The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-03-14
FORCED TO SPEAK
Wilton, N. D.,
March 10. 1882.

MaECn ~, 1854.
Editor, Tribune:
did not intend to write anything
on capital removal until was hand
ed q bunch of literature by conduc-
tor on the Wilton and Pingree line.
This dope was 50 full OF misstatements
that I could not keep still.
In the first place, think this con-
ductor IS biting the hand that feeds
him, for this branch road gets three
fourths of its business within fifty
miles Of Bismarck. II 1t were not for
the coal, grain and livestock shipped
from Wilton, think this same con-
ductor would be looking for q job.
Maybe after the capital fight is
over, when we want to ship cream we
can guess within four hours Of when
the train will be along.
In the dope sent out they try to
mislead the voters on the mileage
cost Of the legislators. They figure
the actual amount paid for mileage
in 1881. This mileage was figured
on the actual mileage travelled, some
OF which was Travelled by automobile
from their residence to railroad sta
ton, being quite a distance for some.
In figuring the distance to James,
town they have only figured from the
railroad station, leaving out the dis
lance from their homes to the sta
ton, which would amount to consid-
cradle mileage.
They talk about saving the taxpay-
ers money. Some of the legislators
have not forgotten how cheap James,
town let us have land for q well at
the asylum. They sent some Of their
sanity politicians up to the legisla-
ture and told us If the asylum burned
down we would be held responsible.
If they hold the state up forty thou
sand dollars for well, can you figure
how much they would hold 1t up for
a site large enough to accommodate
the capitol?
No one can estimate the loss to
Bismarck and vicinity. II It were
not for Bismarck buying our produce
we would be getting about seven cents
per dozen for eggs now, as that IS all
they would be worth to ship. I have
heard the argument put up that Bis
marck was killing the small towns. It
is not Bismarck, 1t Is the good roads
and the automobiles.
Bismarck is not to blame. Any mer-
chant will take the trade II he can get
it, there are a few persons who say
they are against Bismarck on account
of the rotten politics there. I wonder
II this Is the only town In the state
affected that way? I don't think the
politicians of jamestown have any
trouble getting their coats on over
their wings.
Judging from the way they mis-
represent things In their literature on
removal, they figure the southwest
portion Of the state nearer James,
town because the roads happen to be
blocked once and legislator came
that way. have seen the Wilton
Pingree road blocked with snow for
two weeks at time. Why don't they
figure my mileage to Jamestown
through Minot.
It would be just as fair as to figure
the southwest through Aberdeen.
Anyone who will lay all prejudice
aside and give the matter little
thought will surely vote NO.
Some Of the jamestown workers
have made the statement that the
state west Of the river is worthless. II
they would buy the coal in one town.
ship west of the Missouri river at two
dollars per ton. they would then real
ize where North Dakota's wealth lies.
It would take all OF jamestown to do
it.
If the capital were at jamestown
the freight on coal would more than
offset the mileage Of the legislators.
My guess Is that many who vote
on this question will see the Missouri
river open for navigation, and see
Bismarck one OF the business centers
of the west.
The capital belongs to the people
of the state and 1t is up to every city
that has a state institution to help
Bismarck retain 1t, for II jamestown
should be successful they would be for
grabbing some Of the other institu-
tions. Everyone should get out and
vote NO.
And vote early in the day so as to
give the committees q chance to get
the vote out 100 per cent. Boost for
Bismarck.
j. M. THOMPSON,