Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, September 1, 1909, Page 1

THE BEMI])JI D Historical Soctety. VEER Y PIONEER VOLUME 7. NUMBER 115. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 1, 1909. FORTY CENTS PER MONTH. STATE DRAINAGE BOARD IS GATHERING MUCH DATA Dam and Locks at Outlet of Red Lake River, 'Tis Be- lieved, Would Drain Swamp Lands and Prevent Floods Further West. The trip to the Red Lake section which has just been completed by the members of the State Drainage Board has been for the purpose of personally visiting the grounds and observing the conditions that pre- wvail there with relation to the needs of drainage and regulating the flow of waters in the lakes and the possibility of creating reservoirs out of the Red lakes, and deepening and straightening the channel of the Red Lake river. These improve- ments, if brought about, “would result in regulating the flow on the Red Lake river and the Red River of the North. Government engineers have. al- ready made surveys of Red lake, and two or three reports have been submitted to the departments at Washington, on the feasibility of the project. These reports have been generally favorable. They estimate the cost at something like $150,000 for putting in a substantial -dam and locks at the outlet of Red Lake river, and improving the river .proper. It is estimated that, by lowering ‘the waters of Red lake some three ‘feet, all of the water forming the watersbed of Red lake could be «drained into Red lake; and it would ‘take some six months to bring the ilake back to its normal level. This ibeing true, according_ to George A. ‘Ralph, state drainage engineer who 'was 2 member of the party which 'has visited the Red lake section, it would be possible to control the floodwaters of the Red Lake river :and Red River of the North at a «comparatively small cost. A depth of three feet on the sur- face of Red Lake would mean a wolume of between 30,000,000,000 and 40,000,000,000 cubic feet of water, or about the total capacity of the five reservoirs on the head- waters of the Mississippi river. The Department of Geological Suryey at Washington rcently com- pleted a topographical and drainage map of the country tributary to the Upper and Lower Red lakes. This drainage map plans a large number of ditches emptying into Red lake, which, when constructed, would greatly asgment the volume of Red lake during flood time, hence the ,necessity of storing the waters, when it can be doneat such small «cost, thereby lessening the danger ‘from floods to lands in the Red JRiver Valley. 'This plan provides for the drain- age of all swamp lands tributary to Red Lake. Ditches are generally laid out along section lines, and when constructed, will have high- ways along their banks, giving direct communication, direct outlets and routes of travel between Spooner and Baudette to southern Beltrami county. The State Drainage Commission, in connection with the Department . of Geological survey at Washington, are making measurements of the - water resources of the entire state. "These measurements consist of :gauging all streams through various :stages of high and low water and imeasurement of the discharge at ssuch stages. A profile of the surveys is also being made along the entire length of the water courses. These sur- veys, when completed, will show the fall in all streams of the state from point to point along the streams and the available waterpower. The sur- veys also include the examination and survey of reservoir sites, for the “The problem of proper regula- tion and control of the waterpowers of the country is commanding the attention of thinking men through- out the country,” says Mr. Ralph. “The state of Maine has gone very extensively into the work and finds the question one of the most important now confronting the peo- ple of the state. “New York, Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama, Mississippi and many other states are making, or have made, extensive surveys of their water sources, and in some of these states bills have been passed creating commissions which have been given full charge of the regulations and control of the waters of their respective states, these commissions being clothed with powers similar to those of our Railway and Warehouse commission. “The great benefit to be derived from waterpowers in all of these states will, in most instances, pay the entire cost of the contemplated improvements. “Itis estimated that fully 500,000 horsepower can be developed on the various streams of Minnesota. The value of horsepower per annum varies from $10to $60, dependent upon location. A conservative estimate of the value of the water- power in Minnesota would be $20 per annum per horsepower. At this estimated rate, 500,000 horsepower means a revenue of $10,000,000 per annum, provided the state owned and controlled the power. “There is no reason why the state should not receive a fair revenue from all privately-owned waterpowers. “In Europe, where there is government control and regulation the waters of all streams, such as is proposed in Minnesota, a tax is exacted, ranging from g2 to $2.50 per horsepower from the owners of power plants. «This problem is a vital one to the people of Minnesota, and if properly solved, the state should receive sufficient revenue there- from to not only create empound- ing reservoirs wherever practic- able, but to soimprove the streams of the state, which are now sub- ject to overflow, that the great damages resulting from overflows, particularly along the Minnesota river, could be prevented, and the whole cost of performing the work could be paid for out of the revenues received from the water- powers, “The Drainage Commission is also engaged in making a topograph- ical survey of the state, and the work is being done in co-operation with Department of Geological Sur- vey at Washington. This is by far the most important survey ever undertaken in the state. When it is completed it will furnish ground plans for almost any undertaking, and will be especially valuable in future drainage work and canal construction throughout the state. “From these maps and reports close estimate may be made of the cost of any improvements of this nature. “This surely will essemble, in one comprehensive report, all the fragmentary surveys, such as the draiuage survey of the Red River Valley, made by Elliot; the topo- graphical survey of the state lands, made by myself, and other surveys of like nature, and will fill in parts of the state where no such survey has been made.” purpose of storing water for the prevention of floods and increasing the value of waterpowers, Mr. Ralph.says that a complete report of these surveys will be sube|day afternoon at 3 o’clock. mitted to the next legislature, to- gether with recommendations for legislation required to properly con- trol and use the waters of the state. Farewell Sermon Sunday. Rev. Carl Stromme of the Nymore Lutheran Free church will preach his farewell sermon at Nymore Sun- Rev. Stromme leavesin the near future for Ottowa, Ill.,, where he will resume his work at the Seminary of that place. T0 BE G0OD ATTENDANGE IN THE COUNTY SCHOOLS W. B. Stewart, County Superintendent of Schools, Confident of Added Interest. in Work. County Superintendent of Schools W. B. Stewart is kept busy these days aiding school districts in the various needs which arise at this time of the year for the good of the dis- trictin the way of securing competent teachers, and directing the various needs of the district preparatory to the year of school work to begin in September. Mr. Stewart states that the Bel- trami county schools are making rapid progress, and that the teachers of the county are interested in their work and this adds materially to the attendance in all the districts throughout the country, as children become more interested in their work and do not care to miss a day of school. In speaking of the compulsory educational law Mr. Stewart says this is to be more strictly enforced than ever and it will bear good results to both the district and the child who is compelled to attend school. The law requires children between the ages of 8 and 16 to attend school during the school year in the country districts and in cities the age is 8 to 18, The only circumstances which excuse them from attendance are the fol- lowing as specified in the law: (1) That such parent, guardian or other person having coutrol is not able by reason of poverty to clothe such child. (2) That such child’s bodily or mental condition is such as to prevent his attendance at school or application to study for the period required. (3) That such child has already completed the studies ordinarily re- quired in the eighth grade; or BAND CONCERT TONIGHT. The Bemidji band will give a concert at the dock band stand this evening, instead of Friday evening. All members are urged to be present and show what the Bemidji band can do. g —HARRY MASTEN, Leader. (4) That there is no public school within reasonaable distance of his residence. Professor Stewart in his visits to to the different parts of the county gencourages teachers. to urge sgeady attendance, and the marked improve- ment in attendance the past year re- wards him for the effort put forth along this line; he predicts for the schools of Beltrami. for the coming year the best attendance and work in the history of the county and he asks the co-operation of parents and their assistance in this work, Estimating Timber for State Sale. The work of examining and esti- mating the state timber that will be disposed of at the public sale to be held October 14th is being rushed, and state cruisers have been in the country along the northern boundary of the state for several weeks past. J. H. and W. ]. Beagle of Duluth and Thomas Elliot of Two Harbors came to Bemidji today from work along the Rainy river boundary, having examined a considerable quantity of timber in Town 67-21 and adjoining townships. They will now examine a lot of state timber north of Kelliher, in Town 153-29, which will be offered at the October sale. New Tonsorial Parlors. Ray Dennis and Maurice Peter- son have purchased the barber shop, fixtures and supplies of what was formerly known as the ;Stafford & Dennis barbershop aad opened - the place for business this morning. Both the young men are well known in the city, having been here for some time past. Their location is a good one, and no doubt they will receive their share of patronage. “FISHWAY IN WARFIELD DAM IS A LAWFUL ONE” So Says Carlos Avery, Executive Agent of State Game and Fish Commission. “The fishway in the dam which is built across the Mississippi river, seven miles east of Bemidji, is in every waya proper one, and your citizens can rest assured that it is correct, in every particular,” said Carlos Avery, executiue agent of the State Game and Fish commission, who spent yesterday in Bemidji, while returning to his home in St. Paul from a visit to the Red lake country. Several local parties had expressed the opinion that the fishway which had been built in the dam, according to specifications furnished by the U. S. government officials, was not in conformity tothe state law regulating such matters, and that fish could not pass freely through the fishway, In order to determine fullyand officially as to the fishway, S. C. Bailey of this city, state game warden for this district, took Mr. Avery to the dam yesterday and had the latter inspect the fishway. Mr. Avery made a thorough inspection of the fishway and said: “The fishway in the Warfield dam is complete in every detail, and complies fully with the requirements of both the federal government and the Minnesota State Game and Fish commission. There is no obstruction whatever to the fish moving freely up and down stream at the dam, and the type of fishway used there is the best I ever saw.” Pleasant Party. A party was given last evening at the home of Beatrice Gould, in honor of her cousin, Angelina Munt. Games were played till a late hour, after which a peanut contest was given. All reported a good time. About twenty were present. Of Proposed Franchise The matter of granting a franch- ise to the Warfield Electric company for the furnishing of electric lights to the city of Bemidji at a certain fixed sum in return for the exclusive use by the company of such electric lighting privileges seems 1n a fair way to be settled satisfactorily to both the company and the tax- payers of the city. A public meeting was held last evening for the purpose of further discussing the ordinance granting the franchise, which has already been given a third reading and final voting on the same postponed, at the rcquest of the taxpayers of the city, who desired to have the coun- cil receiveadded information” as to what other cities have been doing of late in the matter of granting elect- ric franchises. At the council meeting held Mon- day evening it was decided thata committee of three councilmen and three private taxpayers should be appointed to visit other places and gain all information possibleto report to the council as soon as possible; and the meeting held last evening was for the purpose of further dis- cussing the provisions of the ordi- nance-franchise and selecting the committee of three citizens who will act with the three councilmen. T. ], Burke, president of the Northern Grocery company, ad- dressed the meeting, which was presided over by W. L. Brooks, president of the Bemidji Commercial club. Mr. Burke briefly stated the object of the meeting and told of AMICABLE AGREEMENT AS TO ELECTRIC FRANCHISE Harmonious Meeting Held Last Night, at Which Provisions Were Discussed.—Com- mittees Selected to Visit Other Cities. the experience of the city of Grand Forks, which had but recently gone through a similar experience. T. J. Burke, F. S. Lycan' and W. G. Schroeder were chosen as the citizens’ committee to act with the committee from the coun- cil. Each of the three delegates stated he would pay his own expenses and in addition thereto donate $10 towards paying the expense of the council committee. W. L. Brooks was elected as chairman of the finance committee, he to select another citizen to act with him on this committee. A. A. and C. W. Warfield were present on behalf of the company. They stated that all they desired was a fair proposition—one that would recognize their enterprise in placing at the disposal of the city cheap power for the operation of manufacturing industries; and they donated the sum of $25 towards de- fraying the expenses of the council committee on its tour of investiga- tion. The best of feeling prevailed at the meeting, which augurs well for a final settlement of the question in a very amicable manaer. Today, George Kirk, president of the council, announced that he had named Aldermen E. J. Gould, John Hanson or J. Bisiar and himself as the three members of the council who will make the junket. It is stated that among the places that will be visited by the commit- tee is Hudson, Wis., which has re- cently granted an electric light franchise. Subscribe for The Pioneer. The State Map Most complete and at- tractive. Made from the latest Government Sur- veys, Post Office Records, Railroad and Private data, Aiming to show more towns than have ever been represented on similar en- gravings, Exquisitely col- ored by counties, Town- ship and range numbers and lines, wherever such lines are surveyed. Inter- urban Railroad Lines, and all other features necessary on up-to-date and com- plete maps. Size of map plate proper, about 20x28 inches. The highest priced school and office maps are not as complete nor as at- tractive. The Fana_ma Canal An etching of a Topo- graphical Drawing, show- ing Nature of the land surface, locks, distances, U. S. Canal Zone and Districts, etc. U. S. Special Map lllustrating the growth of U. S. by Purchase and Wars. advance. The Bemidji Pioneer Wall Chart The World A 22x16 inch map m colors. Every country in separate tint. Capitols and important towns. G Difference in time by hours, International date hine. Length of night and day in different latitudes, Ocean distances, lines of travel, etc. Principal Countries, their Areas, Capitals, Pop- ulations, Commerce with U. S., National Debt, Revenue, Expenditure, etc. The U. S. Map Same size, style of En- graving and coloring as the ¢«“World Map”, accom- panied by detailed colored maps of The Philippines Hawail Alaska Porto Rico Description of Island Possessions. Special Features Portraits of Leading Rulers, Coats of Arms of Nations in colors, etc., etc chief Our ‘This 3- sheet 28x36 Wall Chart is glven “free to all who pay their sub- scription to the Weekly Pioneer one year in advance; or is given with a six months’ subscription to the Daily Pioneer, payment to be made strictly in Price of map separate, 50 cents; by mail, 15 cents extra. The Bemidji Pioneer A DARING EXPLORER HAS DISGOVERED NORTH POLE Dr. Frederick Cook, an American Explorer, Accomplished the Feat on April Twenty-irst. Copenhagen, Sept, 1.—(Special to Pioneer.)—pr. Fredrick A, Cook, American explorer reached the North Pole, April 21, 1900, according telegram just received at the colonial office here. to a The message was received from Lerwik, Shetland Islands. Dr. Cook is on board the Dan. ish Government Steamer Hans Egede, which passed Lewike, euroute to Denmark. The telegram announcing Dr. Cook’s achieve a Greenland official on board the ient was sent by steamer. To Detroit and Return $12.00. Via the South Shore in connection with steamers of the D. & C. Line. Excursions leave Duluth on Night Express Sept. 15th, 17th, 19th, 22nd. Rate to Toledo $12.50, Cleveland $13.50, Buffalo $14.00. Apply early for reservation to A. J. Perrin, General Agent, Duluth, Minn. The Vacuum Cleaner owned by the Baptist Ladies’ Aid society is ready for service. Those wishing work done, notify Mrs. Hulett or telephone 167. Firemen Meet Wednesday Eve. The regular meeting of the Beémidji fire department which was to bave been. held this evening, has been postponed until tomorrow evening. Meeting called for 8 oclock sharp. Earl Geil, Chief. ‘The Baptist Missionary society - will hold an ice cream social on the church lawn Friday evening, Septem- ber 3. If the weather is stormy, the social will be given in the church, MINNESOTA HISTORICAL | Sociery.