Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1901-06-12
MUNICIPAL OWNERSHIP.

4
So far us we are able to learn a ma
jority of the citizens Of Lewistown
municipal ownership of water
works, although this may not be abso-
determined without a vote on
the proposition. Some who favor it,
however, are in no hurry to proceed in
the matter, while others advocate
prompt action. And right here an inn
portant point is involved. Those who
do not want to proceed now, yet believe
in municipal ownership, are in danger
of taking the position of the dog in the
manger. They do not want the city
authorities to take the step and yet do
not favor giving the franchise to pri-
vate parties. There is n thing that
can be said in favor of the latter plan,
and that is il you do not want the water
you do not have TO take it, hence you
will not be taxed for it. And while il
is true that a good many Of our citizens
are provided with good wells, free from
contamination, and have gone to con-
| siderable expense to secure water for
their lawns, yet we believe nearly every
one Of them recognizes the advantage
of a water system and its need from a
sanitary point of view, and favor the
Inauguration of the project at once,
either by the city or by individuals.
1t has too often occurred that young
municipalities have left such enterprises
to private individuals who by shrewd
and careful management have made
them big-paying investments by the
growth of the cities. After they have
taken the risk and waited for their in
vestmcnts to pay, then comes the cry
of monopoly and regret that the city
does not W the works.
According to the Tribune, Great Falls
and Bozeman are the only two cities in
the state owning their water works
though White sulphur Springs, which
has a town government; has owned
them for several years. While munich
pal ownership is giving good results in
Bozeman the experiment is not wholly
satisfactory at the Falls.
As regards White Sulphur Springs, a
place not as large as Lewistown, we
learn from a citizen now in this city
that the best results are being realized.
The plant at that place has been in
operation about three years and cost
100000. Since its completion the town
has paid $4,000 in interest and S., 200 on
the principal. The expense of operation
has been a mere bagatelle, the town
marshal collecting the water tax. But
the water supply is secured by natural
gravity, pumping works not being
required, which, of course, makes con.
siderable di Inference.
While as a general proposition public
works are not operated as economically
as are private enterprises, still we have
great faith in the future of Lewistown
we believe its growth is going to b,
steady, il not rapid, and that by tn,
time water works are installed anC
ready for use they will at least prov,
self-sustaining and add greatly to the
comfort, convenience and health of tn,
place.
We have had electric lights seven Of
eight years; they were introduced be
fore Lewistown had a town govern
ment. Now that the plant has become
valuable because of good management
and the growing demand for light
there is a complaint in certain quarter
because it is not compelled to pay
royalty for the privilege of existing
1t is certainly out of the question for
place of the size and taxable propert,
of Lewistown to own all of the publ,
utilities. Let us start with one at
time and as we grow stronger contro
the others, il it can be demonstrate,
that it will be to the city's advantage
and il doubtless can be when there is
demand for street lighting.
The telephone is a convenience in tn,
transaction of business, but not
necessity in the sense that water an,
lights are held.
If there is money in a water plant 70
individuals the city can at least max
ends meet. 1t should move in the mat
ter at an early period or give way t
private enterprise. Let the question b
auitated