Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-08-19
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LOCAL COMMENT.

LOCAL COMMENT.
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Again there 10 hope. the city council
IN accordance with its semi-annual GUS
tom mas passed resolutions in the form
OF an ordinance demanding that the
railroads provide gates for the protec-
ZION OF the public at their grade cross
ings. II Is now confidently expected.
py tne younger generation of citizens
at ieast. that their children will live
70 see the day when Marshalltown is
ai!oroed some protection from what are
"itnout doubt about the most dam
gerous grade crossings In any town in
Iowa.
During the hot months OF summer
many are the ways of getting relief
tnat are sought by tired citizens. Ey-
eryone mas an idea that his scheme Is
the only real solution OF the problem
ana whether he has tried it or not he
IS free to urge IL upon his friends. BY
Iar tne larger proportion seek the lake
resorts where they no doubt find plenty
OF enjoyment, but we have yet to see
one VINO Will admit that he found real
rest. ms summer has seen an unusual
exodus OF citizens to camps along the
river, which for rip roaring good
time propably can not be beaten, but
rest: Just see crowd Of campers re-
turning and you will never mention the
word. The writer had the pleasure
OF spending the day at a nearby resort
10 which a couple OF Marshalltown mat
rons had repaired for absolute rest. 1t
was nothing more nor less than a
beautiful Iowa farm situated five or six
miles northeast OF town. high up on the
plateau beyond the river. where the cool
country breezes destroy all semblance
OF summer heat and the shade of large
cottonwood trees afford an ideal place
Tor quiet reading, rest and sleep. The
farm house was presided over by a
thrifty woman of the Dunkard faith
whose excellent cooking and scrupulous
neatness made the accommodations all
that could be desired. The memory OF
that dinner promises to remain forever.
such wholesome, well-cooked country
food would delight any appetite. These
ladies are visited by members OF their
families and friends who drive out to
see them 30 that they are not allowed
to grow lonesome. They say that they
are resting. Their looks guarantee the
truth OF the statement and the idea is
suggested that perhaps after all they
have found the one ideal form OF a
summer outing.
| The plan to reorganize Company II is
movement in the right direction. The
boys Will probably not be called upon
for active duty again very soon, but
the organization will serve as very en-
Ijoyable association for perpetuating the
friendships formed in the recent hours
of trial and 1t adds to our sense of Sc
curity to know that we have an arm Of
the military within hailing distance in
case of riots. tramp invasions, etc. The
boys should take hold Of the scheme
with a will. Our citizens. also, should
do what they can to help the movement
II it is only to suggest q suitable arm
DRY.
AT It's last meeting the city council
tackled a problem that has long been
lpuzzling the business men of this COM
|munity and passed an ordinance regu-
iating the prices to be charged for cleo
trio lights which In effect reduces
town citizens have been paying more
for their lights than was fair or reason
able has been not only one OF long
lorigin. Mayor Pierce, In his last annual
message, took notice of 1t and used the
opportunity to attack the local company
which furnishes light and street car
4 service to the city under a twenty-five
dc, ,-lr
then have been followed up by the or
dinance passed on Monday night plac-
ling maximum charge of three-fourths
cent per amphere hour for 16-candle
power lights and reducing the minimum
charge that can be made for any one
month to seventy-five cents.
Before undertaking this exercise Of
municipal authority the mayor took oc-
Icasion to fortify himself with evidence
and blanks were sent to every city OF
fany size in the state. Most Of them
responded with information that was
all that could be desired. In almost ev-
Jerry case except the largest cities whose
franchises were extended so long ago
THAT electric lighting was in its infancy
and any old price would be accepted
luG EGpOIlS SlCWCu IAAsLS S1lC uSSAo6S
price ranged from X to y cents per
lamphere hour, when Marshalltown was
paying one cent. In no case was the
price higher, and in many Of the small
er towns where conditions for produce
ling cheap lights are not so good as in
a place the size OF Marshalltown. the
price was much lower. This informa-
ton was In line with the complaints
that had been made, and which had
lied to the esta blishment Of many fnde-
lpendent lighting plants with prospects
for more, so the council proceeded tc
Exercise the authority granted them by
lsection 725 of the Revised Statutes. The
lordinance will be gladly accepted by tbs
lcitizens who have light to buy.
The trouble that has arisen between
the citizens and the electric lighting
company seems to have been due to the
fact that the owners and proprietors
1of that company are non-residents II
they lived In Marshalltown and We're OF
us. they would doubtless have seen the
I lconditions as they arose and reduced
the charges long ago. There has beer
some speculation and even serious dis
cussion OF the proposition to institute
a competitive lighting plant. Mayor
Pierce claims that the franchise granted