The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1897-12-04


the owners of either plants in their
endea vors to unload their property upon
US. but go right ahead in the exer-
else of our Sovereignty, build our own
plants and let them keep theirs, if,
after due notice. they don't Gaze to ac-
cept what we feel justified in giving for
them.
You will find that the second method
more like business and will bring mat
ters to head much more quickly and
satisfactorily than b0thering for pur-
chase ani sale.
Now | want to make the statement
that this city can parallel the plants OF
the gas and Waller company also of the
West Duluth Water and Light company
(which cost 'Bill' Merriam about $4,000
and which be has already tried to sell
to this city for S32oOOO), put in the
fundamental parts of the middle and
upper systems, SO that We can he pre-
pared to give water and light to any
part of the city, build our own electric
light plant and complete everything, at
d cost not to exceed 81, 100000.
If we are to issue bonds, if our
streets are to be torn up by requiring
this plant or by OWNERS of the Prindle
franchises, then let the people them
selves have all the possible good Of it,
as we'll as having to bear the burden and
Inconvenience of 1t. | not only believe
this can be done for the 81 100000; but
[ believe it can be completed by Nov.
l, 1898, if the people will but take the
bull by the horns and act instead OF
talking, if they will arise aud boot out
of the city those who are ever lending
aid and comfort to the enemy, and who
are intent on compromising and COM
plicating their city for their own per-
sonal gains, those who seem unwilling
or unable to live, except by unfairly
taxing their fellow citizens.
They say we will be eDjoined in the
United States court, if we attempt to
parallel; but you will remember we
were to be enjoined if we attempted to
build supplementary plant. Let me
ask if any United States judge, for it
is we'll known that the company has no
more standing in our state courts, hav-
ing before him the evidence now of
poisoned, except we submit to being
robbed. Do you think be would thus
insult justice and the rights of free gov.
ernment? 1t is time the people arose
and stamped out this trucking, weak
kneed, self-seeking, boodliDg and treach-
erous spirit and make a forceful, united
and legal stand for the free exercise of
their sovereignty. 1t will heighten our
self.respect, and give US the right kind
of credit abroad. It is the only way to
bring about true and an abiding pros
perity.
Nothing might say would have any
influence over those who were directly
or indirectly interested in the options
on bonds or stocks of the company, and
which they tried to unload upon the
city at great profit to themselves and
loss to the public; neither with those
attorneys VINO paraded their virtucus
opposition to these attempted sales, un
til they were offered retainer to keep
silent. have nothing to say to these,
and nothing they might say to me would
influence me; and if some of those hold
ing options got in the hole in trying to
"do" the city, am not to blame, nor
am I interested in their salvation.
speak for the every day citizen, who at
tends to his business and looks to me
to faithfully guard his public interests,
who pays his taxes and don't make his
living by doing his fellow man through
the prostitution of the public weal.''
Mayor Truelsen attempted to defend
himself and to Justify his treachery to
his platform. He believed it to be bet
ter for the people to buy now, even if
the figures are exhorbitant, than to hold
off any longer.
The motion to report favorably car
ried, II to 2, every member of the coun
Gil except Aldermen Jefferson and
Simpson voting affrmatively. The com
mittee arose and after referring the res
olution to the city attorney, the council
adjourned.