The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-08-22
THE SCHOOL BOND ELECTION.

In this issue are presented two communi-
Mr.. Cockrell, Clerk of the Board, responds
TO our suggestion that a showing be made Of
the financial situation of the school house,
with clear and practical statement-just
such as was desirable and such as the Trus-
tees contemplated should be made last week.
The estimates of the cost of completion are
estimates" however, and although he be-
lieves he has stated the full expense of the
work and had the assistance Of MIR. Trigg in
arriving at the cost, they may vary from the
actual cost. The other Is from a number Of
citizens who present their reasons why the
issue of bonds asked should be refused at
present.
Without now entering into an argument OF
the question in detail, We believe that, all
things considered, It would be better for the
Trustees TO withdraw the order for the
school bond election for $4,000 bonds; to
cover the building in; order an election for
bonds sufficient to pay up all debts to that
point and suspend work until next season.
Our reasons for this are as follows: The
school house cannot anyhow now be COM
pleted and ready for occupancy much before
the mid-winter vacation. The titles TO three
lots in the school house block, and adjoining
the building, have not been obtained. The
bonds now issued have already reached,
IL they have not passed, the limit Of the law,
which, with all due Difference TO the opinion
Of eminent attorneys who hold otherwise, we
do not believe can legally exceed two per
cent. Of the taxable property Of the district,
and which we further believe cannot be sold
In that amount at par value as the law re-
euires. We do believe, however, that addi-
tional bonds TO the amount necessary TO pay
the outstanding debts when the building is
covered in would be voted and could be ne
gotiated so that those who have done the
work could be paid. Then let the Trustees
receive bids, under bond, for the completion
Of the building from that point, get bonds
for deeds Of the unpurchased lots and our
Legislative delegation ask for an act covering
the present issue and authorizing the issue OF
additional bonds to the amount necessary to
buy the lots and meet the contract. There
is no question that the Legislature would
sccede to the wish of the people of this dis
trict, and there is no doubt the people of this
district want the building completed-but at
the lowest amount it can be done for, and
with unguestioned title TO the property.
This community is not lacking in DISPOSE
ton to establish and maintain good schools
and erect ample and excellent buildings
therefor; but it is not as wealthy a commu-
nifty as Butte or Helena, and it is right it
should count the cost and practice proper
economy even in educational matters. Our
general school tax is five mills: our special
school tax is now three mills, and this add.
tional $4,000 bonds would make it -four
mills. This is almost one per cent. of taxes
for educational purposes alone, and regard
should be had to keeping taxes, even for as
worthy purpose as this, within the limits
that will not seem burdensome. Mr.. Cock
rell in his calculation has not taken into &C
count the value of the present school prop.
erty, but as an Offset TO that the County
Treasurer is legally entitled to four per cent.
on the bonds issued and that does not appear
as liability. We believe the plan we have
suggested is practical and best and would
meet with the approval Of the electors Of the
district.