The producers news. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1918-1937, 1929-11-15
Friday, November Is, 1929.


A protest against the extension of the city linn
its of Plentywood has been filed with the City
Clerk
And by no other than one of PlentywoOd's rich
est men-nOne other than Gus Riba, PlentywOod
banker and very extensive land holder.
Poor old Gus.
He has built himself palatial home on the out
skirts of the city and has acquired much land both
in and around the city, but doesn't want to belong
tc the community which has done much for him.
Gus never did like to pay taxes. brief survey
of property assessed to him will bear this out. He
is constantly dickering with the County Commits
sioners for a reduction in taxes-and he is general
ly successful.
In other words Gus believes in letting the other
fellow do it.
Perhaps Gus has feathered his nest a little bet
ter by this procedure but he has also in the mean
time gained the contempt of other citizens who
after looking over his assessments, feel that they
are also paying part of the PlentywOod bankers
share in the county and city government
When we say, poor old Gus Riba, do not
mean in worldly goods, for he is well endowed in
the material things of this life. But one can be
rich in worldly chattels and still be poor.
Perhaps one of the greatest riches a man can
attain in this world is the respect of his communi
Of the benefactors and builders of his city. Even
though he be poor, this honor viii remain long af-
ter he has passed on, while the other is immediate
ly forgotten by his home city.
welcher is common object of scorn-no mat
ter what may be the thing which he welches
and does not fulfill his obligations. He cannot get
away from it. They may not accuse him face to
face unless the occasion arises, but nevertheless he
he brand-and at an odiouS name
carry.
People with much wealth are generally highly
respected in their communities, for most of them
use a portion of their wealth for the good Of their
community They receive enjoyment from it and
the people honor them for their generosity. Rich
men generally have a great love for their city.
They realize that this is where they have made
their money and they are generally ready to do
an they can TO improve their home town IN order
that they may be proud to tell the visitor or the
stranger while on visiting tours that live IN the
finest city in the land.
But Gus has different attitude. He doesn't
want to live in the city that has helped to make
hi. wealth Oh my no. He viii fight every effort
to bring his beautiful home into the city limits,
where it should have been when he is reported to
have coaxed that patriotic citizen, George Bolster,
to have his homestead plated and the present
city boundaries laid IN such way that his oeautl-
full and expensive residence should be just on the
outside.
Thre is no use talking patriotism to Gus -Rbs
or the advantages of the city. He knows all that
That wealthy Plentywood banker is not going t
pay any more taxes than he has to, even if tn
extra taxes will probably not amount to more thai
Is cents an acre his land. He is not built tina
way and as for the city. Well, every common
wealth has its shylocks, and the only way Z
bring Gus and his palatial home and beautiful
grounds into the city where they belong In 30 fore
him IN Mayor StOrkan had the right idea, despit
the croakings few other prOtesters who coul
lind no other reason for opposing the plan Of cit
extension.
Again. we say, poor old Gus.