The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1916-01-28
CAPITAL REMOVAL.

What was started almost as ject has
become somewhat serious question
for Bismarck. New Rockford is busy
rocking the foundations Of the state
capitol.
While to these two cities it is serious
question, because political fight over a
whole state is a very expensive matter,
yet TO the average citizen Of the state it
is a matter of small moment where the
capitol Of the common wealth is situated.
Not one IN hundred Of the population
ever has occasion to visit the capital OF
the state on business connected with the
state government and of these few go
more often than once in lifetime.
SO far as the ordinary citizen is con-
cerned the state capital may as we'll be
in one place as another. As to actual
convenience, as the present population
and lines of travel are situated, Fargo
would probably be better than Bismarck
or New Rockford, just as ST. Paul is the
more accessible point in Minnesota.
As between New Rockford and Bis
marck if the center of North Dakota is
taken by drawing straight lines from the
four corners. then Bismarck appears to
be about six miles the nearest. Though
of course as present settled New Rock
ford is nc arer the center of population.
But Fargo will never be the capital
neither will Grand Forks, not because
they are not central, but because of the
rivalry between them. Either could OF
would have been the capital if it had
not been for the other. That was settl-
ed years ago, wnen the western part of
the state was too weak to have made
fight against either OF them.
The question of capital removal de-
pends largely on the whims of the dear
people. Given a certain amount of pre-
judice against Bismarck and certain
amount Of supposed benefits by removal
and there is material for a big fight.
provided it is properly financed.
Most state capitols are built for show
more than for utility. Our nearest
neIghbors have a building at st. Paul
which ls thing of beauty. Most visit.
ors to that city take time to look that
building over and are we'll repaid. 1t is
q building to be proud of.
That North Dakota will eventually
build fine capitol in which they will
try to rival that at st. Paul is certain.
Just now, however. the question come
shall we build at Bismarck or New
Rockford?
There is one issue involved in the an.
swers of which the voters should think
before they vote. Bismarck already has
buildings that will accommodate the
public business for many years to come.
II the capital is removed then new
building will be needed at once.
Personally, we think the time has
not arrived in this new state to build the
capitol that should be build when it is
built. This state as yet has had all it
could do to keep its present state institu.
tons going with ITS present income. 1t
has been and is yet an annual problem
for the state government to raise sufficl-
ent income to pay the necessary bills.
OF course the advocates for removal
will argue that the building of the new
capitol will cost the state but little or |
nothing. Probably, many people will be-
lieve this only to know the real truth |
later.
Buildings, whether public or private,
in spite Of the most careful plans, have
. persistent habit Of costing lot more
than expected.