Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1891-06-10

An article In the Echo last week does
great injustice to Messrs. Franks and
Dennison. From reading the Eoho's ar.
ticle person would come to the conolu-
sion that the gentlemen named had done
the public great injustice, and had de-
frauded the citizens. Such Is not the
case, as Messrs. Franks and Dennison
have done nothing wrong In the matter.
The facts are as follows: Some years
ago society was organized In this coun-
ty, known as the Alpena County Agricul-
tural Society. That society had no mon
ey to commence business with, so they
issued bonds, and with the money thus
obtained, purchased the fair grounds and
erected the buildings thereon. These
bonds have never been paid, and in reali-
ty are mortgage on the entire property.
Some time after the agricultural society
was organized, number Of public spirit
ed citizens formed the Alpena Trotting
Association, and subscribed sufficient
money to build the race course and erect
the grand stand and other buildings, and
received stock In return. The agricultu-
raj society has had all 1t could do to pay
premiums and interest on Its bonds, and
II was unable to build the needed track.
A lease OF the fair grounds was granted
the trotting association, which had thus
the entire control OF the grounds, except
on county fair days. The persons who
invested their money In the race course
have found 1t to be a losing speculation.
This trotting association has, or claim
they have, the entire control OF the fair
grounds except on county fair days, and
also the power to lease It to circuses, So
cieties, or any person. The track had be-
come badly out Of repair, and there seem.
ed but littleprospect Of any Improvement
being made to 1t.
This year Messrs. Franks and Dennison
decided to see what they could do, and
they obtained from the trotting associa-
tiou a lease Of the grounds for the pres
ent year. This they had right to do,
and In so doing did not defraud any one.
The fair grounds are not public grounds,
and do not belong to the public. They
ought to be, and either the city or county
should buy and make public grounds OF
them. Messrs. Franks and Dennison OBJ
tanned their lease honorably, and have
expended several hundred dollars In Inn.
proving the track, with the result that
the track is now In first GLASS shape
Their part is neither more nor less than q
business investment They invested their
money in the track as matter OF bust
ness, just as people do in other business.
II their efforts are appreciated and they
are well patronized, then they will meet
with success, The chances In that line
OF business are against them, although
we hope they will be rewarded for their
efforts to furnish amusement for large
mum Der of citizens, who delight in speed
contests.
We think that the persons who invest
their money In business that has for It's
object the amusement Of large number
Of citizens, should be commended, and
thus we can not agree with the Echo In
It's abuse Of Messrs. Franks and Dennison.
Those gentlemen deserve thanks for their
enterprise in investing their money In i'm.
proving the race course, and we cheerful
ly advertised what they had done. The
ARGUS has nothing but praise for those
who invest their money in works that
beautify the city, or furnish amusement
for the people.