The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1900-12-13
OUR NEEDS.

OOh NEEDS.
The city of Sank Centre showed
very creditable increase in popu-
lation between 1890 and 1900, but
it might have been considerably
larger. The measure of our in
creased prosperity during the past
ten years is better evidenced, per-
haps, by the improved appearance
of the city, both within the bust
ness centre and in the residence
districts. Several fine business
blocks have been built, others inn
proved and the Sank Centre House
burned down; blocks of concrete
pavement have beenlaid; an effect
i've sewer system established; the
electric light plant greatly im-
proved; the water-Works extended
and made more effective, and not
least of all, a beautiful public park
purchased and beautified. All
these are credltable alike to the
taste, judgement and enterprise of
our citizens and our civic officers.
From this partial list the HERALD
deliberately omits the increase of
school accommodations. There are
several more rooms than there
were ten years ago. and consider.
able work has been done within
the old building.
We may point with pride to the
things done, and deplore the things
left undone.
A well-organized commercial
club, or board of trade would have
been of inestimable benefit during
the past decade, but as we had
it not. it is time one were organized.
Anyone familiar with the current
of events knows that scores of
enquiries and opportunities have
presented themselves, and the OPP
portunity of materially increasing
our business have gone by default.
1t was nobody'a business to inves-
tiqate or promote, and no one did
it. This matter of organizing as
indicated should not be postponed
longer. Every business man and
resident is directly interested.
This city needs a new hotel.
That's all that is necessary to be
said on this point. 1t is an axio-
matte proposition.
We need a new library building.
The present accommodations ARE
altogether inadequate, and the IL
brary board is brought face to face
with condition which is not cred
liable to the city. The further
purchase of books must be stopped
altogether, or largely curtailed,
simply because there is no place
for them. The shelf-room is full,
and there is not space for more.
The reading room established by
the ladies is growing in favor, and
the present quarters are neither
convenient nor commodious. The
income of the library board is small
too small to provide new quar-
tiers, and yet too large for the pres
ent ones. How relief is to be
afforded is question engaging the
careful consideration of the board.
Either the library, the pride of the
city, and lone of the best in the
state even in cities of three times
this size, must stagnate, or it must
have relief of a radical sort. But
the idea of stagnation must not be
entertained for a moment. This is
grave matter, and one upon
which public opinion should not be
divided. 1t is only a question of
the best, and cheapest method of
accomplishing the end.
Above everything else this city
needs that Hearty cooperation of
her business men which will bring
them together solidly and aggres-
sively for the general veal. 1t is
not possible to meet the views of
everyone in any important enter
prise. In matters of detail there
will be differences but such differ
ences should not be fatal to the
success of the enterprise. Unite
on the main project and adjust the
details on such basis as will give
best satisfaction. What the city
needs is action concentrated, pub
lie spirited. aggressive action.
Let the opening of new century
mark new era in the life of Sank
Centre.
Senator Towne has been the
victim of peculiar political condi-
tons All the good things he has