Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1902-11-26
FAIR AGREEMENT REACHED.

The action Of the officials of the
Montana Railroad Co.. and the re-
Spouse made by the council of Lew
istown, which forms the principal item
OF news this week, seems to positive
ly assure Lewistown of railroad con-
nections within a few months.
That Lewistown people want rail-
road connections is not a debatable
question, we think, n the fact that
Mr.. Lehman, who appeared as the on
ly opponent to the granting of a
right of way, takes the extreme
ground that a railroad is not wanted
and that 1t would be far better that
If a road must enter the Basin that
1t stop at Cottonwood, makes a re-
ply to his assertions almost needless.
II so appeared to the members of the
council, each of them largely interest
ed in the future of Lewistown and
We a scarcely question but that the
councilmen's action will meet with
the approval of ninety-nine per cent
of the people of Lewistown.
or course, 1t is to be regretted that
the railroad must pass along Eighth
avenue, which might have been MADE
one of the finest avenues in the city,
but it seems that Mr.. Harlow suffi-
GENTLY pointed out why it was impos-
sible-practically-for the road to go
either n or two squares above or
below and on Eighth avenue safe
crossings can be guaranteed. And
while some of the handsomest resi-
dences in the city are situated on
that emu 1t is noteworthy that no
other property owner appeared in OPP
position save Mr.. Lehman and Mr..
Laux. though advised of the possible
meeting expressed themselves as sat
isfed.
Inc Nlohtdud ihdiiiOdu COMPANY
asked but a right of way; their Off
GERS came not to Lewistown for a
bonus, for terminal facilities or for
special favors. While they had de-
termined to build to Lewistown they
wished to be in position to extend
their line east or north to the mines,
should future business warrant and
they did not wish 10 be held up" by
some future council. Mr.. Harlow
made no secret of the fact that the
company wished the future provided
for before the road was built to Lew
istown. The company may never de-
sire to build into the present occupied
section of the townsite, but it is well
for the present holders and possible
purchasers of real estate that it be
definitely known where the railroad
will go il extended: a stability to val
ues is thereby assured.
And aside from the question of pass
ing on Eighth avenue, little difficulty
was encountered in reaching an agree
ment. The company agreed to sev-
eral demands made by the council
and themselves offered certain guaran-
tees, such Is the placing of the ties
v e with the city grade, the planking
of street and alley crossings. fixing
the maximum speed of trains at ten
miles an hour within the city limits,
etc.
AT the suggestion of the council
the company withdrew its request Tor
right to lay It's own water mains and
readily acceded to a written stipula-
ton that but a single track be laid
OF Eighth avenue within certain pre-
scribed limits, and so changed the
construction of the ordinance grant
ing them the privilege of erecting
poles and stringing wires, that 1t
might not hereafter be construed to
give greater privileges than now de-
sired.
Altogether, We believe the company
officials made moderate demands. met
opposition reasonably and agreed to
a compromise by which they obtain
all that they really need, but which
at the same time amply protects the
rights of the people Of Lewistown.
The settlement of a franchise for
a railroad company was the most i'm
portant task undertaken by a council
of Lewistown and each member
seems to have approached the subject
in a spirit of fairness and while jeal.
GUS of the rights of citizens, recog-
nized the great benefit that the rail-
road would be to Lewistown and that
some concessions should be reason
ably made.
Though not adopted, the terms of