The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-07-20
TOPICS OF THE TOWN,

Tho action of the trustees in appointing
4 Michigan man to fill the vacancy caused
by Librarian Sulgrovs's resignation does
not meet with the approval of all citizens.
The adverse sentiment il best expressed by
the following letter to The INDEPENDENT
from a we'll known lady in this city. She
writes: why should the trustees send to
Michigan for q librarian when there are 50
many men and women in Helena thor
ouRhly competent for the duties of the
position, and who. indeed, would be very
glad TO have it. The unemployed in Hell
ena are not all day laborers. There are
women here who are trying hard to earn a
living. but there is a lack Of opportun-
tiles. A Roodly number Of them are IA
miliar with our city library. and could take
charge OF it in a manner acceptable to all.
For this reason the action of the trustees
seems to mo open to very severe criticism
and should be explained. They make thor
money in Helena; they want the support of
Helena citizens at all times, and protest
when they do not have it. Why do they
not exercise reciprocity in this instance
when the city certainly would not suffer BY
the ap ointment of a local librarian.
would like to hear a reply from the trus-
tees who voted for the Michigan man, and,
if possible, learn where he got his pull
The above Communication was shown to
one of the trustees, who very promptly re.
piled: There was no pull about it. Our
city library has reached the stage of growth
when a fret class trained librarian ia
needed. The books need re~catalopulnp
md rearranging, and for this purpose we
hired the best man We could find. We
would have besn glad to have given the
position to some one in town, but after
careful investigation we found no one capa-
BILE of doing the work as il should be done.
The library is growing finely with tho use
OF a good annual appropriation, and before
very long will be one of the best public
lib aries in the west. Now, then. We pro-
pose to have it under the most capable
charge to the end that the growth may not
be retarded and that all citizens may be
satisfied. On tho recommendation OF
Librarian Dewey, of the New York state
library. one of the greatest authorities in
the country. we have secured F. l.. Patten,
of Michigan. We hnve the best of reasons
for believing he will prove entirely accepta-
BILE for a position that requires more ability
than the majority of people seem to apprs-
%ciate."
1t is high time the militia removed that
sign II. &c art exhibition tonight" from
the walls Of the arnory. 1t is an eye sore
on a state building and 10 wholly unneces-
sary because art exhibitions are no longer
given there.
1.-THE war in the Ceur d'Alenes is strik-
ing proof of tho wisdom in selecting Helena
as Il site for the new military post" said n
prominent officer of the state militia yes
to day. There will be no more trouble with
Indians in this western country. What is
to be most feared is an outbreak like that
in the Cmur u'Alenes. II anything should
occur III any part Of the state and particu-
la,ly in Butte, troops could be moved from
Helena in a few hours. This is the central
point of the state, the junction of two
trunk line railways and commands the en-.
tire country. Tn militia of Montana ia in
excellent condition, but if a labor war &C.
Cured federal troops would be absolutely
necessary. You see in certain scctions of
tho state the militia companies are COM
posed of men who would sympathize with
the men who might be on the other side of
the fence"
Sometime ago the w. G.. #. U. of this
city established a neat little drinking
fountain located conveniently at the corner
Of Sixth avenue and Main street. During
these hot days it would be literally patron
lied if the water were running and q drink
ing cup could b. found.
A we'll known Butte capitalist who has
been in town several DAYS says that tn,
latest and most interesting feature of or
ganized labor in the big camp is the asso
citation of servant girls. Some time az,
they met. elected officers. n1epsrsd q cou,