The new North-west., 1888-04-27
to organize a government because it would

have unlimited powers of taxation, tnat por-
ton of the world would be mob yet. With
national governments there Is no limitation
of taxation, yet they afe necessary, as Are
those of States, Couuttes-enA towns. We
must pay for government, but who would
prefer anarchy, that lsvies no te1ss-
takes all by mob violence. If we have better
homes and are better clad and fed than the
savages who proceeded US, We must pay
more for our better raiment and food and
shelter. If We are to have local government
and its benefits it will cost US something; but
for every dollar SO expended We expect
many fold oonpentating benefits. If any
good citizen of this town found vicious
animal At his door, endanEering himself and
family, he would destroy 1t, even If 1t cost
him something. This town Is full of vicious,
ravenous, poisonous dragons. They sit on
every garbage heap, wallow in every slop
hole, are hidden under every broken side
walk. Is it not better TO destroy them?
There are namable and unnamable public
nuisances in our streets; should they not be
abated? Is it not we'll to give uniform grades
to our streets and have safe sidewalks; to Sc
cure as we can systematic sewerage, to light
our streets; to punish offenses against peace,
security and decency; to prevent racing of
horses and immoderate driving of animals
through our streets; to punish vagrants by
putting them to work; to have authority
over contagious or infectious diseases; to
have control of the cemetery; to regulate the
habits of the town COW; to inspect and pro-
tect against fires; to have railway tracks and
firh fn6 to n md rY10
the several affairs that pertain to thorough
municipal government, even if 1t does cost
something?
But, as stated, the cost is by some greatly
exaggerated. The Mayor and Councilmen
receive no pay. They must be taxpaying
citizens, and are likely to be of the heaviest
taxpayers of the town. 1t is not likely they
would vote on themselves excessive taxes,
or indulge in any expense but such as would
be incurred by reasonable men in ordinary
business, and where the benefits would be
greater than the expense. 1t is local and
efficient government that is desired-clean-
illness, security and health. We have a
night watchman now, paid by the few to
protect all One other officer would consti-
tute the police force A Justice of the Peace
would be glad to be the Police Magistrate
for the fees. The Offices of City Attorney,
Clerk and Collector could be consolidated.
This would make but two more paid officers
than we now have to provide for, and the
police would doubtless be on fee and salary.
Estimating the taxable valuation Of the town
at ST. ,O00, 900, and the expense Of city govern
ment at $500, the tax rate would be q
willis fnr ov1an1inu COn0
must be let to the lowest bidder. If perma-
| nent improvements of expensive character
are desired the proposition must be submit.
ted to vote Of the electors. And if, for
instance, systematic sewerage were SO voted
to be undertaken, bonds would be issued ex.
tending the burden over many years, while
receiving the benefits at once If it is
deemed advisable to issue city licenses, busi-
ness men could safely trust to the wisdom,
integrity and justice of a City Council of its
own citizens for fair and reasonable treat
ment. And, as we see property advance in
value, see desirable citizens come from other
places to make their homes here in city OF
health, cleanliness and orderliness, which
| they as ourselves will be benefited by, we
will feel that the money SO expended is re-
paid ten fold, and in the gladness Of our
hearts will rejoice that we have lifted Deer
Lodge out of the rut and set it on the high
way Of progress. 1t may be made the most
desirable place Of residence in Montana Let
us add our endeavOr to what Nature has
done, get abreast of our day and generation,
and call pull together for the benefit of our
town. We trust those who have been indis-
fo in
for the general welfare and make the move
ment unanimous. Incorporation means
progress aud prosperity.