The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1884-01-11
A NEW COURT HOUSE.
An Important Project New Under Con-
sideration.


The Commissioners Of Deer Lodge county,
ut their session this week, gave consideration
to the project Of erecting new court house
In this county, and took initiatory steps to
ascertain the best plans and the probable
cost Of the same. The project Ii not new
one, having been considered and discussed
more or less for the past two years. The
present building was erected in 1867, and was
at the time considered the best, except that
of Helena, in the Territory. Although the
building was frame tbrick then being prac-
ticably unobtainable materially, two stone
vaults were placed in it, and iron doors, such
rs could then be had, were hung on them.
The building has answered its purpose well.
But a. in those days Montana was considered
only temporary abiding place, even those
who superseded u cramped and insufficient
log structure with what was considered by
many "A too large, substantial and elaborate
building, did not realize the permanent re-
sources and advantages Of the country. Sue
ceeding the skeptical, and to a great extent
the reckless and nomadic ideas of that day,
have come developments, industries, val
ues, homes, prosperity and content. In
stead of returning to the States to
enjoy hastily acquired fortunes, our
people have sent for their friends
Instead of building bonfires of no longer
useful placer claim sluice-boxes they have
been used to floor tunnels to permanent
quartz mines. The truck-patch has given
way to the ranch; the sickle to the self
binder, the "thatched cottage" to the sub
stantial dwelling, the trading-post to COM
mercial marts, and the question of when we
will make a homa+stake" to the building OF
homes. our pride and love of Montana and
even to the remembrances of those whom we
have laid to rest and beside whom our bodies
will ere long be placed. We enjoy here
every agency that art, industry and science
have discovered or invented for comfort or
welfare, and a country unsurpassed If equal
led in many of the conditions of primary
in establishing homes. We
these things because there has been
q revolution in sentiment on the question of
permanent communities here and because it
Is an important fact in considering this ques-
ton.
The present Court House is not only mad
eQuate TO the present and prospective needs
of the county, but it il insecure. No insur-
ance can cover the valuable records and
papers 1t contains. The vaults are unreliable
against fire and insufficient in size, and the
several offices are entirely too small and in |
arranged. A fire in a few min |
ntes might do irreparable damage to records |
10 an amount many times exceeding that |
which would render them practically secure. |
[t is a seif-evident fact that no good business |
nan possessed of means TO render them more |
secure, would continue to risk papers of the |
value of those now stored In the vaults and
,ffices of the Court House. This has become
10 apparent that it Is not only matter of |
thought, but Of anxiety. The Commission
RS have considered 1t. 1t is question be-
wsen the construction of a remote and in
convenient building of considerable size and
ost, or the construction of q new Court
House of adequate size, indestructable ma
erial, convenient arrangement and vaults of
efficient capacity and proper construction
o safely store the valuable books aud papers
# the county. or all public buildings In the
ounty the Court House should be the safest:
4 all it is the most insecure. Our Institute,
,ollege, school and church buildings even
re much safer.
It Is estimated Court House, such as IL
equired, will cost Sc, 900 to $4,000. At first
bought it appears like large amount to
xpend, but the more 1t Is considered the
lore does the necessity of it become appar-
mt, and If we are going to build, it is better
, build well and adequately. The subject
az been discussed considerably throughout
he county and we are informed the senti-
lent, so far az known, is universally in favor
{ the proposition. The Board of Commits
oners are unanimously of the opinion that
il their duty to build 1t, and to do so with.
Mt delay. They have, therefore, instructed
'ecorder Ward to procure plans and esti- ,
Rates and have appointed committee to
lake personal investigation and inquiry
the plans and arrangement of
he best Court House buildings in the Terri
Dry.
The financial features of the case have .
cen fully considered and the Commissioners .
elieve the building can be erected and paid .
Or within n reasonable number OF years
'ithout increasing the tax levy any what
yer. The county liz now almost out of debt ,
nd taxable property is increasing, and seems
estined to increase, at a rate that will pay ,
lrrent expenses and provide for the interest ,
nd sinking fund without any higher levy. IL ,
upon, seven per cent county ,
artants will be issued, and probably these ,
all be bonded at the next session of the ,
legislature at still lower rate of interest ,
We have referred to this matter at some .
myth that citizens of the county may under
and fully the situation, and now proffer the /
Sc of our columns TO any one having any
Jews TO submit on the question.
Raiiroad Notes