drainage, and is IN the exact geo.
graphical center of town. There are but
four inexpensive houses on the block, and
these have been purchased or their removal
arranged for. The cost of the entire block is
about 81, 900 and the 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 adj.
jacent TO the proposed new site The prof.
ect, however, as it now stands, Involves the
expenditure of considerably more money
than at first contemplated. The question is,
if 1t 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 n debt Of
$4,000, payable in two, four, and six years.
1t was at first contemplated to purchase
block %, erect the building and push il rs far
toward completion as could be done with the
$1,000 and the proceeds Of the old property,
and then submit q proposition for additional
funds to complete it. On more mature re-
Election IL was determined to 20 before the
people with the facts now and submit prop
ositiou for $4,000 additional bonds, to be-
come payable in eight and ten years, making
but q moderate difference in the annual taxa
ton, providing for the payment of all ex-
penditures as they become due, and enabling
the immediate completion and furnishing of
the building, its enclosures, etc. The pro-
ceeds of the old lots and buildings, when
sold can be applied to the interest 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 get along with a smaller
building on the old lots. But ID Is better to
build well and adequately and 10 acquire
ampler and healthier grounds now. II Is
also better that our people should now con-
slider all the circumstances and facts, and, If
It meets their approval, put the project on a
solvent, independent, and advantageous basis
at once. We have assumed n burden for six
years. Let those who are here eight or ten
years hence stand their portion Of it. BY
this method they viii enjoy what we pay for
and we win enjoy what they pay for; the
| town win have forever a splendid location
for its public school; we will have large,
safe, substantial, and intellectually fine
building, and II 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 careful consideration,
and ON August nth vote the additional $1,000
| TO nds asked for.
Edison Wins a Suit.
/ WAsuIsGToN, July 9D.--The Board Of