davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
PERTINENT QUESTIONS.

Editor Free Press: Allow me few
lines in your paper in regard the city
lighting question. There is much to
be said in favor of a city light plant.
but is that the greatest of Mankato' s
needs2 Will the expenditure of the
large sum necessary do Mankato as
much good as if it were used in paw
ing streets, or improving the country
roads leading to our city? 1t is the
country trade we need to build up our
city. Can our city afford to increase
its present heavy Indebtedness, which
is about two hundred and twenty
Thousand dollars, in order to own
something which it should be able
to rent at reasonable figures until
the Indebtedness is reduced2 Should
not our aldermen first advertise for
bids with the privilege of rejecting
any or all of them before. deciding that
a saving would result from munich
pal plant. myself Investigated a
number of city plants and found that
the saving was small. Our lights for
the last year have been poor, but can
that not be remedied2 Will the build
ing of plant not lessen our chances
for a street railroad2 All these ques-
tions are important and should have
the careful consideration of every al
derman and tax payer before action is
taken.
Respectfully,
n NEVER
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
Respectfully,
A O. M EYER
TWO DONATIONS RECEIVED.

The Ladies' Aid society of the Bel
grade avenue NJ. E. church in North
Mankato held one of the most pleasant
it has held during the past
year. This was the last meeting of the
year, and was held at the home of
Mr.. and Mrs. Randall. Twenty-one
ladies were present during the work
hours and nearly forty ladies and
gentlemen partook of the supper served
at six o'clock. At the business meeting
it was reported that the society has re
Gently received two gifts, one of $40
from J. B. Nielsen and one of So from
o. o. Grue, the same to be used to-
ward buying a new organ for the
church or for reseating it. The matter
W as put to vote of the society and
resulted in favor of the organ, and a
committee was appointed to look up
the matter and learn prices.
If any one feels called upon to fol-
low the lead of Mr.. Nelson and Mr..
Grue, and do likewise, the society will
be very grateful.
On the evening of Jan. 81, social
will be held at the home of Mrs.
Symonds for the benefit Of the society,
to which every one is invited.
The next regular meeting will also
be held with Mrs. Symonds. 1t will
be held at the second Tuesday in Feb
ruary, and will be the annual meeting,
for election of officers.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
ROAD MAKING.
Mankato officials Return From
St. Paul.
Legislature Urged to Appropriate
$15O'OOO.---NarroWer Drive
ways in City Streets.

Mayor Petersen and Aid. Leonard
returned Thursday night from ST. Paul,
where they attended the state good
roads convention. City Engineer
Thompson remained to attend the con-
vention of the city engineers today,
and to learn what he can about BIZ
tumen pavement.
Mayor Petersen stated to a Free
Press reporter today that the attend
ance at the meeting was good, but
that the ideas brought out were largely
a repetition of the international good
roads congress at Buffalo. More time
was given to discussing how to make
good country roads than how to make
good city streets
A large portion of the meeting was
devoted to discussion of how to in
duce the legislature to take up the
matter, establish state system and
make an appropriation. Several sens-
tors and representatives in the legisla-
ture were present and they said that
the suspicion of farmers to moves
started in the cities led to their antag-
onizing any proposition for state con-
troll, no matter how beneficial it would
be to them. The farmers have large
majority in the Legislature and they
are the ones who defeat good roads.
The convention adopted resolutions
embodying plans for reform in the
present haphazard methods of con-
structing and caring for county roads
The legislature is urged to make pro-
vision for state good roads commits
sion to have general supervision of
road building. Congress is urged to
appropriate at least $3.50, 900 annu-
ally for the maintenance of a bureau
of inquiry.
AS first step towards the improve
ment of the country roads of the state
the legislature is advised to pass a
law which will do away with the
wasteful and useless methods of per-
hitting farmers to work out taxes,
and to require all road taxes to be
paid in money. The legislative COM
mittee was instructed to appear before
the commission which is revising the
statutes of the state, and ask the rec
ommendation of such laws as will Sc
cure better roads for Minnesota.
The matter of city street improve
ment was discussed to some extent,
and all favored narrower driveways
and wider bouleyards in the residence
sections. The city engineer of Min
neapolis read paper favoring pave
ments that make the least noise, and
leaned toward asphalt.
Engineer Thompson will consu 1t
with the city engineers of the twin
cities and obtain their specifications
for making macadam streets. He may
not return in time for the council
meeting tonight
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
CARDlUM HAS RETURNED.
Her Voyage to Europe with Oil was a
Successful Venture.

Beaumont, Texas, Jan. 1.-THE
tank ship Cardium has returned from
a successful voyage to Europe with
cargo of Beaumont oil and is now
awaiting another cargo of 3d.,
barrels.
The Cardium was the first oil ship
of large capacity to sail for Europe
from the Beaumont fields. Her de-
parture strengthened tne confidence of
the skeptical in the future of this most
remarkable field There are many
other ships, some even larger than the
Cardium, now being built. These
with the large number of oil cars pro-
missed by the different railroads, will
help to relieve the situation.
The National Oil Reporter is author
ity for the statement that ''fuel oil
will take the place of 70 per cent of
all the coal now used in the world.
This means yearly market for 81
900, 900 worth of fuel oil in the United
States alone.
Consider the fact that this oil gushes
from the earth without any material
cost to the producer and you will APP
preciate what the profits of large
concern like the Texas Fuel Oil Co.
will be. This company will soon be
ready to ship oil to European and
American ports. Its pipe lein to Port
Arthur, to be owned jointly with sew
eral other prominent oil companies, is
being rushed to completion. It's first
we'll will be a gusher within a very
short time. Storage tanks, side tracks,
etc F, are now being built. When these
are completed there will be no need to
sell stock.
Today with all Improvements under
way, you can get stock at the original
price, % cents per share, par value
ST. 90 Don't wait for us to strike oil
take tine history of others on this hill
as sufficient proof No we'll on Spindle
Top Heights has ever failed to be a
gusher, neither will ours. Besides this
we own over 5000 acres of valuable
oil lands in other parts of Texas. This
company is destined to be one of the
largest poducers of crude petroleum in
the country, it will pay you to inves-
tigate the proposition. Call or write
Prospectus free on application. Texas
Fuel Oil Company, Odd Fellows Block,
Mankato, Mimi.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
ELKS CARNIVAL WEEK.
That of Next Summer Expected to
Surnass Last Years.

As stated by the Free Press week
or so ago, the Elks intend to have an
other gala week next summer from
June Both to July 9th. The Bostock
Ferari carnival shows will be secured
again and new features added.
1t is the intention to have the cele-
bration of the fftieth anniversary of
the founding of the city occur during
that week, probably in July 4th.
The city is not in a position to spend
money in getting attractions, and the
Elks have taken the maater up and
will do the large amount of work re-
quired, leaving the city to take care
of the official celebration of the ami
versary.
It is proposed to have the carnival
this year eclipse that of last year in
all respects The same safeguards as
to gambling and immoral shows will
be thrown about it, and everything
will be done to attract and entertain
immense crowds.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24

be useless without the city contract.
The company can furnish lights
cheaper than the city can do it, be-
cause it has large plant and can
operate one part of it cheaper than
that part could be operated if separ-
ate, and because the plant is old. and
not as much interest on the invest
ment is expected. If the company was
to buy new street lighting plant, it
could not furnish the street lights at
less than So, 900 to so, 900.
The engines are now running very
satisfactorily. All the troubles were
caused by crowding the gas engines,
which will not stand overlooking. The
company believes that it now has
plant which will give the very best
service to be had. The gas is better,
manufactured by new machinery and
from the best of coal For time the
gas was improperly purified, without
the company's knowledge. Everything
has been done to give the city good
service. He admitted that the service
had not for some time past been above
criticism. The new incandescent arcs
are Of nominal 2, 900 candle power.
The company has thought something
of putting in street railway. The
Chicago firm, Mason, Lewis & Co.,
which controls the company, is a
strong one, but with the present agita-
ton it might not wish to invest 1926,
900 in street railway with the chance
of soon losing the street lighting con-
tract. A street railway would not
pay in Mankato, any more than it has
at Winona. The brightest chance for
securing street railway here will be
through Mason, Lewis & Co., who
are fine people and are interested in
Mankato, having investments. here
already.
Mayor Petersen said that he was of
the opinion that the city can furnish
lights cheaper than it can rent them.
The aldermen are the servants of the
people. and if the latter want plant
they should have it. The sentiment of
the people can be drawn out by such
discussions as this.
Mr.. Patterson said that the company
can make material reduction in the
price of commercial lights if it has the
street lighting contract. It cannot
furnish lights as cheaply if the plant
is chopped up.
The regular order of business was
resumed, and Aid Taylor moved thai
the matter be referred to the lighting
committee to ascertain the first cos
and operating expenses of city light,
ing plant. This was carried.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
SPLENDID SHOWING
Water Department Has Net
Profit of !$2,274.
Receipts From Water Rents and Sales
Exceed All Expenditures For the
First Time.

President Porter of the board OF
public works has prepared his annual
report to the council of the receipts
and expenditures of the water works
system, which he will present to the
council tonight. The report is the
most favorable yet made.
The receipts from water rents and
sales during the year 1901 were $l1, :
971. 16, and those from the five cent
frontage tax were 81, 399. %, making a
total of $13, 37O A.
The operating expenditures for the
pumping station were 81, 519. 5S, Of
which So, $50. II was for fuel, 81, $50
for salaries, and 1854 AZ for supplies
and repairs. The cost of pumping for
the G. & N. W. water tank is esti-
mated at 1866, the new chimney at the
pumping station cost $261.2S, new
cement floor $685. 80, new roof $121. "a,
boiler insurance for three years 800,
and the sum of $S1. SO was paid to the
Mankato Mills Co. for assistance in
pumping during the hot weather.
The sum expended for the repair and
maintenance of the system was 81
672. 43, and for interest on bonds "a, =
OO5. This makes a total expenditure
of 81. O96. SO.
The receipts from water rents and
sales over the entire expenditures was
1914 81, this being the first time that
this has occurred. Add to this the
receipts from the frontage tax, ST.
800. 90, and the net actual profit of the
system to the city for the year has
been 50, 27412
When the 1873 hydrants for fire pro-
lection are figured at $50 year each,
the water used in sprinkling the
streets at 81, 500, the water used in
seven horse troughs at ST., the
water used in the fountain at Lincoln
park at $780, that used in the six drink
ing fountains at $50, that used at the
city hall at $25, and that used at the
fire station at $50, there is a total of
$40, 1S9. 12 receipts. Deduct the front
age tax of 81. 399 %, and profit S.,
7S9. 81 is left the city on the operation
of the water system. If the city was
dealing with a private company it
would have to pay the figures given
for hydrants, street sprin king, water
troughs, ETC., at low estimate.
The increase from water rents and
sales for the year 1901 over the year
1900 was $1,047.77 There was de-
crease in expenditures of $15S.07.
The number of takers of city water
is now 1, 003, and the number of meters
set is 146.
The decrease in the FIVE per cent
frontage tax through the expiration
of the limit was $167.25.
The amount of water pumped dur
ing the year 1901 was 331, 600, 900 gal
Ions, which is $4,000, 900 gallons less
than the year before. This is prob
ably due to the increased number of
meters used, shutting off the waste, as
the number of consumers has increased.
The report is indeed most crafty
ing, and shows not only the increasing
use of city water but careful manage
ment on the part of President Porter,
who has charge of this de partment
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
DR.. CURRYER REELECTED.
He Remains on Board of Managers of
State Fair.

DR.. J. G. Curryer was Thursday re-
elected member of the board of man
ayers of the state agricultural society.
His reelection was somewhat of a
surprise, as it was thought by man y
that his removal from Mankato to st.
Paul would defeat him. However,
he had no opposition. He has brought
the horse department of the state fair
into better standing than it ever was
The following is the list of officers
elected at the annual meeting held in
st. Paul yesterday:
President, G. N. Cosgrove, LIE
Sueur first vice president, Chester R.
Smith, st. Paul; second vice presi-
dent, B. F. Nelson, Minnea polls
board of managers, N. S. Gordon,
Crookston J. G. Curryer, st. Paul
and LymanD. Baird, Austin holdovel
members, w. NJ Liggett, st. Anthony
Park J. NJ. Underwood, Lake City,
and w. g. Sawyer, Partridge.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
SEVERAL LIEN SUITS.

E. G. Wickersham has commenced
an action in the district court against
Ed Cousandier for alleged breach of
contract in regard to heating plant
for his new building on North Front
street. The suit is for $3.50. Phil
McGraw has commenced suit for 800
for plumbing, and Architect 81. G.
Gerlach for $40 for plans. These are
lien suits, and the McGraw action is
brought in the district court. Arthur
Schaub is the defendants attorney.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
NO DIVIDENDS PAID.
Stockholders of MankatO Gas and
Electric Light Co. Have Had None.

President FL. A. Patterson of the
Mankato Gas and Electric Light Co.
stated today that not one cent of divi-
dends has ever been paid on the stock
of the company. The net income has
all gone to pay interest on the bonds
and for improvements in the plant.
The bonds are held by Mason, Lewis
& Co. of Chicago, who also hold a
tride over majority of the stock, the
balance of the stock being held in this
city. Furthermore, the officers of the
company have never received any
salaries. Mr.. Patterson states that the
plant does not now have any of the
machinery that it had seven years ago,
it all having been used up. This shows
how rapidly electric machinery goes to
pieces.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
NEW ROAD UP BLUFF.

The Belgrade town board commit
tee on constructing new 70 ad up the
bluff from North Mankato met
Saturday night. The township will
vote on the question of raising funds
to construct the road this spring, and
it is desired that North Mankato pro-
cure the right of way. The road would
have about the same grade as the
Silver ravine road, and is esirable
Improvement, but there is said to be a
sentiment in North Mankato against
expanding much money on the project
at this time
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
OFFICERS INSTALLED.

Following officers were installed in
Mankato lodge No. 10, D. of H.. by
P. G. of II, Mrs. Josephine Roemer:
P. G. of a.. Mary Graeher; G. of
H., Edna Peterson L. of Fl. Bertha
Kleinschmidt; recorder, Pauline Koke
fnancier, Minnie Koke receiver,
Joseph Schlingerman; S. o., Emma
Dahlen; I. W., Frances Page; o. w.,
Alfred Page.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24

Over ninety patrons of the Napoleon
creamery received 500 or over for
milk the past year. The largest sum
paid to one patron, was 1888. % which
was received by G. S. Wishart. This
is good showing
J. G. Fowler was Friday delivering
large order of pocket atlas of the
world, subscribers for which he re-
Gently secured. The atlas is published
by Rand, McNally & Co. of Chicago,
and is as the name indicates an atlas
small enough to carry in the pocket
and yet contains in addition to sew
eral hundred pages of miscellaneous
matter, the census report of 1900. The
book is a valuable addition to a Ii
brary or for daily reference, and sells
at % cents. Mr.. Fowler has already
taken orders for several hundred
Mapleton Enterprise: A. J. Hollen-
beck has sold his farm, two miles
southeast of town, consisting of 100
acres, to Robert jaeger, consideration
&c, 900. This is a remarkably low
price for property so near town, but
the presence of quack grass cut down
the price. In view of this considera-
ton it behooves farmers to exert every
effort to rid themselves of this pest,
as it's spread means decreased value
to their farms.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
SCALING THE PRICE.

The library board, at its special
meeting last night, talked over num-
Der of changes that can be made in
the specifications to reduce the cost of
the building without injuring it's ap-
pearance materially These include
the substitution of pressed brick for
stone, oak for marble finish, etc. The
suggestions will be sent to the archi-
ects for their assistance.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
Mr.. Patterson Talk.

President H. A. Patterson was in
vited to speak and addressed the coun-
Gil and said that he was not prepared
to give any definite figures on lighting
the city under new contract, but he
could say that the company proposed
to reduce its prices for commercial
lighting, both gas and electric, and
he had no doubt that it would submit
a bid for lighting the streets at lower
figure than at present. He thought
that the city should be lenient with
the company because OF its troubles
with its machinery. 1t had purchased
an engine for the street lights at a
cost of 81, 500 to So, 900, which would
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
TROUBLE ADJUSTED.
Milwaukee Road Pays Mill
Company $2,o75.
Appraisers Appointed to Proceed with
Condemnation Proceedings for
Right of Way.
NUMBER 81

As heretofore indicated by the Free
Press, the Milwaukee road and the
Mankato Mills Co. have reached set
tlement of the right Of way difficulty
opposite the mill buildings. The
agreement was reached late Friday
afternoon, the mill company takin g
SO, 075 for its interest in the real estate
and whatever damage may result to
the property. The railroad company
is to pay the Pages for its right Of
way across the land claimed by them,
and the mill company releases it's
claim to that portion of the land taken
for right of way purposes.
There is still one other piece of land
to be condemned, being the right of
way across the fourteen acre farm in
Lime town of Mrs. johnson The mill
company's property is also included in
the proceedings, although the price has
been agreed upon.
Judge Cray this forenoon appointed
A G.. Barney, Andrew Anderson and
Geo. 7. Barr appraisers in the condem-
nation proceedings, and directed that
they meet Wednesday at 10 a. m. at
Jno. G. Noes Office.
1t is possible that litigation may
result over the ownership of the land
claimed by the mill company, the
Pages and Postel. This would not in
volve the railroad, and the parties
would fight it out among themselves.
John Haney of Montgomery is draw
| ing lumber for the new line of the
Milwaukee between Mankato and
Pennington. One hundred and twenty
cars will be unloaded at Kasota and
hauled by teams to the bridges within
| ten miles each way.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
TWO MORE IMPROVEMENTS.

W. Hodapp has commenced work on
his store building on North Front
street. formerly occupied by Joseph
Mosburg, the marble dealer, and will
have it remodeled and new front put
in,
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
ARE CLOSE TOGETHER.
Milwaukee Road and Mills Company
ONLY $3.50 Apart.

The hearing on the condemnation
proceedings for the right OF way for
the Milwaukee extension was com
menced before Judge Cray Friday fore
noon. J. G. Moore. local agent for
the road, testified as to the necessity
for securing the land in question. This
closed the testimony, and the matter
of appointing appraisers was adjourned
until nine o'clock tomorrow morning.
The matter will probably be amic-
ably adjusted before tomorrow and the
proceedings withdrawn. It is under
stood that the Milwaukee road is
willing to give the Mankato Mills Co.
%, 900 for damages to it's property,
ETC., and that the mill company has
dropped from So, 900 to So, 100. The
parties are SO close together that they
can hardly fail to come to an agree
ment.
The land that Mr.. Postels claims
does not overlap the desired right OF
way.
Right of Way Agent Hewitt has Sc
cured all of the right of way between
this city and Pennington except four
miles. He had no trouble except pos
sibly in one case, and it will probably
not be necessary to condemn any pro-
perty. Settlement has been agreed up
on with all parties between this city
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24
WILL HAVE PUBLIC BATHS.

The citizens of Red Wing raised $506
for the purpose of supplying that city
with bathing facilities for next sea-
son, and yesterday Mayor Rich gave a
check of $500 in addition, SO that
fund of 81, OO6 is in sight for public
baths there. Red Wing is to be con-
graduated. By the way what i'm
provements is Mankato going to have
on it's facilities of last season. 1t is
fully time that the matter shonld be
taken up for consideration.
The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1902-01-24

Mrs. John |. Ammons of Wahpeton,
N. D., is visiting Mrs. Rairdon.