The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1888-03-04
CAN WE LIFT HER ?"

The efforts of THE HERALD to induce
the beginning of public Improvements
by the city, is unquestionably endorsed
by the public. They are endorsed by
som, prominent city officials also
Yet one of these, speaking of the sub
ject, said: Keep up your work, bG'
you clnrot lift her" This IS an IN
fortunate sentiment for prominent
municipal official. 1t is unfortunate
because he evidently lacks the faith
necessary to work for that which he
would like to see accomplished. We Go
not care for the reputation which may
be obtained by inducing sentiment
that will compel the inauguration OF
public improvements. 1t is clear
business proposition. On this we
rely. The Council is composed OF bust
ness men who are property owners. 1t
is presumahle they are acquainted with
the great amount OF money that has
found its way into this city within the
last six months. They are certainly
acquainted with the most astonishing
increase in the value OF realty-an
! increase which was not only unex-
pected. but which is not the result OF
deliberate investment. Many, almost
poor in financial sense, have, in q
month, and without any effort on their
part, found themselves comparatively
aft 1ent. This is not confined to one or
two cases. 1t goes into hundreds; and
it is a fact that every owner OF real
estate in the city has, without any
especial effort on his part, found him
self richer because of his realty, not
only by so per cent, but ranging up to
hundreds.
There is a market for every foot OF
land in Salt Lake City, and market,
too, at rates the most sanguine dared
not dream as possible. A man can sell
or not as he wills, and it IS no injustice
to those who do not sell to insist that
they contribute Of their new found
wealth for the better appearance of the
} CITY. A tax honestly expended Is a
good investment for the taxpayer.
There is no absolute basis for con-
. tinuation of the present feeling of pros
perity. Any warm afternoon The
sunny side of our business streets are
darkened with idle men. There is NJ
| true prosperity in such condition. II
| T11ioht hn
) ( tire crowd by offering them work
But it is also true that q HERAL1
= advertisement calling for an engineer i
answered by between thirty and fifty
) applicants eager for work. This is no
= a good showing. This single instance
? is illustrative Of many in various di-
= rections. The evidence of prosperity is
/ found in the obtaining of employment
e by all willing to work. All willinI
s hands cannot find employment to-day
r But this can be changed. One hun
= dred men could be put at work for
: year at living wage. and if taxes ar
J.. assessed at anything like the value tina
t obtains to-day the payment Of thes
d men would never be felt.
d In olden times, in fact in gu
: own times i'll this city, prudence ha
IS dictated the wisdom of keepin
e those who are Involuntary idly EN-
ployed, and paying them out Of th
e public funds for work that was not eve
j. necessary. In our own case, the wor
e of public Improvement is imperativel
l. demanded.
x 1t isdemanded if there were no boon
e 1t is demanded because of our grow
Il ing prosperity.
= 1t is demanded that citizens NAV NJ
If be ashamed Of the place they boast {
n a home.
y is absolutely demande by the I'M
e est of every taxpayer that values ma
y De maintained and improved, and tn,
1t the present hope for materia! advances
IS ment may ripen and bear fruit. an
h not be permitted to wither and die.
II 1t is question of money.
o, 1t is question of patti 10 IGN.
n We are great at talk. It is time "