The Richfield recorder. (Richfield, Idaho) 1909-1931, 1911-05-18
Be Fair and Boost


the proposed line this week. contracting for right of
way across the Richfeld lands.
Mr.. Harris has had varying Some of the
settlers have been more than fair some have been
good deal less than fair---far even to themselves
1t is fairly well assured that the road will build in
side of 40 days But enough men refusing to make
reasonable contracts, might block it long while
and three months delay would mean road this year.
How would you like that?
The land belongs to the settlers, every inch of it.
They have right to their own price. But
of this land would be very valuable without railroad
probably not one in ten would be sold today, if
we had not good railway facilities Even the best i'm
proved farms practically adjoining town have been, and
are, priced at less than 500 acre; Of which
price hardly less than 80 per due the railroad
already built and another Is per cent to the projected
new line Out farther from town, land is less valuable;
acreage basis, $40 would be rather high
average bonus price for the land mostly land ira
versed by the line. AS the distance from market
increases the railroad becomes increasingly valu-
able out ten miles, where station would have to
be located it would add 25 to 40 per cent to all farm
values. Adding full 40 per cent to the present value Of
the FARMS which $35 for the water and very scant
average bonus of $40 for the location would make
price of $63 an acre-and much of the land will actual
ly sell for that if the railroad builds.
If has 80 acres, and the railroad crosses him.
enghwse, it takes between and acres; g. acres if
it goes right angles To say acres, his land would
be worth SAL at S63 But part of that value
the railroad itself has created $18 acre. that
would have existed or $126 in all And the railroad
adds the value $1S acre. his other 73 acres
he sold at the value of the land without
the railroad scant $45 average, he would receive $35
he would gain exactly $999 to have the road built 1t
is fact that $40 bonus is too high average
for the lands out several miles from town. To sell at
the real value with the railroad $18 value added $63 in
ALL he would still be 1878 winner.
Where condemnation suits necessary, it is rule
of law that the benefits and losses shall both be consd
cred in the verdict If man receives $1314 benefits
from the road, besides his money back his water
right and his land bonus value and maybe the rail
road bonus value what the road uses, he'll have
pretty hard job to stampede jury on damages.
With the governors orders to all property at
full cash vaue--an the railroad pays cashsome who
hold out for exorbitan price may expect tax bill bas
ed on this land price, that will make their hair stand
end. Indeed why not? If it's worth it to sell, it's
worth it to keep.
1t is true that the adjacent land which up
receives as much benefit and no damage or loss of
acreage. But shouldn't want separate railroad on
every farm just to equalize the discomforts
1t is reported that of the Camas Prairie farm
where at least SO per cent of land values has been
and is based the coming of railroad have held out
for hundred dollars more 1t might not
take many such hod-ups to stop the road. Most men
would rather pay dollars do without than be de-
frauded on ten-cent deal Railroads. too, almost
human. There many other localities wanting
railroads. that they might go there rather than pay
orbitant prices here.
1t is of very vital Importance to this whole section
that this railroad be built at Unnecessary delay
securing the right of way may stop it this year If
you have land affected, make it easy for them get
work within 80 days.
With the railroad construction forces here pay top
prices for everything this section raise and SELL it
public duty to encourage them to build at You
then, q js be and
will not jew or haggle minute And the road can 90
through on schedule time.