The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1954-03-19
extend PUBLIC power
By JEROME G. LOCKE. Helena
part VII of Series)

! Part of a
ago these articles began what ther
seemed sufficiently thoughout plan The author would pre-
picture of the prevailing reaconary political climate AND
further pubcze the grand plan of TAKE OVER that Monopoly
This could then be taken up segment at
time with detectives and methods of attack fully de-
scrbed The whole would constitute general picture of what
is happening and how it is being done.
Wing-footed time and rapidly marching events com
pcae the situation Monopoly forces are attacking along
entire battle Their many spearheads of
action and methods of advancing these make
simple orderly description process impossible
pressing get many items of information to the
eral public-before it is too late.
The comment on Indian reservation termination had to
six weeks before its scheduled time The timber grab
concealed in H. R. 1916 did not get the blasting deserved
Hard fighting by Congressman headed by
Monana Lee Metca put this bill to sleep for the present
session may be back year The fate Hes Canyon
Dam pending before Federal Power Commission The whole
story needs telling and reeng Gradual wreckng of Bureau
of Reclamation demands publicity There other items
ing for immediate attention
Heat and public pressure for relief has begun pile
up another front of the general battle line in Montana Re-
Gently Commission granted rate raises
natural and telephone service three large
Leading business men IN Billings have organized Yellowstone
County Gas Consumers Association to combat raises in
rates these granted to MontanaDakota Utility Co.
inns raise averages cents per OO0 cubic feet and increases
costs about 48 Other communities by MDU
Co. Laurel Bery, Bridger Edgar Joliet Fromberg
City and Sesia The Billings group has invited these
sumers to join in the fight.
Movement toward a broader based and more permanent
type of organization launched public meeting in Hell
March H. 1t has been christened UTILITY CONSUM
ERS PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION. Out of determined APP
pearng more than citizens Gan estimated 100
webaanced Interim Committee set up. 1t has
to frame organization plan and report back
other public meeting within Is days
The ultimate goal to be large number of individual
units chapters scattered the state These
together in comparatively managed fighting
justice and equity in all matters pertaining Of
charges for electric current telephone and similar
or allied utilities
Students of affairs, economic social political agree
that the Helena meeting well mark milestone in
tana history OF greater significance than birth
ISOLATION the character of such organization and the public
sentiment under which was set up Here being demon
straed distinct cleavage between Monopoly one hand
and all other business and its allied activities other
Here new alignment of the patrons
and customers, of all kinds Monopoly MONOPOLY
methods And this time the folk the often
Sive.
In the meeting of prominent citizens and leaders ex
posed the sandaous methods under which both utility and tax
rates have been fixed in the past Chcanery mild
word for description of the apparently com
practices Each drew abundant applause One
individual who attempted defense of met storm
of dissent and nervously sat down THE COMING FIGHT
AGAINST UTILITY RATE INCREASES MAY WELL BE THE
BEGINNING OF MOUNTAINS MARCH TOWARD RETTER
MENT