Danville intelligencer. [volume] (Danville, Pa.) 1859-1907, 1905-03-17

FOR GREATER
DANVlLLE

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That our neighbors on the South side
of the river are not of conservative
class that would oppose all change and
improvement begins to be pretty obvi-
ous. Their strong effort to secure free
delivery of mail was described in these
columns elsewhere. Among improve
ments in view ara electric light
for both streets aud residences aud a
water system that would enable them
to MAINTAIN fire department.
The most ambitious dream, however,
cherished by the South Side residents
is that they in time may become a part
of Danville. thereby securing as their
just and legal portion municipal
light and municipal water, along wit h
free delivery of mail aud many other
advantages, which are now only re-
mote possibilities to be obtained at
personal sacrifice and heavy public
outlay.
1t is not generally known, but it is
nevertheless fact that some of the
leading spirits of Riverside Borough
and Gearhart township have been
quietly talking over the matter for
some time past and have concluded
that the only way in which either
Riverside or South Danville can grow
and develop is by becoming part of
Danville. They are perfectly aware
that opposition will rise up, but they
profess no doubt but that it can be ac.
complished, just as the county lines
have been changed else where and bor-
ough limits moved SO as to embrace a
larger area
An official of Riverside Borough yes
terday presented the whole scheme to
a representative of the Morning News.
Viewed from the standpoint of Dan
vile, he said, the prime movers could
see little or no possibility of opposi-
tion. "A Greater DanvilIe. and in-
cidentally a greater Montour county.
which as is we'll known is inoonve-
niently small in area, constituted pro-
position which would no doubt be
welcomed with open arms. In this
way population of some 1900, thrift y
industrious people, a large percentage
of whom own their own homes, would
be added to Danville. while the ter
ritory gained would be unequalled
anywhere, abounding in most desir-
able building sites not only for dwell
lings but also for manufactures.
Taking the town as whole now that
the fine iron bridge is completed aud
the two trolley lines are assured con-
solidation is all that is needed to in.
sure steady growth of the place and
to give it an Importance which would
soon rank with the large towns of the
state.
Speaking for South Danville and
Riverside he said they would have
every thing to gain. AS it is their
people are all employed in Danville
and their interests lie ON that side of
the river. A single exception lies in
the case of court, which is held at
Sunbury, but this only illustrates the
benefits of annexation. To attend court
now the residents of the South side
are obliged to lose much time and to
expeDd money for car fare and hotel
accommodations, while if able to eff.
feet annexation they would have the
advantage of living in the county seat.
AS things stand now they feel that
they are slighted considerably by
Northumberland county, which seems
to regard them as an out-of- the way
locality. naturally and in effect belong
ing to Montour county where il such
great measure their sympathies and
their interest lie.
A water system is very badly need
ed in the South side, but independent.
ly it is too expensive proposition to
be handled bv the township or the Bor-
ough of Riverside. A proposition in
the past was made to nanville from
that source looking to the fea ,ibility
of laying main across the river and
furnishing the South side with water
for consideration. The proposition
was discussed by Council, but reject.
ed. Meanwhile wells have had to suffice
on the South side aud while 10 des-
tructive fires have occurred property
of all forms has been wholly at the
mercy of circumstances. The people
there have now come to regard annexa.
tion to Danville as the only feasible
method of obtaining Borough water
with anything like adequate Ire pro-
lection.
The matter, our informant states, has
been little more than talked over up
to the present. although all are in fav.
or of Immediately entering upon full
Investigation to determine how far the
scheme is feasible, after which the
matter will be fully agitated and pro.
cedure decided upon.
Long Funeral Trip.
Because the Berwick bridge was
swept away by last Springs great food
and there is 10 means of crossing the