Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1923-11-08
AN INVENTORY.

Unless an individual can feel that he is getting ahead in some
way upon taking stock of his private affairs he is apt to be dis
contented and either curtail private expenses or throw discretion
to the winds.
Cities are no exception to this rule and the citizens who can
see improvement marking the result of their efforts will not fail
to continue their labors for civic betterment in the succeeding
years.
During the past season the city of Belt has either advanced
or refrigerated and it is we'll for us once a season to take stock of
civic affairs.
To inventory credits with no thought of liabilities is cheating
ourselves, yet it is also unfair to be pessimistic.
To enumerate our liabilities: Our roads are steadily growing
worse with no prospect Of Improvement. Our vacant lots in many
instances and also our parking in some cases, display a luxuriant
stand of matured weeds which have gone to seed and promise a
more prolific stand for next season.
But ON the credit side of the page let us list a few of our ac
complishments: A fire truck was installed, thanks to the fire de.
partment, early this year and is a permanent asset to the city with
out one cent of cost to the city government. With the water pres
sure at 1870 pounds, a sufficient supply Of hose, hose carts and ac-
cessories and a fire department with a record of 100 per cent eff
cheney in distinguishing incipient blazes, we believe that a concert
ed movement on the part of cur citizens would bring a reduction
in the amount of premium exacted.
A cleanup campaign was conducted and hundreds of wagon
loads of refuse were collected and placed where they would be use
full. The streets, alleys and vacant lots are seasonably clean.
Following this a paint-up campaign was carried on until July
18th and during these weeks sixty-four houses and business build
ings received new coats of paint. There is nothing like paint to
brighten up a town and make it look prosperous, and Belts APP
pearance improved 100 per cent. There are plenty of eyesores
still but time and public sentiment may reach these cases yet
The ~footbridge has been repaired and put into condition for
several years usefulness. This was done by the people of the city
working together and only lacks a few dollars of complete pay
ment: We have no doubt that spring will see it painted for our
people do not do things by halves when they put their shoulders to
the wheel.
The Park has been rehabiitated. All buildings have been re-
paired, fences replaced, the tourist camp improved and the whole
painted. This has been done from the Park fund and the current
income.
The improvements to the ball ground, the grand stand and
bleachers alone run into considerable money. The swings and
teeter boards are in commission. All this, helped along by the
growth of young trees along the river bank and the filling in Of
the frog pond, gives promise of much for the future. The Park
Board have accomplished a great deal this year.
The wagon bridge is nearing completion. Solid, massive, sub
stantial it stands, it's very appearance guaranteeing safety and
permanency. We have no doubt that when the highway commits
sion and the county fathers have completed their work there we
shall find that we have no cause for complaint.
Our city debt has been decreased several thousands of dollars.
A number of d~iapidated buildings have been removed from their
locations and have been reduced to kinding wood or torn down for
their wrecking value.
Not bad for a year like this. Exceedingly good when we fig
ue its cost and the fact that only in the case of county taxes for
the bridge will there be deferred payments.
In the summer there has been demonstrated to our people in
several instances the fact that cooperation and boosting bring re-
suits that are tangible.
We are proud of this seasons successes and look forward with
anticipation to a still better appearing, more prosperous city at the
end of another year.