Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, September 14, 1909, Page 4

DEFERRED ACTION ON FRANGHISE; NEW ONE [Continued from Fisst Page.] from year to year. The insurance com- panies, of course, have a representative upon this board but their rules are for the common protection of the people. “In addition to the proposed amend- ment to the franchise, your city should have an amended electrical ordinance and a competent and honest city elec- trical inspector, one who is not controlled or dominated by the parties selling elec- tricity. “If you desire, I will procure for you the requirements of this city. They are scattered through the different laws and are not published in pamphlet form collec- tively, consequently it will take some time to procure them but they shall be secured if you desire to have them. “Yours very truly, “J. B. McLeran, “Inspector.” “A clause should be inserted giving the city the right to reduce the number of incandescent or arc lights at any time during the con- tinuance of the contract; and in case the city should reduce any cer- tain number of lamps, payment shall be reduced in the same pro- portion. “There shall be a clause providing for the cutting of the wires in event of moving buildings. “In our investigation we have found that there is absolutely no charge, in the cities visited, for meters. *‘We find that the latest,up-to-date franchise and contract is that of the City of Red Wing. “From experience of Red Wing, as related to us, and from perusal of the contract offered to the City of Red Wing by the power company operating in Red Wing, we would suggest the following changes in the schedule of rates in the new franchise and contract prepared for the City of Bemidji. “Flat rate—change from $1 to 75¢ per month for 16-candlepower incan- descent lights; change from $1.25 to $1 per month for 32-candlepower incandescent lights. Change from $7.20 to $6 per month for arc lights, 2,000-candlepower (so-called). “The maximum charge for com- mercial lighting of 9c per kilowat hour for 75,000 wats or under; a minimum charge of 6c per kilowat hour for 75,000 wats or over. “This is practictically the same schedule of rates as that which will be employed in the new contract proposed for the City of Red Wing, with the exception of the price of arc lights, the Red Wing contract calling’ for a charge of $56.20 for all arc lights used in Red Wing. “On this basis, the city of Bemidji would be then paying $1.30 per month more for arc lights than is to be charged in the proposed con- tract for the city of Red Wing. “All city officials consulted acknowledged that the most essential clause in a franchise of this character is the one for power for manufactur- ing purposes, and the only city which has incorporated this clause in its franchise is the city of Red Wing; the others admitted that they made a grave mistake in not having this particular clause inserted in their franchises. “Another very material matter which we found in the cities visited was that electric franchises and electric contracts with thecity should be two separate and distinct in- struments.” The Commercial Club-Citizens’ committee wrote to the president of the Grand Forks city council as to what had been done in that city rel- ative to electric franchises, and in response the president of the council emphasized the matter of franChises in the following language. “I will add, do not tie up the city to a franchise; that would be a burden to the people on a common necessity—light.” In commenting on this matter, Messrs. Schroeder and Burke say: “In our opinion, there is no par- ticular objection to a 15-year franchise; but there is a serious ob- jection to a contract with the city of more than five years.” George Kirk,” president of the council, submitted the following report: “To The Honorable City Council, Bemidji. “Gentlemen:—I herewith submit our report of investigation upon the electric franchise and contracts in the different cities we visited upon our trip, namely Hudson, Wis., Still- water and Red Wing, Minn. “First—In regard to length of franchise, we found them to run in Stillwater and Red Wing for thirty years. In Hudson, indefinitely, as the city owns everything and turns it over to the power company to | operate. “Hudson, Wis., is a city of 4,000 population. They own the wires, poles, lights and pumping station and apparatus. Was a municipal plant, but could not be run satis- factorily. Two factions in council. Plant is turned over to Burkhardt Power company to run, who owns waterpower on ‘.Willow river, five miles from city. They furnish the city with lights and also do the pump- ing. City pays $238 per month for lighting and $200 per month for pumping water at a ratio of 10,000,- 000 gallons per month, and they own everything except the dam and the five miles of wire and poles into the city. “No comparison can be ' made between Hudson and Bemidji. “Stillwater. Population 14,000, franchise thirty years, contract every five years. They have no flat rate. Current charges is 15c per k, w. with a discount of 33% per cent if paid before 10th of month. Arc lights, 1200-c p., $57 per year; in- candescents, 25-c p., $12 per year. Power rate issued by company from % -horsepowér motor at $5 per month service charge to $5.80 per horsepower, 10 hours service, per day. In their ordinance they have one or two good points, such as re- moval of buildings coming in con- tact with wires, also the inspection of wiring of buildings. (This has been done by a member of the fire department with small cost to the city until two years ago, since which time they have had an inspector). There is also a clause in regard to number of lights to be used, amount raised or lowered according to will of council. In regard to water ser- vice, they are certainly up against it. “$80 per hydrant for 132 hy- drants: $60 per year for 4 water troughs, 3 are in addition fur- nished free. Pay for all water used in the city hall, fire depart- ment house and other public places. No water meters, Charges are made in proportion to size of house and tamily: $24 per year is paid by the mayor for a 7-room house and three in family, No clause in contract for motor power. “Red Wing. Population 10,- ooo. Old franchise and contract expires 1911. Are trying to get new one now and annul the old. They contract for five years for lighting city. Steam power for service. They burn 21 arc lights in business district all night and 31 arc lights in resident district until 12 p. m. Arc lights $84 per year and expect to get the price reduced to $58.40 per light, but will install enongh arc lights to make up the total as it now is. Nighty-eight incandescents, mid- night schedule. “Meter rates—ilc per k. w. for OWERS Y OPENING Wednesday, Sept. 15 BERMAN EMPORIUM EVERY LADY COME You are cordially invited to call and see our fine display of Imported Pattern Hats; also our own beautiful productions of the latest models, as well as Tailored and Ready-to- wear Hats; also Misses’ and Children’s Hats. A visit to this department will convince you of our ex= clusive styles. Every hat is a special model in itself. You cannot fail to find something that will please you. ‘We pay particular attention to order _work, and guarantee perfect satisfaction. MRS. H. L. BOWERS first 75,000 and 7c per k. w. for all consumed in excess of first 75,000 k. w. Discount of one-per cent on all bills paid before 10th of month. For power—$1 per horsepower per month for service charges and in addition 3% c per k. w. for all current consumed. They also have g clause in regard to wiring of building. This is done by the chief of the fire department, Chief Cook being an electrician and drawing a certain amount above his salary as chief for this service. “—Geo. Kirk. “—E. J. Goul ‘The municipal court report for September 4 and September 11, showing a total of $101.80 fines collected, was accepted and filed. City Engineer M. D. Stoner made a report stating that the bridge at the outlet was unsafe and should be closed for traffic or necessary repairs made to make the bridge safe for teams to pass; and that should teams pass too far to one side the bridee would be likely to tip over. Mr. Stoner suggested that the council committee on streets and sidewalks confer with the county board; that the proposed bridge across the Mississippi two or three miles east of Lake Bemidji should be abandoned and the bridge built within the city limits, the city to stand one-half the expense of such bridge. Acting upon this suggestion, the council passed a resolution authoriz- ing the street committee, which con- sists of Councilmen Smart, Johnson and Bisiar, to meet with the county board as their next meeting and discuss the matter they to report the result to the city council. Bids were opened for the sale of the old tower and tank and the property sold to G. E. Carson for $45, he to remove same within ten days. W. R. Mackenzie, on behalf of the Beltrami County Agricultural Association, asked for an appropria- tion of $125, which was unanimously grantcd by the council, and the city clerk was authorised to issue war- rant payable to the treasurer of the fair association in payment of same. ’Twas His Own Father. Cass Lake, Sept. 14.—(Special to Pioneer.) —A heartrending scene was witnessed at Farris when the coroner from Akeley arrived yesterday to pick up the body of the man who was found horribly mangled along the rail- road track early yesterday morn- ing. The body was first discovered by John Andersor. who lives near Farris and he ‘immediately sum- moned the coroner. When the coroner arrived Anderson took him out to where the body was found and when Anderson took a second glance at the mangled form he was horrified to see that it was his father who lived in Montana and who had been promising for a number of years to visit his children at Farris. Evidently the old man was going te spring a surprise on his children by his sudden appearance and when he got off the train he in some manner got tangled up in the wheels. The unfortnnate man was buried in the Farris cemetery. Clever Western Play Coming. “In Wyoming,” H. E. Pierce & Co.’s great play of western ranch life, will be the attraction at the City Opera House soon. The selection of this drama of the West will meet with wide approval in Bemidji and the production itself promises to be one of the most pretentious that will be seen here during the present season. “In Wyoming” is a genuine American play, replete with virility and strength. Willard Mack, the author, has skillfully combined his ingredients of dramatic interest with the proper admixture of comedy, and has succeeded in evolving a rare play wherein swiftly alternating laughs give place frequently to moments of intense pathos. The scenes are held near Casper, Wyo- ming. The management has furni- shed a complete scenic production, which will be used in its entirety during the engagement. At City Opera House, Wednesday, Sept. 15th. 1909 Diaries. The Pioneer still has a few 1909 diariesleft which will be closed out at half price. The assortment includes some of the best aswell as the cheap- er books. Subscribe for The Pioneer. BLACKDUCK Blackduck,Sept. 13.—(Special cor- respondence of the Pioneer.) Miss Mary Ratican is in the Twin cities on a visit. Mrs. Harry Gilham and children are home from a visit with relatives in Park Rapids, Minn. D. W. Hayden has been having a seige of his old stomach trouble, but at present is much improved. Mrs. M. J. Leak and Mrs. Lena Tucker returned home Monday evening from a visit in Dakota. Mrs. J. C. Parker and children spent last Sunday in International Falls visiting Mr. Parker, who is just now making the ‘“Falls” his headquarters, while cruising for the Backus-Brooks company. Alfred Mead had a narrow escape from serious injury while at the fire on Wednesday. A rotten railing on an upper balcony gave way and Mead fell a distance of twenty feet. A hose filled with water broke his fall and he landed safely on his feet. Blackduck had a narrow escape from a big fire on last Wednesday when the “Kristiana” saloon on east Main street, caught fire. Flames and clouds of black smoke were i)ou.ring out of the southeast corner of the building, when the alarm was given. With the least wind the whole block would have gone, but as it was the firemen soon had it un- der control. There was but slight damage to the adjoining buildings. Additional Locals Thomas Kerrick went to Walker this morning on a business trip. While visiting the fair, make the Berman Emporium your resting place. William Gerlinger came down this morning from Spur 105 and spent the day here. T. S. Ervin, general manager for the Beltrami Elevator & Milling company, came to the city this morning from points east, and spent the day here. Louis Parker and A. J. Moon of Blackduck came to the city this morning, being the advance guard of the big exhibit which the Village of Blackduck has collected for the fair of ’09, which begins here tomor- row. The Berman Emporium invites all fair visitors to make their home at the store during the fair. Among the out-of-town attorneys who came to the city this morning to attend the present term of district court were the following: C. C. Mec- Carthy of Grand Rapids, John P. Coleman of St. Paul, C. F. Cham- berlain of Minneapolis, Charles Lor- ing of Crookston, Bunn T. Willson of Blackdnck, C. R. Middleton and S. M. Koefod of Baudette and L. W. Bills of Park Rapids. Judge B. F. Wright of Park Rapids also came to the city last evening. 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. SAID BALLINGER ~ WILL QUIT CABINET Understood Secretary of the Interior Is to Retire, - Chicago, Sept. 14—A Washington dispatch to the Tribune says: Becretary Ballinger, it is under- stood, will retire from the Taft cab- inet. This does not mean that his resignation will be immediately ac- cepted. It is the information of his subordinates that the president is not satisfied with the explanations which have been given regarding his connec- tion with the Cunningham coal tract in Alaska. So far as known intima- tions of wrongdoing on the part of the secretary of the interior have not been established. The secretary’s connection with the Cunningham deal has been explained as entirely proper in a professional way. « Crew Gets Ashore Safely. Delaware Breakwater, Del., Sept. 14. —The three-masted schooner John Proctor went ashore off Cape Hen- lopen and is slowly breaking up. The crew landed in their own boats and the lifesaving crew and local wreck- ers are standing by the stranded ves- sel. MUST GIVE UP " POLITICAL JOBS Director of Census Durand Warns Appointees. SENDS LETTER TO EACH Informs Supervisors and Enumerators That He Is Determined to Carry Out President Taft's Order and Ask: That All Who Are Members of Po litical Committees Forward Him a Copy of Their Resignations From 8uch Committees, Washington, Sept. 14.—Every meas wre is being taken by Census Director Durand in carrying out President Taft’s determination to prevent polit- ical activity on the part of census su pervisors and enumerators during their term of office, as emphatically outlined by the president in a letter to Secretary Nagel of the department of commerce and labor. Director Du rand has sent a letter, which has beer approved both by the president and Becretary Nagel, to all supervisors calling attention to the president’s letter and pointing out that the letter prohibits a man from holding office ot membership in any political commit- tee during a term of office as super- visor. The letter also prohibits su- pervisors taking any active part in politics by public addresses, solicita: tion of votes or otherwise. The director declares this order will be strictly enforced and requests that _EDWARD DANA DURAND. each supervisor inform him immedd ately whether he holds office or mem- bership in any political committee and if so just what position and whether the supervisor is willing to resign such position and refrain from political activity during his term of office. If the answer {s in the affir- mative the director expects the super- visor to send a copy of his resigna: tion from any such position, with a statement that the resignation hae been accepted. In view of the provision in almost every state constitution that no state officer shall hold a federal position at the same time the director also in the letter calls for information on this point. ASK AN INCREASE IN WAGES One Thousand Weavers on Strike at Fall River, Mass. Fall River, Mass., Sept. 14—The 1,000 weavers employed at the Fall River cotton mills controlled by M. C. D. Borden of New York did not report for work in accordance with thelr announced intention of striking for an increase in wages, The absence of the weavers so ham- pered the other departments that the management decided to close the en- tire plant until the differences could be settled and 5,000 operatives are thus temporarily thrown out of work. The striking weavers ask for a 10 per cent increase in wages and the adjustment of several minor griev- ances. TAFT'S VISIT TO CHICAGO Review of 150,000 School Children to Be a Feature. Chicago, Sept. 14.—In anticipation of a great influx of country visitors on the occasion of President Taft's visit to Chicago next Thursday Chief of De- tectives Wood has prepared to free the city of confidence men, pick- pockets and “police characters” gen- erally. Every minute of the president’s stay here has been mapped out and Leroy T. Steward, the chief of police, has arranged for the closest police guard at every point. The spectacular fea- ture of his visit will be the review of 160,000 school children. Mr. Taft, oc- cupying an automobile, will be driven through miles of boulevards lined with white clad school children waving &mall American flags. UNDER THE NEW TARIFF BILL Increase in French Exports to the United States. Paris, Sept. 14—French exports to the United States, instead df dimin- ishing, have increased rapidly under the new tariff. The total for the month of August shows an increase of 76 per cent over that of August, 1908. The greatest increase was in hides, which are being rushed over to America in such gquantities as to alarm French manufacturers, who foresee that America may monopolize the tanning industry and ®lige the French manufacturers to import Amer- fcan leather. — ldldde AR that is maintained AL=- WAYS in our DEL MARCA cigar—the very maximum of quality for 10c in cigar form. A single purchase will convince you of the facts that the Del Marca brand is made from the choicest of selected leaf by expert and experienced workmen. WANTS ONE CENT A WORD. HELP WANTEBS. WANTED—Good girl for general house work. Inquire of Mrs. C. ]J. Pryor, 421 Bemidji avenue. WANTED—Good girl who under- stands cooking. Wages $25.00. Kaye & Carter Lbr. Co., Hines. WANTED—Small house, close in, for family of two. Inquire at Model Clothing Store. WANTED—Good girl for general housework. Inquire 510 America avenue. WANTED — Experienced woman dishwasher. Call at Armstrong’s. WANTED—Dish washer. at Hotel Markham. Apply FOR SALE, FOR SALE—Challenge Hotel. A twenty-room modern hotel. Two doors north of postoffice. Cash or terms. Inquire at hotel or A. L. Smith. FOR SALE—Rubber stamps. The Pioneer will procure any kind of a rubber stamp for you an short notice, FOR SALE—Large seven-room house on lake shore. See T. Beaudette, 314 Minnesota Ave. FOR SALE—A No. 7 Oliver and a No. 7 Smith-Premier typewriter. Inquire at Pioneer office. FOR RENT. B AUV USRI FOR RENT — Nicely furnished rooms. Inquire 915 Lake Boule- vard. FOR RENT—Residence on lake shore. Inquire of Phibbs & Klein. FOR RENT—Furnished Inquire 517 Fourth street. rooms, MISCELLANEOUS. AN AN A A e PUBLIC LIBRARY—Open Tues days, Thursdays and Saturdays 2:30to 6 p. m. and Saturday evening 7:30 to 9 p. m. also. Library in basement of Court House. Mrs. Donald, libraria WANTED—Two rooms for light housekeeping; prefer rooms fur- nished; no children. Box 402. M. E. IBERTSON COUNTY CORONER AMD LICENSED EMBALMER Undertaking a Specialty Day and Night Calls Answered Promptly Phone—Day Call 317-2; Night Call 317-3 Fiest Door North of Postoffice Bemidii, Minn —_— Want Ads FOR RENTING A PROPERTY, SELL- ING A BUSINESS OR CBTAINING HELP ARE BEST. Pioneer