The Butte inter mountain. [volume] (Butte, Mont.) 1901-1912, 1901-09-12
the "AalNNfSOTA PLAN"


Governor Toole having asked for sug.
gestions from the people of the state for
a plan to have Montana properly rep
resented at the Louisiana Purchase ex-
position, several have been offered. The
legislature made no provision for
commission, no money was appropriated
for the purpose, and though tn. desire
is general for a creditable display. the
same can not be secured without an
united effort on the part OF the people
It is probable that Governor Toole will
appoint an advisory commission to ar
range for a Montana exhibit. This can
be easily be done. To raise money to
carry on the enterprise Is not 50 easy.
It will take a considerable sum to secure
and install an exhibit that will properly
represent the resources of this wonder
full state.
The plan to raise money. the one that
seems most feasible, which has the en-
dorsement of Governor Toole. is known
as the Minnesota plan." by when Min
nesota raised funds sufficient to secure
a splendid showing at the Columbian
exposition. This plan is best explained
by Mr.. Thomas c. Kurtz. cashier OF the
National Bank of Montana at Helena,
who was a resident OF Minnesota at
the time The Minnesota legislature
made an appropriation of $4,000 for
display at Chicago. That amount was
found to be inadequate. and it was pro-
posed to raise $15O.0OO additional and IT
was done. After many plans had been
canvassed," said Mr.. Kurtz, ut was de-
termned to try the one that was al
terward successfully carried out. The
assessed valuation of each county In the
state was taken, and then the pro rata.
according to the assessed valuation, OF
the $4,000, was apportioned to the dl1-
ferent counties This done, a financial
agent was appointed, and he visited each
county. In some counties the county
commissioners were able to give an Or
der for the amount apportioned to the
county. Where this was not done, from
half a dozen to 20 citizens of the county
went on note for the county's snare
of the sum it was proposed to raise.
These notes We're taken to the local bank
and the cash secured on them, at a low
rate of interest. The banks were Will
ing to help the cause that much, ana
there was little trouble in getting the
notes. When the legislature met an
appropriation of $4,000. in addition to
that already made of $4,000 was asked
for. and it was voted unanimously.
With that the notes We're paid, and Tnus
each county in the state had personal
interest in the display at Chicago and
the work was not delayed.
eft has seemed to me that this Mime
sofa plan is one that might be used IN
connection with the display OF Montana
at St. Louis. There is no question OF the
sentiment of the people. Governor Iooie
might appoint an advisory commission
it's duty being to arrange for the dis
n1av. This commission might take UP
this plan and I am sure 1t would De as
successful here as it was in Minnesota
do not know how much money Gov
ernor Toole has in mind as the sum re-
ouisite to give this state the display II
| is entitled to at st. Louis. Say II Is
| $4,000. The pro rata share Oh uhe
smaller counties, that is those with the
least assessed valuation, woul1 not be
| large. while the more wealthy countess
such as Silver Bow, Lewis and Clarke
and Cascade, would advance larger
nroportion. When the legislature meets
the amount the counties may advance
will be appropriated, and the notes
taken up. Then again, not all or the
money that may be raised IN the way
mentioned will be used. But 1t VIII
guarantee a sufficient sum to begin ano
carry on the work until the legislature
meets and makes an appropriation. by
having each county interested according
to its assessed wealth, it was FOUND II
Minnesota that much greater interest,"
WAS taken in the matter, and when the
legislature met the appropriation was
made without any bitterness or stra1e.
Just how this Minnesota plan ,1o'
raising money may take with the people
remains to be seen. The people OF ehe
state are agreed that Montana must N
represented at st. Louis In a cred1taol'
manner and that agreed to. all dimcui
ties will be overcome.