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Show Upplem1ei(t Vol une 0. No. 7. Springvillk, Utah, Thuusdav, Octoheu 19, 1899. Tric e: $2.00 per Annum. SALE OF THE CITY PASTURE. A Communication from Don C Johnson. A Historical Sketch. To the. People of Sprinyvilk . In the early 50s, a number of the tirst settlers of Springville located, by County Surveyors certificates, that tract of land known as the City pasture, together with portions of the surrounding land. Some of this land was plowed and cultivated, hut not proving satisfactory, in consequence of scarcity of water, etc.. it was partially abandoned, and was about to become subject tore-location. At this juncture, lS5tj, Bishop Aaron Johnson, who had ascertained that Provo was about to annex the land to her domain, called a mass meeting, disclosed the above facts to the citizens citi-zens and proposed that '"Our folks'' forestall the neighbors and make the area a public pasture. The scheme succeeded with but little opposition, upon the following plan. The chief owners of the tract were Aaron Johnson. William Miller. Win. Mendenhall, John W. Deal and Myron and Sriccr Crandall, ' who gratuitously gave the land. All male citizens over the age of 18 were each to do their pro rata of fencing, which then consisted of a ditch and sod enib.inkment. All residents were to have the use of the pasture for work cattle, horses and milch cows, at a minimum rate, just sufficient to keep it in repair, watered and pay herdsman. One very strong argument in favor of the pasture at the time was: The Indians had been at war and were still considered untrustworthy, as they made frequent incursions into the valley, driving off stock, though at the time nominally at peace with the settlers. This land being remote from the canyons, the natural thoroughfares for the red thieves, was considered the most secure locality for work teams, and much nearer and more handy than to turn them on the east beuch which was virtually putting them into the hands of the savage marauders. The dd residents will remember that the 'Old Fort wall" encompassed the city, excepting the northwest corner from center street to a point at or near the residence of K. I. Brinton. In case of a sudden foray by the enemy the stock could easily run into the walled city and be secure. About the year 1S71, a majority of t he original donors, considering that the legal time complied with, pateuts secured, made in favor it cent history of the pasture had subserved its usefulnessand useful-nessand wh should know better than they? brought a suit for the recovery of those grazing lands before a hoard of arbitrators appointed by the high council, to again be used for individual benefit. The decision of said board was substantially as follows: The pasture was to be retained for the same purpose that it had heretofore been held, only a nominal fee was to be charged, just enough to keep up current expenses, until such time in the future as the original donors, or their legal repre-sentis, repre-sentis, sluuld decide that it had fully subserved the purpose for which it had been denated, when they (the original donors) could designate a new purpose for which it could be used. This decision quieted the ; matter and the citv took steps to get a government title thereto. Several men who were supposed tw be "good and true" were selected to make pre-emption entries in their own right and name. Houses were built, of living thereon in due time the and warranty deeds of the city. The this present "'bone of contention'' is familiar to all. Now just a few words in relation to the present issue, which fairly stated is: Will we, as citizens, retain the pasture for a "village common." Where the brindle cow can freely pass. Across tbe moor to limit for grass. While she flirts her tail to lash the flies. And fills with dust the burghers eyes. Or shall it be sold to actual residents, resi-dents, at a reasonable figure, on lon time, at a low rate of interest, with a portion retained where the cow of the widow ran be furnished good pasture, absolutely free? Now in relation to past benefit, and future prospects. That It has been of more or less benefit none will deny, j but that it has not been of particular benefit the past decade many assert, and that it ha been a poaitire muk'uht a goodly number declare. In the past the jioor have had no special bene tit, they being compelled to pay the fee $1.50 and $2.00 per head per season just the same as the rich. In no instance, so far as the writer can ascertain, has a poor widow ever had her pasturage free. The pasture lias never been a source of revenue to the city, neither can it be without violating violat-ing the first and second compact. It is exempt from state and county taxation and is of doubtful benefit to the people as a pasture. If its use can be diverted to the puposes proposed, pro-posed, it will give some 40 or 50 of our citizens a ten acre tract of land, the revenue derived therefrom, wisely expended, would reduce our city taxes at least one hair, thereby being a direct advantage to every tax payer. The property being in the hands of individuals, will be subject to taxation, taxa-tion, thereby aiding the revenues and having a tendency to reduce taxation, it usefulness will be many times multiplied. The rich will be compelled com-pelled to pay a revenue tariff for their pasturage or use their own, and lastly but greater than all the poor will get their pasturage free. Citizens! let there be no animosities: animos-ities: let there be a free, friendly and honest discussion of this ri quest ion and on election day drop your ballots into the box for progression and the material development of our beautiful beauti-ful city. I). C. Johnson. Many a Lover Has turned with digust from an otherwise lovable girl with an offensive offen-sive breath. Karl's Clover Hoot tea purifies the breath by its action on bowels, etc., as nothing else will. Sold for years on absolute guarantee Price 25 cents and 50 cents. Dr. Peterson's Drug Store, Wanted We will pay $12.00 a week salary to either a man or woman to represent the Midland MontUhj MniHzine as a subscription solicitor The Midland is the f-anie size as McCkm or the osninpolitnii. It is now in its sixth year and is Hie only Magazine of this kind published in the trre.it Central West. A handsome premium ijiveii to each subscriber. Send I o rents for a copy of theJlJ- land and premium list to the Twentieth Cextuhy Publishing Co.. St. Louis. Mo. Have It Done I?ia:ht. Take your watch to F. N. West and have it cleaned and fixed. Work guaranteed Warm I WHITE SULPHUR Recommended highly for the cur of RheumutlHi Dyspepsici, CtiturrU, otid Private Room Plunjre Bat lis for Lad- I ies and Gentlemen. ' BATHS, SS Ots. HENRY BARNES, Prop SALT LAKE CITV - - - UTAH |