The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-02-21
THE WEATHER
THE AUDITORIUM MUST BE HAD.

From the editorial opinions OF the
Helena journal we assume that there is
an organized movement against provid-
ing an auditorium on the plan recently
suggested. Briefly summed our con-
temporary's views are as follows:
Tt is against an auditorium CON
%structed jointly BY the city council and
school board because it cannot Be fin
ished in ninety days; it favors the arm
ory as a substitute for an auditorium,
but finds an obstacle in the governors
objection to tho use Of a state building
for such purposes; it is finally satisfied
with a proposition from the fair assOcla-
ton which is willing to pay halt the cost
of constructing a fine auditorium build
ing on the fair grounds. Our contem-
porary is sure this building could be
constructed before June l, though it
does not explain why the former work
could not be done in that length of
time. @~
THE INDEPENDENT has favored the
plan agreed upon at the committee
meeting the other day because it seemed
the only feasible method OF providing an
auditorium before the first great con-
vention. All architects at the meeting
agreed that the building could be made
ready for use by June |. The conditions
are very simple and can be easily carried
out if the city council will say the word.
1t means a generous gift of land from the
school board, an appropriation from he
city, in return for which it will pay inter
est on it's own building instead Of rent for
the present library quarters, and be able to
rent the auditorium for entertainments.
It is a proposition which should result
to the city's advantage from a business
point of view.
But the point is that Helena must
have an auditorium If our citizens pro-
pose to make this the convention city Of
the northwest. The fact that three big
conventions will meet here this coming
summer should be sufficient evidence
of Helena's natural advantages for
meeting purposes. We have railroads,
hotels, everything but an auditorium
Huu JudU No IIll6G uuSe. 1OF. lOUl0 CHI
give we'll founded objections to the use
of the armory for conventions. But if
the building were given there are other
objections. It is too far away from the
hotels, a considerable amount of none,
would be required to make it available,
and the city would own nothing after
the expenditure. Tt is useless to dis
cuss the proposition of the fair a%ssocia-
ton, generous as it is. The citizens of
Helena are proud of the M. A. M. M. A.
and are thoroughly appreciative of the
energy, intelligence and enterprise that
have provided the finest rate track and
the best managed meetings in the north
west. But we feel sure the officers of
the association will agree that the park
is nc place for an auditorium that is to
be used in winter and summer alike.
The distance is too great to permit any
consideration of the project.
Now, then, 1t is quite time our citl-
zens we're awakening to the Importance
of this subject. 1t is reported on the
best authority that the A. O. U. w.
convention will not be held in this CITY
unless a suitable meeting place is pro-
vided and it is certain that the armory
will not be used for that gathering. 1t
would be a lasting disgrace to this city
if, after the magnificent work of the
committees, one of the conventions
should be lost through the failure Of our
citizens to respond to reasonable de-
mands for accommodations. Whv not
stand shoulder to shoulder and drive
this auditorium question to a successful
issue? Why not drop business or corpo-
ration J%ealonsies and work straight to
the mark for Helena? Let us see some
OF the results of the characteristic
energy that has made Helena the sound,
est and best city in the northwest.
Get together, gentlemen, and decide
upon the school boards offer or proooso
something better. DO not trifie or DELAY
and do not argue that an auditorium
annot be built within ninety lays. for
it can be done. 1t is only necessary for
you to do your part and do it quick.
If you fail the results will be more
serious than you imagine.