Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1903-11-11
AFFECTS OF THE RAILROAD.

How will the railroad affect Lewis
The object of the inquiry
being to learn whether it will be in
furious or beneficial. The progress
sive citizen and business man., who is
up in the collar and determined to
keep at the head of the procession,
welcomes the change to swifter meth
DDS of transportation and of doing
business and has no fears for the fu-
ture. The idea entertained by some
that prices for all commodities would
have to be cut to q basis that would
render profits much less was unwar-
ranted. While consumers will get a
substantial benefit from a reduction
in freight rates 1t does not signify
that a good margin will not be realiz-
ed by all dealers. And when the long
distance from eastern markets and
manufactures is taken into considera-
ton as well as the fact that
u population is small and sales nee
~essarily slower than in the east. pre-
venting quick returns on the money
invested. the necessity for good pro-
fits will be conceded.
The only danger to be feared to
business interests is over-crowd-
ing In lines already well represented.
Lewistown will grow in size and i'm
portance steadily but there is such a
thing as overriding. 1t has no a
ufacturlng and nj large pay roll in
the immediate vicinity, but draws its
business from a great distance and
from the varied industries of the
county, the trade being at times slow
but sure. Under the conditions there
is a demand for conservatism in that
the town is not doomed to a point
unwarranted by the supporting indus
tries. A town with business at a.
standstill or over-done is undesirable,
and while Lewistown has never been
in that condition in the past it is to
be hoped that it never will be in the
future.
No doubt hundreds come here only
to go away and say that there is no
opening for them in their line of bust
ness, it being fully represented. Per-
haps in most cases the decision is a
wise one. However, as the place
grows and new industries are start
ed there will be room for competition
in lines already established. But it
should not be invited or forced to the
detriment of all. No doubt there are
openings for lines not represented
here, il so. they should be encouraged
in every way.
OF course, the completion of the
railroad will naturally bring to Lew
istown the man with a scheme. Many
have heard OF the place but have post.
poned their coming rather than take
the stage ride. A number have been
here and more are coming. They
have heard of the generosity and pub.
lie spirit of our business men and
they want to get in their graft as soon
as possible. They are looking to Lew
istown for a rich harvest. Some OF
them should be disappointed. Those
of our citizens who have cultivated
the habit of saying yes will find II
necessary to practice up on the word
no"
Beware OF book agents, ~peddlers
insurance sharps, prize promoters
and last. but not least. newspaper
men. Montana has several large dai
lies that are conducted at an expense
not warranted by the population ant
patronage OF the state nor the cities
in which they are published. Som'
OF them are owned by mi~llionaires tt
crafty political and personal ambi
ton and the agents of these papers
are all over the state anxious L
write up" the country and its indus
tries for a consideration. Recently
firm in Lewistown was %approache,
, for $50 TO bear the expense OF sucl
a write-up. The production was
very poor one from any point of view
one illustration being upside down.
little of this will go a good ways
Lewistown is pretty well advertised a
present.
Patronize your own merchants an
industries so far as you can; spen'
e your money where you earn 1t wheI
possible. Be willing to pay fair price
: for what you consume, pay goo
4 wages for labor and there will be n
v danger of a railroad hurting our city
n We believe it will prove a benefit an
s a blessing.
Physicians Prescribe II
Many broad-minded physicians pre-