The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1932-01-01
An Open Letter
Frazer, Mont.
Dec. 20, 1881

Wolf Point Herald
In an issue of the Glasgow Courier, bearing the date of Sept rs,
1881, an item was published OF page 8 in which credit was given to a
former member of the school board, for securing the necessary appro-
priaHon of funds for building the new public school at Frazer.
In view of this fact 1 wish to submit herewith a correction of the
above mentioned statement.
A few facts might be presented at this time in connection with
the history of this new school, now nearing completion.
These facts should put to rest the erroneous information in the
issue of the Courier.
No member of the former board was responsible or instrumental
in securing the necessary funds through Congressional appropriation.
In order that credit may be given to those parties who really were
instrumental in securing these funds it might be well to add that other
for the welfare and improvement of our schools started the machinery
at Washington. Men who have had experience in legislative affairs
in Washington and know how to approach the political body, should
justly and properly be given this credit
am sure that both Rep Leavht and Sen. Wheeler would vouoh
1 am also certain that such men as James Archdale, Walter Clark,
sr. and M. A. Lien were the parties who worked through the proper
authorities at Washington to secure this appropriation of funds. There
fore if Frazer people wish to express their appreciation for this new
There are additional facts to which I wish to give publicity at
this time regarding the conduct of the former school board and the
manner in which they conducted their business.
One taxpayer in this precinct had reason to suspect that illegal
use was being made of school moneys; and upon making investiga-
ton found that members of the school board were drawing salaries
for their services as well IS charging mileage fees, The board was
then requested to replace the money which they had appropriated for
This they refused to do until the aforementioned taxpayer, at his
own expense, brought the matter before the County Attorney and high
II school officials. He also furnished his own money to defray the
expense of following up this affair through court. AS a result OF this
probe the school board was forced to replace their illegal salaries and
An election was held on April 4h, 1881 for the purpose of elect
ing trustees. The posting of election notices, counting of ballots and
everything in connection herewith was of such unusual manner that
it became necessary to contest the election.
(This illegal procedure was carried OF for the sole purpose of
keeping out of office the candidate who was the party who had
brought all this ilegalness to light
A Judgment was secured against the said school board practically
voiding all their efforts in this unlawful election.
1t is possible that most voters in the Frazer precinct were IN
aware Of Illegal procedure at this election. All facts pertaining to this
procedure are on record in the district court and can be examined by
any one. If praise can be given for this illegal procedure, it should
be properly accredited to the old board of trustees.
am submitting this article to you and desire that it be printed
in an early issue of your paper.
Thanking you for any courtesy you may extend me in printing
this item.
am
Very Respectfully,
Space GEO. WESTLAND