The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1920-09-16
control of these impending evils.
Proposed Bond Issue

AOPOcS0 VIII loodO
Without attempting to discuss the
proposed state road bond measure, /
feel that you should know that the
state highway commission has Off
clally endorsed the issue and is urg-
ing its approval by the people.
This Endorsement has been given
because the commission, with it's 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-
veiop1ng 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 a most vital part
OF its equipment for doing business.
Montana has reached a point in its
development where it 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-
fusal to authorize the expenditure
will represent retrogression.
Admitting that this is a time of
stress, a time for the exercise of care
and judgment in all matters of per.
sonal and public business conduct,
| submit that it is a time not to
cease spending but to spend wisely.
To Spend Wisely
If the proceeds of the issue were
proposed to be expended for a limited
mileage of highways improved to a
degree of perfection beyond the need
OF the state or it's ability to pay. /
would most certainly oppose the is
or ii the funds were to be used
in purchasing uncertain or expert
types of improvement, I
oppose it. But no body of men
Montana likely to be vested with
authority in the administration of the
bond issue fund can be ignorant
Of the fact that of the proposed issue
very considerable part must be ex-
pended for the foundation of a state
highway system. The inter-county
of state highways must ulti-
nately contain approximately $500
niles; so that this issue of $4,000
must be regarded as but a por-
ion of the final cost of a complete
IN lihiohCu oIdIC 0ySLGul. IL SSGIQS
tut logical, therefore, that this fund
hould be used for those lasting and
permanent features that for all time
epresent 100 per cen value; that
throughout the period of the states
.gricultura1 and industrial develop
nent will be worth what they cost.
IN this basis l do not see how Mon
ana can do otherwise than approve
he issue.
People Want Good Roads
Let us not m~isinterpret the senti-
lent of the people of this state.
hey want improved highways and
re willing to pay for them. If this
ere not the case the counties of
would not have voted &c.
90, 900 for roads in 1919, at a time
hen conditions were more uncertain
ian they are now and in the fact of
le issue now under discussion which
people knew had been referred
Y the legislature.
Highway Question Important
Before refusing to incur the tenn
1rary Indebtedness contemplated,
yery individual should consider the
of the issue and it's eff
ct upon the progress Of the COM
onwealth he has chosen to live in.
ertainly he should and I am sure
will, view the proposal with an
zen mind, from an unbiased stand
lint, without prejudice because of
possible or assumed personal griev-
ice against any person, organization
agency interested in the success
and supporting the Issue.