The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-17
What Will Dillon Say?
he Editor OF the Standard:

To the Editor Of the Standard:
Now that our progressive journal
has so successfully assisted in ter
minating the Great Falls water fight,
we ask you to lend your aid to the ci.-
liens of this city in securing a water
plant which can be installed IL the real
taxpayers are only permitted to have
their desires gratifed. In order IN
bring the matter fully to your notice It
will be necessary to state that for sew
en- years the water works question has
been discussed by each succeeding
council. once bonds were voted for
this purpose. and thousands spent in
preparing plans and specifications for
a water system from Rattlesnake
creek. For reasons best known to the
council then in power. the matter was
allowed to pass without beginning ac-
tual work.
Two franchises have been granted TO
individuals, who. each in turn, failed
to construct the much needed works,
n after one years delay we are now
again entering into that seaso of the
yea which in the past carried Of
many OF our lear ones through that
dread yearly visitor. typhoid. At this
writing the irrigation water has per-
meated the earth within the entire
limits of the city. and has found its
way into the wells and vaults Until all
is n inseparable, poisonous liquid.
which brings OF nausea when taken
straight. Our people to use the water
for IN purpose must first boil Ii. This.
too, in a city the size of Dillon that
boasts of it's beautiful homes. shady
trees and verdant lawns; the home of
the state normal, an institution which
brings visitors and students number
ing hundreds each season. all must
drink this vile stuff, IL they drink ut
all.
Recently a franchise was asked by
outside parties for the privilege Of
constructing a water system and fur
nishing to the citizens the pure water
OF Murray's springs. The writer had the
privilege OF looking over his PROPOSE
ton, and at the time concluded IL vas
the best offer ever made to the city.
and for the least sum. The applicant
in that case. IL the franchise was
granted. offered the city the use OF 26
fire hydrants for the payment by the
city of 81, 500 per annum.
A second proposition was offered by
the same parties to construct a system
and turn IL over to the city for s25. 900
in city bonds. Our council. acting
within themselves. have never made
known to our citizens these offers. but
have retarded every effort in this di-
~rection, Notwithstanding they were
elected on this issue. and promised %
our people a water system which would
furnish pure and healthful water for
fire and domestic purposes.
1t IS not necessary to mention the
many advantages derived from a first
class water system. In the matter of
health alone IL would fully repay the
outlay. not TO speak Of the reduction NJ
fire insurance premiums. This alone
will more than pay for the annual
rental asked for fire hydrants by the
last applicant for the franchise.
In starting to write this article l in
ended TO be brief. but | find 1t neces-
sary to go further and state that il has
been our experience. with two or
three OF our property owners, when
ever a progressive movement is set on
foot for the betterment of our beauti-
full city. hat these property owners
set back in the harness OF opposition.
and without fail defeat the objects
aimed at. while they themselves, with
shyIock tenacity. carve out their pound
OF flesh.
Let me add that our council has now
stated to the people that IL is too late
his season to construct a water sys-
tenn, and IL must go over to another
year. The writer is authorized 10 say
that II the council will grant a ran
chise during the month OF July to par
ties desiring To secure a franchise. the
said parties will nave water flowing in
the kitchens Of the residences OF Dillon
within 90 days after such franchise IS
granted, and offer 5000 bonds as a
guarantee.
A DILLON TAXPAYER
Dillon. July is. 1855.