Fergus County argus., 1901-10-30


business men are much occupied with
their own affairs, or tits more probable
that the laxity of interest is because
the prevailing opinion last summer was
so unanimously in favor Of municipal
ownership.
BY voting to raise the limit Of in
debtedness TO eight mills the taxpayers
made it possible for the bonding propo-
sition TO be submitted, and it is hardly
probable that having SO unanimously
approved the first step they will reverse
that verdict by defeating the authoriza-
tion Of bonds.
But at the last election probably not
one-third of those entitled to vote
ayailed themselves Of the privilege, and
it is TO be hoped that not only will the
proposition be thoroughly understood
by the taxpayers but that a much larger
percentage will take sufficient interest
To record their wishes. 1t is well that
the law provides that in matters OF this
kind only taxpayers shall have the right
to vote, for upon them will fall the
burden.
1t is proposed to offer for sale $50, 900
in bonds to bear five per cent interest
aud to be redeemable after ten years
and payable at the end Of twenty. The
proceeds of the sale Of these bonds are
TO be used for the purpose Of procuring
a water supply and providing a system
of sewerage for the town. There is no
gainsaying the fact that water supply
is needed and that some system Of sew
erage is absolutely essential to guard
against the affections which are certain
to occur If the present state of affairs is
permitted to exist.
Whether a gravity system of supply
ing water-that is, by securing il at a
sufficient elevation to permit of its run
ming naturally into the mains Of the
city-bc best or a pumping plant be adj
visable is something for engineers. not
editors. to discuss. and we have little
doubt but that if the money for such
work be placed at the disposal of the
board of aldermen they will accept the
plan which is advised by the best engi-
neers obtainable.
II is believed that the revenue to be
derived from supplying water TO the
people Of Lewistown will be sufficient
To provide for the expenses of opera
tion and leave balance ample for the
creation of the required sinking fund
from which the money thus borrowed
must be repaid. But the interest on
those bonds must be paid by direct tax
alton, and at the valuation placed upon
city property this year the levy will
necessarily be about three mills, or 50
upon each $1,000 valuation. This is a
considerable burden. but there are few
who doubt that within short space OF
time Lewistown will have doubled in
population and trebled in wealth, when
the necessary levy will, of course, be
proportionately lower. We are not OF
those who believe that since the build.
ing of a railroad through the Basin
with Lewistown left out for time, the
town is TO decline in importance or il:
growth lie retarded.
IL an adequate water supply is pro
vided the present exorbitant insuranc,
rates will be greatly reduced; owners o.
lawns, growing trees, gardens, etc.
will find the cultivation made much
easier and cheaper; the health of the
people must certainly be improved and
all can live more comfortably than
now; but for the taxpayer it is going tC
prove costly for few years, and all al
vantages and possible disadvantages
should be well considered. After the
votes are counted and the bonds are
offered il will be too late to debate the
question, and we earnestly hope that a
more lively interest will be manifested
in the matter.than now appears.
The time for the vote has been set for
November l2th. Every person must
register at the time provided or they
cannot vote. 1t is the duty of every
taxpayer to participate in that election
and we little question that the major
ity will decide the matter Alright.