The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1904-08-13
SIDE WALKS OR NO?

The REPUBLICAN stands pat on its
recent utterances in regard to the
sidewalk matter, for in the particular
district under discussion there Is less
cause for kicking than in any in
which the cement sidewalk has been
laid. With possibly two or three ex-
ceptions, there Is not single property
holder along the entire eight blocks
within the proposed district that is
not fairly able to construct the walk,
and most Of them have petitioned for
1t, or If their names are not actually
signed to the petition they have signi-
fed their intention TO not protest.
And at least one or two OF those
least able TO pay are strictly In
favor Of 1t. Must the overwhelming
majority in this instance be deprived
of that which they want and have a
right to, simply because the proposed
improvement works temporary hard
ship on one or two or even dozen?
True, the walk isn't an absolute nee
essity but it is stepping stone in the
progress of the city that leads to the
betterment of public conditions, NOR
ally, socially, financially. The RE-
PUBLICAN contends that the improve
ment is but temporary hardship in
any instance, for any property is in
creased in value the cost of the walk.
A city progressive enough to have
good sidewalks with other improve
mentc that go with them, is progress
sive enough to attract capital. TO
interest the casual passerby, and offers
inducements to people of refinement,
culture and wealth. Good walks
are step In progress that must not
be stayed and most assuredly does THE
REPUBLICAN, support that law which
gives the one-third minority the pow
er TO force the two.thirds majority
to make necessary improvements.
The trainers of that law were astute
enough to see the necessity in Utah;
they saw the indifference to the
brighter and better things that go to
make up a more satisfactory existence;
they saw that such Improvements in
many instances would have to be
forced and fortunately for the pro.
grcss Of the cities of the state, and the
states good name among all the
Others, the bill passed legislature
which probably gave the matter at
least as much consideration as have
the present opponents to its pro-
visions.
The REPUBLICAN disagrees with
the opposition's statement that the
walks are mot essential TO either
public health or safety" Any mar
who has stood at the Woodruff corner
and watched the boys and girls wade
through the mud and slush that In
the winter and springtime Is ankle
deep from Main street TO First West
will not say that a walk there is moi
absolutely necessary TO health-ant
It's not greatly different elsewcre II
this city away from the paved walks
Many of the severe colds and cases o
pneumonia, which frequently prove
fatal in this country, may be traced
directly to the wet feet and bedraggl
ed clothing the result Of wading owe
sidewalks that are nothing Sut mut
and water. Good walks over this cit,
would save many doctor bills and i'm
Prove the general health of the child
den, and grown people as well, more
possibly, than can be calculated. TIL
REPUBLICAN believes that there ar
not dozen property owners in thi
city on whom the laying of cemen
sidewalks would work any irreparabl
injury or more than temporary incon
venience and is in favor of good walk
at any cost.