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Newspaper
Big Timber Pioneer
Location
Big Timber, Montana, United States of America
Date
Jul 11, 1901
Page
2
Official Paper of Sweet Grass County notes Big Timber voters decide next Monday whether to incorporate as a village. Letters from Virginia City Sheridan and other towns extol city governance, water and fire protection, and orderly streets as benefits, while warning of costs and taxation limits under Montana law.
A 1901 interview from White Sulphur Springs Montana quotes Tew L. Callaway on town incorporation. He notes initial opposition but praise for elected officers, a $30,000 water works bond three years ago, $82,000 paid, water costs $1 monthly for families and $6 yearly for lawns, taxes averaging two to three mills, and ongoing improvements with a funded treasury.
The 1901 city budget lists revenue from licenses for merchandise business billiard and pool tables hotels and livery stables and other licenses. It proposes a property tax levy of one to five mills if needed and sets fines for town marshal arrests. Expenses run about 950 to 1000 dollars yearly with petty officers paid and other running costs near 1000 dollars. The town lacks electric lights and water works.
The speaker argues that running a village government would be cheaper if paid by municipal expenditures rather than county red tape. They believe significant benefits come from incorporating and note that disincorporation remains an option if results are unsatisfactory.
A southern political shift shows old line Democrats reexamining anti imperialist views. Senator Pugh of Alabama, formerly opposed to the war and to Porto Rico and the Philippines, now supports retaining the islands under Congressional governance. He rejects statehood for insular territories while endorsing imperialism with sovereignty in the people.
A searing critique denounces individuals who accuse others to hide their own misdeeds. The piece targets Montana figures posing as public defenders while appealing to sentiment and attacking critics. It laments a Big Timber incident and warns readers about duplicitous accusers.
The Red Lodge Picket notes a fortnight of hostile exchanges between the Pioneer and the Leader. Editor Wannah, seen as overreaching, faces stronger pushback as the clash escalates in the local press.
The bureau report notes 6299 people arrested and confined in 1900. Sweet Grass county has the fewest with six arrests, five for misdemeanors and one for felony, a favorable record indicating law abiding citizens.
In Big Timber a small village lacks high paid officers. The town marshal is the only salaried official, limited to no more than 875 per month. Revenue funds are used to improve the town.
In Fergus county Lewistown's fire protection system saved property valued at more than five times the apparatus cost within six months. Many residents who opposed incorporation have become its firm supporters.
The county assessor's 1901 report shows a material and gratifying increase in taxable wealth. This evidence suggests Sweet Grass county is benefiting from a general prosperity upturn.
A fortune lies for any person or syndicate securing a Big Timber water system franchise. The potential rewards attract bidders and raise questions about control, funding, and local impact.
Billings Gazette reports that wool buyers on the local market keep prices hidden to depress rates, while sellers fear disclosure. The article notes limited bids, possible price pools, and growers urging public price information to balance the market and benefit those who have yet to sell.
The town recalls past fires in Big Timber that destroyed thousands in property and warns that without a water system and fire protection the loss could recur. It urges residents to vote for incorporation to obtain necessary protection and safeguard the town’s future.
Market tone for wool is encouraging with indications of solid improvement. Growers advise patience at opening sales as prices rise, especially for fine wool. A plan to secure water and fire protection precedes discussions of franchises and municipal ownership.
Editorial urges residents of the town to back corporate status as the path for growth. The piece argues inclusion of a formal city government benefits services and stability for local residents.
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