Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1890-09-20
The Capital Question.

The question Of the permanent loca-
ton of the state capital is not, as yet
icing discussed to any considerable
extent in the Black Hills. The fact oi
there being but little discussion in
dulged in by the people of the Hills
upon this important question, is prob
ably due to the largely prevailing senti-
ment in favor of Pierre, which may be
said to be practically unanimous. The
CHRONICLE voiced the sentiment of a
very large majority of the people of the
Hills in its ardent support of Pierre for
temporary capital during the late con-
test, to the end that the temporary loca-
ton of the capital at that place would be
an important point gained toward the
establishment of the permanent capital
there. The location of the temporary
capital at Pierre, or any other point,
apart from the influence 1t weuld bring
to bear in the direction of permanent
location, was a matter Of trifing mo-
ment, and IL Is entirely safe to conclude
that the vote cast for Pierre In the Hills
last year, was correct expression Of
public sentiment upon the question of
its permanent location. The situation
is practically the same as it was last
year, so far as this part of the state is
concerned, and it is reasonable sup
position that the result Of the ballot will
not be materially changed. There are q
number Of important considerations
involved in the proper location of the
capital Of state, the most important of
which is central location as near as nay
be practicable, with reference TO popula-
ton and geographical boundaries. The
selection OF the site should not nee
essarily be made with view to its
location in the present centre of popula-
tion, but with a proper regard for
probable future contingencies which are
liable to effect a material change in this
respect. If the relocation of the capital
of any one of the older states was con-
templated. the case would be materially
different. as it would only be necessary
to determine the location best adapted
to the accommodation Of the masses for
the present, which would not be subject
to change in the future to any consider
able degree; but in a new state like
a'ohth bNhOtut bhO SChtCi Va
population is subject TO change by the
future development of resources, es-
pecially mineral, which are at present
comparatively untouched, should be
carefully considered, and the location
selected with special reference to future
probabilities. Pierre's central location,
geographically, is fixed beyond the
possibility of change by any possible
contingency other than a change of state
boundaries, and while she is not at
present in the center of population,
every indication points to the con-
clusion, that when the state shall have
fairly entered upon the plane ofprogress,
when the mineral resources of the state
have been fully developed, and mining
Industries are established, giving direct
employment to many thousands, and
resulting indirectly in furnishing a
means of livelihood for many thousands
more, it will be found that Pierre will
be more nearly central with reference
to.the population OF the state than any
other place that could have been select
ed. Her location upon the most inn
portant river of the state is also an ad-
vantage which ~ patent 70 all, OF wnlcn
IT IS onry necessary to make a passing
reference, and her future accessibility
can only be questioned by those who
are unfamiliar with western progress,
and who enormously pin their faith to
the outrageous barren waste" theory of
the Huron press, which still proclaim
the fallacious belief. contracted in
childhood, Of the actual existence of the
great American desert, as laid down in
the visionary maps Of their boyhood
DAYS,