The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-08-22
for $4,000
g.. E1n En

These bids were to furnish everything and
complete the building. We can see by the
above that had the contract been let to home
mechanics, who were ready to give bonds for
the faithful completion of the work, the dis
trict would have a nice surplus of over $1,000.
Other parties, and responsible parties, also
figured on the building, and would have been
glad to have taken it at $4,000, and build
fences and outbuildings, and everything that
would have been required. With this last
proposition, the largest required, we would
have been in debt less than $500, but now we
are called upon for another $4,000, with
fair prospect of being called upon for hve or
ten thousand more, as the School Board evil
IDENTIFY did not know what they needed when
they began the work, and, although they
must have received little practical educa-
ton since, il is doubtful if they can guess
within So, 900 Of the amount required now to
finish the building and quiet titles. 1t is I'M
fortunate that three of the lots in the east
centre of the block are still in the hands OF
private parties, and we do not know how
many hundreds or how many thousands OF
dollars will be required to get the title per-
feet.
This II not n question as to whether we
will complete the school house or let 1t stand
unfinished We should have title to all the
lots in the block before voting any more
money, and we question the wisdom OF vo-
ting any m ore money to be discussed by the
present School Board, who have exhibited
such reckless extravaganza in the expendi-
~. all upnrnnriafan
It is true that we would have $4,000
school house, but the principal and interest
will amount to $50 900, which becomes lien
and mortgage on every dollars worth of
property in the district, and ourselves, heirs
or assigns must pay IL to the last pound of
flesh.
We have already shown that the school
house could have been built and the district
have had money left in the treasury with the
amount already voted, but the bids of local
mechanics were ignored and part of the
| contract, after subdivision, was let to a Nor
| mon outfit that have no interest in the coun-
try, and at figures that could almost have
| been discounted had the contract been let To
any of our home mechanics, who are striving
| to live and let live with us.
The bonds already sold have been dis
| counted to the amount of 81 200, which is
clearly contrary TO ia1, and should more be
| voted In this district under the present man.
agement, there is no telling where the dis
| count will reach or drop to-possibly TO % per
cent, all of which we have got to pay, not
withstanding the law says that such bonds
shall not be sold for less than their face. II
on the FIRST lot there has been so heavy dis
count, In order to f nish the building, count
ing the discount it, it would be better to call
for $40 900 more and not be fooling around
holding elections every few months.
Our regular tax levy has been increased
this year TO 20 mills TO meet the school bonds
already voted, and should there be ten or tf-
teen thousand more voted, some two or thrt
mills more will have TO be added to meet the
interest and provide a sinking fund for re
demption. Excessively high tax rates for a
long period of years is a burden on any com
munity, and IL seems the part Of wisdom thai
we 90 slowly and surely about this matter
and Friday, the 18th, between and p. m
be prepared to vote intelligently on this pro
posed heavy increase of taxes.
TAX PAYERS.