The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1918-12-31

An eventful year for the capital
of strong, new community spirit
which offers wonderful promise for
the future, is drawing to a close. Dur.
ing the last twelve months Bismarck
gave itself over completely to patri-
otic work. Every other interest was
lost sight OF in the one supreme ef-
fort to support our country in its
great undertaking. Into Liberty bonds,
war savings stamps, Red Cross and as
sOciated war auxiliaries and into
miscellaneous patriotic activities, the
capital city during this year has pour
cd almost million dollars, and
the close of the war finds the city
stronger financially and in moral and
spiritual sense than it ever has been
before.
n g6jgkinS has been asked of Bismarck
Which Bismarck has not given, and
q IN no limit except.<the
extent q the city's ability to do The
Il ~ has devsloped for the city such
c6hesi0n ana mutual understanding
and sympathy and confidence as
could have come from no other source.
The city has had splendid examples
in the effectiveness of cooperation,
and during the period of reconstruc-
tion it will be in position to profit
from these lessons.
In the physical developme ent of the
city the year has seen little accom-
plished. Civic improvement and pri.
vate building projects were abandon
ed early in the war in response to
the governments appeal that all mat
ters Of this kind which might take
funds or material which the nation
would need in the prosecution Of the
war be held in abeyance. Much had
been contemplated, and with the re-
turn of peace attention is again be.
ing given to these enterprises; which
promise to make the year upon whose
threshold we stand today one of un
usual expansion and progress.
The year has brought to the capital
city no great disasters There have
been tragedies a-plenty as the casual
ty lists from day to day brought us
word of the passing of loved ones, but
these were the common fortunes OF
war, borne uncomplainingly. The
capital city gave the flower of Its
young manhood to the service of its
country. In every department of wal
activities these young men have play
ed a mans part. Some of them have
made the supreme sacrifice, but they
will continue to- live with us in sacred
memory. and what they did will ever
remain to US a source of inspiration.
The New Year. .1..
The new year will be one OF read
justment and reconstruction. Scores
of our fighting men soon will be re
turning to us. Places must be made
for them Their interests can best be
served by az progressive policy of in
ternal development which will create
new opportunities and offer greater
rewards for service. Bismarck will
prove equal to the task. The program
of municipal improvement must be
taken up where it was dropped wher
the war came upon us. Capital must
be placed at work and employment
furnished all who come back to US
seeking place.
The Commercial club, with new
directorate composed of young ant
energetic men who have made a sue
cess of their own business, may be ex
pected to take the lead in this work
Bismarck's jobbing and wholesale in
terests must be further developed
more attention must be given. possibili
ties of industrial expansion. The gov
ernment advocates a policy of decen
tralization which will relieve the con
gestion and unwholesome living con
ditions in the large centers. Bismarck
must be placed in touch with this
movement, in order that it may 'reaI
its share of the rewards. +
There is reason to hope that the
Chicago. Milwaukee & St. Paul rail
way may yet carry out its origina
intention Of extending to Bismarck
the line which now ends at Linton
It may proceed further north to tar
the Ignite fields which are fast be
coming the states most valuable re
source. Every possible encouragement
should be offered the company in car
rying out these plans.
A bridge across the Missouri rfvel
still looms as one of the urgent prob
(Continued on Page Two)