Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, February 10, 1909, Page 1

VoL. XVI.—No. 34 Grand Mapids Herald-Revie Granp Rarips, Irasca County, MINN., Wépnzspay, FEBRUARY 10, 1909. COMMERICAL CLUE REGULAR MEETING Large Attendance and Much In- terest Shown In Affairs of Village and County TOTAL MEMBERSHIP NEARLY 100 Committees Appointed to Investi- gate Several Matters at the Meet- ing Held in Court House Last Friday Night The reorganization of the Grand Rapids Commerical club appears to be on an enduring foundation. Its membership is composed of men who are all personally interested in the wellfare of the town and county. These men are active and energetic in the advancement of the commu- nitie’s material affairs. There is much that may be done and the Com- merical club is setting about the business at hand in a way that will not finish in failure. The committee named at the first meeting to solicit members met with excellent success. No arguments were necessary to induce the citizens to enroll their names upon the roster of the*club. At the meeting held Jast Friday evening at the court house Secretary Dickenson reported the membership to be seventy-three. At that time thirteen more names were added. The names added since the list was published last week in these columns, are the following: William Ashton, John Costello, James Connell, Chris Halvorsen, J. E. McMahon, Frank Ressler, F. A. McVicar, John MHoefer, Charles Hammer, Dave Chambers and O. C. Opgard. The committee was unable to see a number who will readily become members when their atten- tion is called to the matter, and it is expected that the total membership will not be Jess than 100 hundred when the next meeting is held on the fifth of March. The club met in the council room at Village hall Friday evening, but the room was not large enough to accommodate the number present. Judge Cant, was holding a night session of court in the Riddell-Riley contest case, but generously ad- journed the proceedings to the com- missioner’s room and the court room taken possession of by the busi- bess organization. President Finnegan presided and Secretary Dickinson called the roll. There were present nearly the full membership. The president called for reports from the standing and special com- mittes appointed at the previous meeting. Senator D. M. Gunn re- sponded for the railroad committee saying that arrangements had been made for a meeting between the local representatives and certain railroad officials at St. Paul on Tues- day the 9th inst, and that dates for other meetings with the. officials of the Great Northern had been agreed upon. He spoke very hopefully of the immediate future prospects of Grand Rapids so far as her railroad interests are concerned. The matter of establishing a regu- lar market day in Grand Rapids was advocated by the Very Rev. Dean Buechler. He set forth a number of good and substantial reasons for the advancement of such a custom by the first subject referred to it related to the consideration of a bill to be pre- sented tu the state legislature for an increase in the salaries of county commissioners. The measure as drawn stipulated a flat sum of twelve hundred dollars for each member yearly as full compensation for all seryices to be rendered. Attorney C. C. McCarthy, who drew the bill by request, explained that the amount named was not caluclated as final by any means. The desire was to secured expression from the Commercial club as to its judgment ia the premises as to a reasonable compensation for the services of county commissioners. He explained that Itasca county is the fourth largest in assessed yalua- tion in the state and that in the opinion uf a great many citizens the work involved in the handling of the public fundsin the;matter of road building and road improvements in the future would require much more time and attention than the salary now paid would justify any man to give who had private business to look after. He stated that other commercial clubs in the county would be called upon to consider the bill before the legislative representa- tives would introduce it. The com- mittee to which the measure was referred gave it consideration at some length and finally submitted the following report: “It is the judgment of this com- mittee that the county commissioners should receive ample pay for services rendered and if the present law does not provide this, it is mght and proper that some plan be devised to sufficiently remunerate them. In our judgment, however, the proposed bill would not meet the needs of the case, nor would it tend to better the service, nor would it bein line with strict business priociples.” Members of the committee ex- plained that they were not sufficient- ly infurmed as to the amount of time required of members of the board in the performance of their official duties to recommend any definite sum as compensation for such ser- vices, and hence did not desire to venture beyond the point stated in the report. The committee also 1n- dicated that in the computation of the salaries in question the plan now in vogue of allowing mileage in ad- dition to a fixed sum should be con- tinued. The committee’s report was adopted by a unanimous vote. Sena- tor Gunn then requested that the Commercial club express its opinion more definitely by naming some specific sum as compensation for the commissioners. He desired to take such actior in the senate as the tax- payers of the couoty would indi- cate through the several Commercial clubs. and other similar bodies, as being their judgment and desire in the premises. A motion to recom- mend the compensation of commis- | aonum~= with | made and seconded. | J.S. Gole moved that a secret ballot | sioners at $800 per mileage, was be taken which was emphatically voted down. Upon the putting of the motion it was carried by a rising vote which left no doubt that a large majority of the business people of this community are in favor of an increase in the compensation of the members of the county board. Senator Gunn explained that there is likely to be bills passed during the present session of the legislature creating a number of agricultural schools throughout the state and thatin his opinion Grand Rapids | would not be overlooked. The fact that the state experiment station is already here would materially in securing one of the proposed schovls for this place. He had already taken the matter upin the senate and would give it every possible attention. Mr. L. M. Bolter discussed the sub- ject of Grand Rapids, water supply. business men of the town and argued the many mutual benefits to both merchants and farmers that are to be derived therefrom. Others expressed approval of the proposed plan anda motion toappointa committee for the purpose of devising ways and means to develop the enterprise was carried. President Finnegan named Dean Buechler, Henry Hughes and John Beckfelt as such committee to take the matter up and make report thereon at the proper time. A week- ly market day during the summer season would no doubt be of general benefit tou the town and farmers dur- ing the summer season. A public affairs committee was appointed, consisting of H. .D. Powers, Henry Hughes. A. C, Bossard, Charles Milaney and C. H. Dickin- son. The duties of this committee will largely be given to the consider- ation of such matters as relate to the transaction of public offairs by coun- ty, village and other officials. The He was of the opinion that the in- take pipe was too near the surface and too near the shore line to guarantee the purity of the water being con- sumed by the public. He pointed out the danger from its close vontact with a number of homes on the shore of Hale lake and expressed it as his opinion that the matter should be investigated. Others present voiced Bolter to bring the matter to the attention of the village council. The subject of preparation for tak- jing care of public conventions in Grand Rapids was discussed by several members, and the president appointed a committee to look after the matter, consisting of E. A. Kremer, D. M. Gunn ‘and F, A. McVicar. On motion of Mr. T. A. McHugh, Hon. G.G. Hartley of Duluth was made an honory member of the Grand assist very | similar sentiments. President Finnegan appointed Dr. Thomas | Russell, T. R. Pravitz and L. M. | | Rapids Commercial club, and the secretary instructed to notify Mr. Hartley. Mr. Hartley was also res quested to join the committee that will confer with the Soo officials av St. Paul this week. The shed now being erected on the court house grounds by order of the county board for the sheltering of road scrapers and like property belonging to the county, was objected: to as being too conspicious, and a com- mittee consisting of J. S. Gole, A. L. Lafreniere and F. E. Reusswig was named by the chairman to use their influence with the board to change the location of the structure. It was learned, however, that the objection- able building was to be satisfactorily placed according to the original plans of the county board committee. Judge Cant was requested to ad- dress the club, which he consented to do. He spoke of the many substan- tial benefits that are brought to com- munities through the efforts of energetic and well directed organiza- tions of business men. Outsiders have faith in the city or village where the citizens thereof proclaim its many advantages and natural re- sources, said Judge Cant. It isin this way that live, progressive com- munities are made and maintained, said he. “Grand Rapids is certainly one of the substantial towns of North- eastern Minnesota, with a creditable past and a fargreater future. It cannot fail to growin wealth and popvlation, but this alone is not sufficient,” said the jurist. ‘The morals and the civic upbuilding of a town is equally as essential in your plaps as is the making of money. Secure, while you may, suitable grounds for public parks and play resorts for your children, if you would enjoy the manifold blessings that nature offers. Organizations, such as the Grand Rapids Commer: cial club, are necessary to bring about the fullest realization of the good that modern civitization is capable of granting.”” The remarks and suggestions offered by Judge Cant were listed to with evident appreciation by all who were present, and at the conclusion of his brief. extemporaneous address he received hearty applause. . 2 OMDIOATES FOR MUNICIPAL JOB H. E. Graffam Announces by Letter His Candidacey For Office of Village Recorder. YANGEY DECLINES FURTHER HONORS M.E. Winsor Would Also Like to Be Recorder—Little Stir as Yet Among Prospective Aspirants For Village Council As the time approaches for the Sovereign citizens of Grand Rapids toelect by vote aset of village offi- cers tu transact our municipal offairs for the next year following March 9, candidates are appearing-some on the surface and some under the surface. The first to make a formal announce- ment is H E. Graffam, who will seek the office of village recorder. He writes a straightforward letter to the voters which he has mailed tua large number of citizens. Mr. Graf- fam has served the people of Grand Rapids as recorder, and none more capable have ever held the position. He isa taxpayer, whose worldly in- terests are‘all in Grand Rapids and Itasca county. His letter reads as follows: Dear Sir: You as a voter and tax- payer of the village of Grand Rapids are interested in all questions affect- ing its citizens and the future wel- fare of the village. Would you asa business man ex- pect more and better service from a man in your employ who was work- ing for you simply for the pay he re- ceived for his services, or froma NESOTA society: WwW. o Two Dollars a Year. partner in the business, one who was as deeply interested in making a suc- cess of the business as you are yourself? I ama partner with you in the welfare and future developement of our village, and as such have been a taxpayer, helping to pay for the im- provements in our village for the past sixteen years and have “all my eggs-in one basket,” that is, I have no other interests except in Itasca county, and except to stay with you until my work is done, Tama candidate tor the office of village recorder at the coming spring eletion. If you think that my past conduct, ability and service during the time I acted as recorder three years ago, warrant you in doing so, I will greatly appreciate your assis- tance in my behalf, assuring you that if elected I will give the work strict attention and work with you to keep our village, as it always has been, the best village in the county. Yours very truly, H. E. GRaFFaM. W. C. Yancey. who has taken care of the municipal records during the past two years in a most capable and satisfactory manner, refuses to again be a candidate. GREAT LINCOLN’ CENTENIAL DAY Appropriate Exercises Will Be Held Tomorrow Evening at High School Auditorium. ~ INTERESTING PROGRAM PREPARED Eighth Grade Pupils Will Have Charge of Exercises—M. A. Yancey Will Deliver Patri- otic Address. M.E. Winsor is. considering the advisability of entering the race for the recordership. Jake Gole has not made an an- nouncement as to his aspirations, but heis acting, according to his traits, as he usually does when look- ing for something. In the darkness of the night Jake visits certain saloons, plays a game or two, buys a few for the boys, tells of the wonder- ful things he has done, can do and will do, and confidentially gives it out that heisall right and wide- open. Again Jake will be found io the front seat at church or hobnob- ing with the lid-on boys and putting up jobs in the interests of‘‘purity and law enforcement.” But Jake is quite well known. Bills Likely to Pass. It 1s reported from St. Paul that the four curative acts by Senator Gunn of Grand Rapids, designed to legalize acts of school boards in com- mon school districts in certain cases have been advanced to the calendar by the senate. CONTINUED PRICE REDUCTION SAL AT THE THE PIONEER STORE: ALL LADIES MISSES AND CHILDREN'S AND ALL MEN'S AND BOYS COATS AND SUITS Are still selling at the same greatly reduced prices In addition to this, I will, in order to make room for new spring goods, give special price reduction in the different departments This is an opportunity to secure good honest merchandise at prices that are money savers THE PIONEER STORE JOHN BECKFELT MOK All patriotic citizens should not fail to attend the Lincoln centenial excercises at the High sciool on Thursday evening of this week. February 12th marks the centenial anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and in all the cities and village in the land the citizens of the republic will unite to do honor tu the name and work of Abraham Lincoln. The ex- ercises at the High school will be under auspices of the eighth gardes, and a very appropriate program has been prepared. Mr. M.A. Yancey, who came in touch with the Great Emancipator, will give some recollec- tions of this great man. The crown- ing event of the evening will be the unveiling of a beautiful bronze tablet containing Lincoln’s immortal Gettysbury address. This tablet was purchased at a cost of $40.00, part of the expense was borne by the Lin- coln Memorial League of New York city. This tablet will be placed in the hall where all who come and go may see it and it will be one of the most substantial and beautiful works of art in the building. All patrotic citizens should attend these exercises first out of loyalty to Lincoln, second in appreciation of the work of the public schools. The members ofthe G. A. R. and all soldiers of the civil war will be honored guests. COLERAINE SKEE MEETING FEB. 13 Big Time Prepared For by Our Lively Neighbors to the North. "The big skee tournament at Cole- raine will take place next Saturday. Friday evening there will be a dance at tne High school auditorium. At the tournament Saturday there will be famous jumpers from ali sections of the north. The biggest spurting event of the season is bovuked and all Grand Rapids should turn out. PLEASANT SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT Miss Aiton and Assistants Receive and Entertain at Forest Lake School. The teachers of the forest Lake school kept open house on Friday afternoon last to the parents and patrons of their district, The build- ing, itself a gem of beauty, was made more attractive and inviting by the scholars and teachers. Rugs, tapestry and furnishings from the homes transformed the beautifull hall into a parlor and the work of the pupils was artistically arranged in each of the rooms. The occasion was a meeting of neighbois and friend; with one common thought, the school and what it 1s doing for their children. ‘To add to the pleasure of the gathering, coffee and a lunch was served, after which the Misses Dewey and Potter rendered several vocal solos and Miss Sickler gave readings from Riley. These gatherings. are indeed hopeful in making the school asocial center andin bringing it in closer touch with the parents and patrons. Much credit is due Miss Aiton and her corps of assistants for the success of the meeting. Old Settlers’ Annual. Friday evening of this week the Old Settlers’ society of Itasca county will hold their fourth annual dance and banquet at Viilage hall in Grand Rapids. The next meeting of the Commer- cial club will be held jat the court house on March 5th. HISTORICAL | se +}—_— arom