Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1899-08-04


of late in the electric light matter. Oul
conservative business men have, in mos'
instances. been giving the question care
full consideration. There have been {
few who jump at conclusions and who
failing to get others to their way Of
thinking, accuse those who have differ
ed with them as having "sold out" a,
they term it. Such statements are bott
silly and childish Every body do mo-
think alike. Some base their ideas OF
surface knowledge; others investigate
weigh and consider. 1t is but natura
that these people should not all agree
The position'.of the Independent has
long been known. 1t has tried to get al
fundamental facts, upon which to base
its conclusions 1t might be wrong; i,
does not claim t. be infsllibe, but il
believes that its position is conservative
and will be borne out by practically al
of our citizens who have shown them
selves to be careful, cautious, and sue
cessful business men.
Below are the opinions of 8 number
of our citizens:
JOHN BLAIN.-I would contract fol
short period at any rate. There are
many other things We need more than
an electric light plant We need sewer.
age, pavement, etc. Moreover, some OF
our business houses are now getting
cheaper and better lights than the cleo
trio incandes cents. understand for q
percent of the price of electric lights
An electric plant is not as likely to be
so valuable in few years as now, and
in consequence should not favor in-
vestlng money where | feel assured that
the investment would be on the decline
do not think that the city should buy
aD electric plant.
| WM. SULT.-I have not investigated
the matter a great deal. / understand
that the city would nave to borrow a
large sum of money to buy plant. If
q private matter, should consider very
gravely before investing in it. Mer-
chants Will in short time dispense
with electric lights in their stores.
There will be depreciation on the in
vestment, it appears to me. Besides
other improvements are likely to be
sacrificed, If the plant is purchased.
WM. HILL favor individual own
ership. The city should grant no fran
chise unless contract is liberal. Let the
individuals make their own contract.
There is too much politics in this and
that matter. An individual can run a
business for less money than city can
run it. There is too much favoritism
when the city controls such matters.
Ii the city buys, the property owners
will be taxed for payment and also for
use of the lights. Property owners will
get double dose. 1t taxes the present
generation beyond endurance. | be-
lieve in allowing future generations to
bear their share of the burdens as we
do.
| j. w. HOUGHTON.--I have not given
the matter much thought. Am willing
to rest the question with our council.
M. LAUER.-I am In favor of the city
| buy ing the plant. believe it can do 1t
and that it will pay.
j. X. LOSEY.-I have not thought
much on the question. l should not
favor franchise for longer period
than three or four years.
Z. f. SLAYTER.-I have given the
question no consideration
j. w. HEss.-I favor individual own
ership. Ninety per cent Of the munich
pal ownership experiments have proven
to be failures. That is history. The
council should make the best contract
possible with IA responsible contractor.
NJ ALLMAN.-Th city should buy
IL can. Our city can do anything l
am in favor of putting in all entirely
new plant, unless the present plant can
be bought for 20 cents on the dollar.
want cheaper lights.
MIR. TOAN.-If the city is in debt, so
that purchasing is not advisable, as l
understand II, / think the best plan is
to advertise and get the best deal pos
sible-all things being considered.
Everything else being equal, the prefer
ence should be given TO home man.
| would favor contract for three
years. New lights are so much cheaper
than electricity that most of the mer-
chants will place them in their places
Of business.
J. A. GILMORE.-I was out of the |
city when this matter was being dis !
cussed and have not given It sufficient |
consideration.
O.G. SOICE.-I believe that IL the
city is going into business permanently,
it would be good thing If it could own /
its plant. 1t is better for man to
own his own home-but if he cannot |
borrow enough money on that home to
pay his Indebtedness, he is taking risk
which good business methods do not
commend. The same argument ap-
plies to the city.
1t is not question of whether it
would be good thing for the city to
own the plant--it Ia a nnastior 90 tol