The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1906-07-13

called for quitclaim deeds to the land
with its appurtenances; the buildings
we're sold ard paid for and delivery
guaranteed on the first of January.
Tenants to the property insisted on re-
tanning possession, and in the eleventh
hour the buildings we're destroyed by
fire. The village council took steps to
get the fire insurance; the purchaser of
the "appurtenances' beheld no appurte-
nances but heaps of ashes; his money
was gone and he had a guarantee from
the village that the buildings should be
delivered to HIM. A village ordinance
forbade anyone erecting such frame
buildings as might be suitable to meet
his guarantee, and the agents Of the in
surance companies refused to make
terms, because, as they said, there were
indications of incendiarism; that they
might not pay cent and, in addition,
might prosecute. Many citizens had
debts whose collection would depend on
the payment Of the various insurance
claims, and the insurance agents agents
cast reflections, saying that men who
knew things would mot reveal them for
fear of losing their bills.
The man Who had bought the build
ings was given back his money. There
was not money enough left to pay up on
the options; the men who were selling
the lots talked Of forfeiture Of money
already paid; the men who had closed
out their business for consideration were
entitled to their money, and the village
fathers were in trouble. They hunted
up defects in titles and threatened to
condemn the lots and take possession
without paying cent; secured the pay
ment OF insurance into their hands for
the buildings; got the owners to accept
payment who gave quitclaim deeds to the
property. The rubbish was removed, the
old cellars and other holes filled and the
street graded. a.. e.,,.
The men who bore the heaviest
burdens Of opening the street seem salts
fed with what has been done, while those
who bore none Of the immediate expense,
worked against the bond issue and pre-
dicted failure all the while, will all ac-
knowledge that the street is open but
may doubt the wisdom OF having it open.
Their contention that it would prevent
the organization and equipment of fire
department for long period has, in
measure, been refuted by the fact that
such equipment was in use here before
the street was open to travel. The town
has never been so safe from fire as now,
and never had so much wealth to be pro
tected. Part of the money that was used
to open the street has been invested again
where it is of more use and value to the
community than whore it was. Property
in the isolated blocks, heretofore referred
to, has advanced in value, in consequences
of the street opening, and no other prop
erty has declined on account Of it.
The things that men have learned in
this street opening may not guide them
in any other question that comes up for
solution, but those who were on the WIN
ming side in it may safely remember that
many unforeseen obstacles may arise be-
tween the beginning and the end OF 9
good work, ard that absolute success IS
never guaranteed.
Those whose wishes were overruled or
whose predictions were wrong, are safe
in accepting the old proverb, where
there is a will there is way, and IN ad-
dition to that, those who determine to 90,
and the greater part Of the burden,
should be respected in their convictions
and their efforts.