Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1901-04-17
m NEED or BETTER SERVICE.

IN MID VI BtIItR StRNICt.
1t must be apparent to every new
CONNER as well as every citizen of Lew
istown that our transportation facili-
ties are not up to the proper standard.
At this season Of the year, with storms
and bad roads, too much should not be
expected. Still there is oom for great
improvement in reasonable limits.
There is a demand from travel and
commerce that should be met with a
spirit Of enterprise and encouragement
both on the part of the Judith Stage
Company and the Montana railroad.
The number of homeseekers travelling
over the Northern Pacific and Burling-
ton lines is phenomenal, the trains run
ming in two or three sections several
days of the week. While a majority of
these are bound for Washington and
Oregon a goodly number are dropping
off at Montana points. 1t is safe to say
Fergus county is getting its share of
those seeking homes in this state.
Every facility and encouragement
should be afforded such in reaching
their destination from the main rail-
way lines. Not only this. The people
Of this ~populous region who furnish
business TO stage and railway lines are
deserving of the very best service that
can be given.
The Harlowton route is unquestion-
ably the preferable one in and
out of the great Judith Basin and rs
such should be brought to a high stan
dard ms regards the travelling and
freight moving facilities. To accom-
plish this, so far as it relates to the
travelling public, there should be mu-
tual cooperation between the stage
company and the railroad, and al
earnest effort made TO meet the rapidly
growing demand.
1t is true that the Montana railroad
was constructed at a great cost and be-
ing a comparatively new road requires
a considerable annual outlay of money
to keep it in repair. Such being the
case, rigid economy in its manage
ment Is essential to see any returns
from its first cost. However, Mr.. Ran
tout, the general manager, is familiar
with the Judith Basin and It's marvel
Gus and while at present
freight or tonnage is the great consider
alton and passenger travel only incl
dental. he realizes that the time is not
far distant, If not at hand. when pas
senger travel should he encouraged by
better Accommodations and quicker time.
We believe that with a complete stan
dard railroad coach for passengers and
the stage line equipped with Concord
coaches and good stock the travel over
the line would be double that of last
season. 1t is said that there is little
or no money to he made in staging to
railroad points at the present rates
charged passengers. II such is the case
then the rates should be raised. for
surely anyone obliged to travel by
coach would prefer to pay a dollar or
two more for a comfortable seat and
better time were he sure of getting it.
The little "jerkey" should be east aside.
IL is not only uncomfortable but dan.
gerous to life and limb. The peopl,
do not demand anything unreasonable.
but they sincerely hope the change in
ownership Of the Ilarlowton stage lin,
will mean Il betterment Of the servic,
instead Of a curtailment in the interes'
of some other outlet. Those travelling
on business or pleasure are anxious t,
reach a railroad as soon as possible an,
if Mr.. Mears and Mr.. Rantoul couldg &c
together and determine upon a gcner
Gus and up-to-date service for this re
gion it would result in profit to ther
and happiness to a people who hav
nearly everything in the world wort
having but good facilities for get
ting in and out of the country.
Mr.. BRYAN is somewhat grieycd owe