Bent County register., 1888-03-31
Two Kinds of Cinaer..

The fact that SO many favorabiy -sitnated
towns and small cities continue at a stand
still year in and year out while other
places less favorably situated grow and
prosper, has long been a source of eonjec-
ture. The same measures will not remedy
the evils in all such cases any more than
one particular mode of treatment will cure
oil the ills of humanity; but as there are
Some diseases more common to the human
family than Others, so also there are some
causes which hinder industrial growth
more than Others While it is not neces-
sary to enumerate the numel lcus causes
which effectually check advancement in
this direction, there is one cause in partic-
ular which, more than any other, brings
about this state of affairs.
There generally live in every small city
q few wealthy individuals who own all, or
nearly all, the desirable property within
mile or two of the place. These men usu-
ally either compose the local government
or exert a great influence over its MEM
bers- Like the rest of the race, they are
either greatly interested in public affairs,
or are entirely disinterested, as the case
may be. The former is ever ready and
willing to do all in their power for the
permanent good of the place If MANN
featuring concern seeks suitable location
for factory or mill buildings, they endeavor
by all honest means to induce it to stay
with them, in many instances donating
either money or lands. and securing other
Inducements like low taxes. etc Other
places are unfortunately handicapped with
leading citizens WHO seem opposed to any
thing like industrial advancement, who
make no exertions for their city's welfare,
hut, possessing plenty of the worlds goods
for themselves and families. settle down to
a ny isfa ~, E,r
nothing, and thinking of nothing. appar'
emily, but themselves. The following in
stance may illustrate the latter: The pro-
pretors OF . large nail mandatory sought
q suitable location for new establish
ment and asked certain reasonable oonces-
sions from the owners of suitable lands
adjoining pretty little city now unknown
to industrial fame. Not only were the con-
cessions refused, but, under mistaken
idea that they were determined TO buy at
any rate, price far above the real value
Of the land was demanded. Disgusted,
they located in a neighboring city, where
they now employ scores of workmeii, be-
sides adding greatly to the city's interest.
The place whose citizens for the sake of
gain frightened them away, Will probably
remain just what it now is--a nice place
to live for a man who can afford to he idle,
but no place for business y at least, so
long as the present generation shall live
The mistake Of placing fictitious values
on desirable sites for manufactures is
common one, owners seeming to lose sight
of the fact that the cnhanced value oftheir
remaining lands would amply compensate
for selling the few acres wanted at reduced
rates or even donating it. While useless
extravaganza, is always to he condemned.
wise outlays for the good of your fellows is
always to be commended. OF course, every
man has perfect right to do just as he
pleases about such matters; but the city
which is thus borne down by these human
dead-weights is indeed deserving of sym
pathy.