The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1920-09-17
control of these impending evils.
PrODOSod Roud Tssua


4 without attempting to discuss the
proposed state road bond measure. I
feel that you should know that the
state highway commission has Off
cially endorsed the issue and is urg-
ing It's approval by the people.
This Endorsement has been given
because the commission, with its ra-
ther intimate knowledge OF highway
conditions and transportation re-
quirements throughout the whole
state, believes the expenditure of that
sum to be justified as an aid in de-
veloptng all the resources of the
state. The commission views the
proposed issue, not as an expense but
as an Investment. The highway sys-
tenn OF the state is most vital part
OF Its equipment for doing business.
Montana has reached a point in it's
development where 1t must invest In
those public improvements which en-
able 1t to go forward by meeting the
demands of its industries. Proposed
expenditure of public funds should
always be subjected to careful scru-
tiny; but in this instance believe re-
fusa1 to authorize the expenditure
will represent retrogression.
Admitting that this is time of
stress, time for the exercise of care
and judgment in all matters of per-
sonal and public business conduct,
submit that 1t is time not to
cease spending but to spend wisely.
To Spend Wisely
If the proceeds of the issue were
to be expended for a limited
of highways improved to a
degree of perfection beyond the need
Of the state or its ability to pay,
would most certainly oppose the is
sue, or II the funds were to be used
IN purchasing uncertain or expert
mental types of improvement, /
would oppose it. But no body of men
n Montana likely to. be vested with
authority In the administration of the
'tate bond issue fund can be ignorant
II the fact that of the proposed issue
very considerable part must be ex-
'ended for the foundation of a state
highway system. The inter-county
ystem of state highways must ulti-
nately contain approximately $500
niles; so that this issue of $780,
100 must be regarded as but por-
Ion of the final cost of a complete
nd finished state system. It seems
ut logical, therefore, that this fund
hould be used for those lasting and
ornament features that for all time
epresent 100 per cent value; that
throughout the period of the states
and Industrial develop
lent will be worth what they cost.
n this basis 1 do not see how Mon
ina can do otherwise than approve
le issue.
People Want Good Roads
Let us not misinterpret the senti-
ent of the people of this state.
hey want improved highways and
e willing to pay for them. If this
ere not the case the counties of
ontana would not have voted So
$1,000 for roads in 1919, at time
hen conditions were more uncertain
an they are now and In the fact of
q issue now under discussion which
e people knew had been referred
the legislature.
Highway Question Important
Before refusing to incur the tenn
rary Indebtedness contemplated,
cry individual should consider the
,nfficance of the issue and its eff
It upon the progress OF the COM
'nwealth he has chosen to. live In.
rtainly he should and I am sure
will, view the proposal with an
en- mind, from an unbiased stand
Int, without prejudice because of
'ossible or assumed personal griev-
ce against any person. organization
agency interested in the Neuccess
and supporting the issue.N