The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-03-20
More Discussion on the Policy OF
Adopting a New Charter
for Helena.
A Few Of the Trainers Reply to
the Charge Of Mr.. Hersh-
field.
Rejected vt tho Els0-
ton.

As the charter election approaches inter
est increases. All talk OF tho city election
or candidates for the mayornlty has sub
sided until after the charter ID either re-
iected or adopted. The political lines have
not been drawn thus far in the discussion
to an appreCiable extent. The First and
Sixth wards will cast q heavy majority
against the charter and it ia doubtful how
the other wards will vote. Under these
conditions the rejection of the instrument
seems probable thought sentiment is likely
to change to q degree II the friends Of the
charter will get down to work. There was
some talk about holding meetings for dis
cussion but nothing has been done in this
line. Several ward politicians and Office
holders have been actively at work against
the charter in the First and Sixth wards
and say it will be beaten two to one. The
more prominent citizens are divided OH the
policy of passing the measure. For in
stance Col. Broadwater of the Montana Ma
tional bank and President Murphy of the
Helena National favor it and President
Hershfield of the Merchants. President
Edgerton OF the Second National and cash.
ier First National are against it. Hon. J. b.
Clayberg, Hon. A. Il. Nelson and Hon.
Kobt. b. Smith say it is constitutional,
while X Ex-Governor Carpenter and Col. Bot
kin say 1t is not.
The weight Of opinion is in favor of
giving the charter at least u trial.
County Clerk and Recorder John s.
Tooker ought to know something about
municipal affairs, for he was mayor of the
prosperous city Of Lansing, Mich, for
three terms. While speaking about the
new charter yesterday he said: II will vote
for the new charter and | believe il should
be adopted for the interest of the city.
The section which meets most with my
favor is chat which places the cost of
street improvements on abutting property.
Look for instance at Main street and see
the mud. 1t is proposed to have this street
improved n place the weight OF the cost
where it belongs, on the men who own
property along the street. That is the cost
will not be taxed on some poor widow who
owns property at the other end OF the town.
This section alone is sufficient to induce me
to vote for the charter. | canno say that
am very favorably impressed with the idea
of u board Of public works, for I think
that a good mayor and council will be able
to look after the city's work. The charter
on the whole should be adopted and given a
fair trial"
Alderman Thompson said that the char
ter would not pass with the present indica-
tions. He thought that Main street would
be paved this year, charter or no charter,
and said he would do all he could to bring
this about.
County Attorney Nolan said that he was
heartily in favor of the charter, and hoped
it would be adopted.
Mr.. I. II. Kleinschmidt, of the First Ma
tional bank, says he finds some things in
abe charter to commend, and some of
which he does not approve. One Of the
things which he does not like is the e'ec-
ton Of aldermen at large. He thinks it
liable to result in having the city council
schmidt says there are other features with
which great fault might be found, but will
not say whether he considers the objection
able features outweigh the good.