Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1902-10-23

such shape as 10 entirely preclude
the possibility of this work being
undertaken by the county. At
this juncture the business men OF
Grangeville came to the aid of the
county with substantial assistance,
and with the citizens of Elk City
and the mining men interested in
properties in that vicinity, succeed
ed in completing the road from
point one mile west of the New
some house to Elk City, a distance
of over 20 miles. In the construc-
ton of this road Grangeville did
even more than her citizens had
agreed to do. 1t was agreed that
the citizens of Grapgeville should
construct that part OF the road
from near the Newsome house to
the summit Of the mountain, and
this was done; but finding q bal
ance of some 5000 in the treasury
after this part was completed the
amount was not refunded to the
subscribers, but was made to go as
far as it would in helping to con-
struct the balance OF the road.
In 1896 the necessity of road
from Elk City to Dixie, owing to
development there reaching such a
stage that heavy machinery was
necessary for further work, became
apparent A survey of this road
was made by the citizens of Dixie
and in the spring of 1897 recourse
was again had, unavailingly, to the
county commissioner praying that
this road be constructed. Repre-
senting the citizens Of Dixie and
Elk City, ! came to Grangeville,
explained the situation to the bust
ness men Of the village and asked
their assistance. l am able to say
that they promptly responed to the
amount of over $1,000. With this
as starter application was again
made, unofficially, to two of the
board of county commissioners
with the result that 9 promise was
given of an allowance Of $500, tC
be voted for at their next meeting
in July. With this promise as a
basis, together with the subscrip-
ton mentioned and the assistance
of the farmers of Camas Prairie,
who gave produce when they could
not give money, work was imme'
diately started on the construction
of the road from Elk City to Dixie
At the July meeting Of the boarG
of county commissioners it was
however, found that conditions
were such that the allowance o
the promised $500 was out Of the
question. Upon this an appeal was
once more made to the citizens O
Grangeville, the road being already
under construction, and this appea
was, as before, not in vain. Many
Of the former subscribers doubled
their subscriptions, and in order te
help things along and to cooperate
with the Dixie people considerable
mining stock was purchased of the
operators there with Grangevillt
money on condition that the pro
ceeds of the sales Of such stock
should be applied to the construc
ton of the road. By this means
aided by generous subscriptions
from Elk City and Dixie, the road
was finally completed and it stands
today, so to speak, as a monumen,
to the enterprise and liberality o
the citizens and business men o.
these places.
The main objection to the re-
moval of the county seat to Grange
vile comes, I am. sorry to say, from
one who is engaged in successful
mining operations at Elk City and
who is at the present time enjoy
ing the facilities of transportation
furnished him. in great part, as
above explained, by the citizens Of
this village. I can but deprecate
the action of this gentleman, and
trust that when he shall have re.
viewed these facts he will see thai
such an attitude is unworthy oil
one who, it has been my pleasure
to observe, is in other respects con.
structed on broader lines.
Very respectfully,
JAMES p. TURNER.