Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1897-1902, 1899-08-04
our financial abilities and our capabil-
tiles for preserving the city's interest,
if we weight ourselves with this load.
Change Their Opinion,

/
changes in opinion since the discussion
of the electric light question began.
Men who were quoted by the News as
being unQualifiedly in favor of the city
purchasing the plant at that time are
now just as strong in favor of individ-
ual ownership. They have been con-
sidering the matter in the light of good
business judgment. The business men
who have been interviewed call up the
following points:
"If the interest on the investment is
200, would the net profit justify the
experiment of municipal ownership"
"Can a city run business as success
fully as an individual?"
"Would not property owners have to
pay more for lights if the city owns the
plant-that is, would they not only be
taxed to pay for the plant but also
charged for the incsndescents which,
they use?"
as it not certain that the value of
the electric light plant will depreclste,
no matter who owns it, in the light of
the fact that much cheaper light is
| now In use in many business places,
and is likely to be generally adopted by
merchants?"
"Should the city incumber itself for
an electric plant, at the expense of
other improvements such as sewerage,
pavements. sidewalks and water
mainsp"
"Would it be better to delay other
needed improvements or put off the
purchase of an electric plant?"
"Is it good policy to turn such busi-
ness enterprises over to politicians ?"
"Is it right to burden the present
generation for the qualification of the
next-should not each bear Its share?"
And various other questions have
come up, the study of which has had
much to do with shaping public opinion
on lines favorable to contracting with
some individual at this time. Below
are some additional opinions:
Ed. HOGARTH.-At first / was of the
opinion that the city should own the
plant. l thought that if an Individual
could operate it at a profit, the city
could save money by owning it, In the
light of my investigation, now believe
that the city should not burden itself.
L think that other improvements are
far more essential than the purchasing
of the electric plant. l don't want to
see the city involved. Moreover, it is
question in my mind as to whether the
cost of the lights would be less, if the
city should own the plant. Taxpayers
would be taxed to pay for the plant
and would also be obliged to pay for
incandescents which they use in their |
stores. This would undoubtedly bring |
the cost up ab we what it is at present. |
| am inclined to think that the city |
should make as good contract as pos |
slble for period of five years. AT the
expiration of this time, the city will |
probably be in better position to con-
slider the proposition for municipal
ownership.
ALDERMAN HARRIs.-There are two
sides to the question. We want to do
the very best we can for the city. We
realize that We are limited as to our
capabilities for borrowing funds We
must have an emergency fund, and even
If We could borrow enough money to
purchase the plant, we could not do so,
unless we leave ourselves with money
in the treasury to meet possible exigen-
cies. The people want cheaper lights,
but there is no conclusive reason for be-
lieving that lights would be cheaper, If
the city owns the plant.
ALDERMAN LEONARD.-We are pro-
ceeding cautiously and on lines that
will put us in position where we think
we will not be at the mercy of contrac
tors. We propose to ascertain the ex-
act cost for the city to put in the plant.
We will then know our bearings and in
case the bids are not reasonable, we can
refuse them all and make a desperate
effort to establish plant. 1t may not be
possible for us to do 80, but we expect
to investigate and If it is possible to
take the bull by the horns. we will do
SO, providing the propositions of con.
tractors are not fair and reasonable.
Il. &. KLOEPFER.-If the city could
purchase the electric plant without bur
dening itself, l should favor municipal
ownership. AS the matter stands, how
ever, | believe that contract for a
short term would be best. In few
years, We might be able to purchase
without sacrificing needed improve ,
ments. | would favor discrimination g
I'm favor Of a home man i'm letting the
contract, if the propositions are any :
ways near the same in expense. We +,
merchants have been preaching pat :
ronize home people" for years, and if )
We are consistent we will favor a home !;
man as owner of the electric plant. q
This puts the money In circulation here
and ali get some benefit. l oppose any y
arrangement in all matters which takes
money out OF circulation in Plymouth
j. N. WMsON.-If the city could buy
and pay for the plant without burden y
ng itself such that other needed i'm f