The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-02-02
SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 2. 1895.
II May Be Best to Wait.


fact remains that Helena is on record
respecting the spending of money for
a capitol building and grounds What
was said in Helena's behalf, during
the capital fight, was in the shape of
a campaign argument. 1t may be
that campaign arguments don't count
there is tradition to that effect
However that may be, the fact re-
mains that many voters in Montana,
when the capital contest was on,
found themselves influenced by the
representations which were persist
emily put out by the advocates of
Helena. These representations were
that, for years to come, the people of
the state would not be put to cent of
expense, beyond modest rent, for the
accommodation of the legislature or
the departments.
This plea in favor of alleged econ
omy was pushed upon the attention of
the people. 1t had weight-especially
in Butte, where many people,
prompted by a spirit of unselfishness,
voted for Helena, although they knew
that the capital at Anaconda would
be a direct benefit to property in
Butte.
Itseems to us that the city that won
so worthy prize as that which Hell
ena scored in getting the capital
ought, at least, to present TO the state
all the land that is needed for capitol
grounds, with cash subscription OF.
say, 100000 toward state house.
The people of Montana paid the city
of Helena very handsome compli-
ment last November. Possibly it is
warmly appreciated by our friends in
that city; but the movement to sell to
the people the land needed for capitol
grounds is not in evidence of gratitude
on Helenas part
To say nothing about what might be
deemed the courtesies due the state in
this affair, it seems to us that the
promptings of wise public policy
should so influence the action of the
Legislature as to result in the post
ponement of the proposition to pick
out and buy grounds for the uses of
the state at this time. Governor
Richards referred to this matter in his
recent message, one para graph of
which says: "Inasmuch as comfort.
able quarters for the use of the state
can be rented and the safety of the
archives assured, | do not deem it ad.
yisable at this time to incur expense
In the matter of erecting buildings Il
recommend, however, that provision
be made for the appointment of com
mission, non-partisan in character
whose duty it shall be to procure a
site for capitol building, while suit
able grounds can be purchased at a
minimum expense TO the state"
If the citizens of Helena really do
not intend TO present TO the people of
Montana the site for a capltol-as any
other aspirant among the cities of the
state would gladly have done-the leg
lslature will probably be obliged 10
buy. The governors suggestion is
that a site should be secured while
suitable grounds can be purchased at
a minimum expense" That theory is
quite right Guided by this hint. our
suggestion is that now is not the time
TO buy-land in Helena will be cheaper
later on than it is to-day. We say this
in no spirit of prejudice.
BY the way, a two-column adver- |
tisement in an obscure once-a-week |
publication IN Helena attracts our at
tention. Ii is a summons: it is the |
preliminary step in proceedings for |
the foreclosure of mortgage The |
action is brought by the Central Trust |
company, of New York, trustee: the I
defendant Is the North Helena Land /,
and Improvement company. In its /
heartless way the concern in New I
FORK proposes 10 foreClose a mort /
gage which covers cIghty-three full !
lots, plated, within IN. limits of the |
city of Helena; eight fractional plat /
ted lots; forty-sIX and four oue-huu- I
dredths acres within the limits of the 4
city; and two thousand and seventy /
I'VE acres adjoining and near the cor /
pOrate limits Of the SAID city Of iIel- /
eua.' Under proceedings Of this pro-
portion, We say that Z IS not good