Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1893-11-10
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tracts, build the roads for so much
money over and above the sums
appropriated by the State. Then
we shall know to a dollar the sum
the county will be called on to pay.
This information is itself valuable.
The existing uncertainty as to the
cost of building these roads has
always been the bug-a-boo to scare
people out of the enterprise. For
all that any of us know to the con-
trary the roads can be built at a
good profit for the amount of the
State appropriations.
But even if the total cost to the
county were $25, 900, making $50,
600 for the total cost of the two
roads, we would still advise the
expenditure, in full confidence that
after results in the way of an in
creased assessment, larger popula-
ton, and growth of trade in gener-
al would justify the wisdom of the
investment. But we do not appre-
hend that the county would be
called on to pay more than SO, 900
at the most, and from our stand
point it is folly to hesitate longer.
We know that times are hard, that
the delinquent tax list will be a
long one, and that it looks unrea-
sonable to incur new obligations at
such time; but on the other hand
the disbursing of $50 200 of State
money in this county next summer
for labor, etc, would do much to
relieve the money stringency;while
the manifold benefits to follow from
the opening of these roads to our
tributary mining camps would be
incalculable.
1t is also well enough to take
look ahead. Almost the entire
trade of Warrens camp, which be-
longs here, has gone elsewhere be-
cause of inefficient road supervi-
sion. If we do not provide an out
let for the people of Elk City they
will pretty soon provide an outlet
for themselves to Montana. 1t is
no further from Elk City to Lewis
ton than from Elk City to Deer
Lodge, with the advantage in favor
of Deer Lodge that it is 500 miles
nearer eastern markets than Lew
iston is. The live Montana business
men of Butte City, Anaconda, Mis-
soula, Helena and Deer Lodge are
all alive tf The future of Elk City,
and will not hesitate to spend
100000 to rush in wagon road
from the Montana side at the first
indications of a boom in the camp.
What do we pay taxes for, any
way? What were county surveys
made over these routes last sum
mer for? Why did both the dem
ocratic and republican county con-
vention pledge their candidates for
county commissioners last fall to
proceed with the building of these
roads at the sole expense of the
county when there was no expccta-
ton that the State would appro-
pirate a dollar in aid thereof?
Why is Mr.. Telcher paid $5 per
day out of the county treasury for
each days actual service on the
State Wagon Road Commission, if
1t is intended that the work of that
commission is to be thrown away :?
Think of the sum involved, S35,-
600; more money than the assess
ment roll shows any two men in
the county to be worth, and every
dollar of it to be spent in this
county for labor, food and supplies
at time when its expenditure will
be most beneficial; and all for en-
terprises of the most permanent
character, the beneficial effects
of which will endure for genera
tions. The time for action arrives.
Let our county commissioners
prove themselves the men for the
emergency. The prospect of a rail
road is more remote than ever.
Shall we stagnate on Camas Prai-
rie for another decade, or shall we,
in the slang Of the day, get move
/ on ourselves?