The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1902-10-18

When the question of purchasing the
West Duluth water plant was opened
for discussion among the voters, a
question came up as to whether the
proposition included the gas franchise
or not. There was doubt in the mind
of the some on this question. These,
| however, have been set aside by let
ter from Kenneth Clark, of st. Paul,
who is acting for the bondhoiders of the
Duluth Light and Water company in
the negotiations, says, however, that
the provisional agreement carries the
gas franchise as well as the water,
and to avoid any possible misunder-
standing, he will make a written agree
ment to convey to the city the gas
franchise along with the other property
! of the company, if the people ratify
the purchase proposition at the special
election on Oct. %.
The council acted upon this letter
last Monday evening by the following
| resolution:
Resolved, that the communication
from Kenneth Clark, relative to the
sale of the West Duluth water plant
and franchise, stating that tn propo-
sition Of said Clark was intended to
include the gas franchise granted to
the West Duluth Light and Water
company as we'll as the water franchise
Herewith conforms to the understand
ing Of this council as to the meaning
Of said proposition and provisional
agreement for the purpose Of said
plant: and
Resolved further, that the council
| will carry out said agreement if ratified
by the people so as to include specifi-
cally the gas franchise together with
the water franchise.
Manager Case set forth his reasons
why the plant should be purchased in
| a letter at West Duluth last Tuesday
evening:
To the Citizens Of West Duluth:
have been urged to address you this
evening u"on the subject Of the pur-
chase Of the West Duluth water plant
by the city, and I regret exceedingly
that I cannot do so personally on &C.
! count of trouble I am having with one
of my limbs. A suggestion, however,
that I do so in writing, is gladly &C
cepted.
| In the first place, I wish to be under
stood that I am moved entirely by an
| interest in the welfare of the people
in advocating the purchase of the plant
at the sum of $4,000.
1t is good bargain for the city in
| more ways than one.
The fact that the company is willing,
and according to some anxious, to sell,
| IS no reason for any one to think that
we are asked to pay too much or more
than the plant Is worth. The business
of all humanity is buying and selling
and If the transaction is honest and fair
the bargain is for the advantage of
both the buyer and the seller. In this
case It'll conceded that it is to the adj
vantage of the company, and there re-
mains the necessity only of advising
ourselves whether or not it is to the
advantage of the city.
If we purchase the plant, what will at
| cast us annually?
bonds will be issued. upon
which which WI will be an annual in
1t vii viii cost us to OPERATE the $1,000 90
plant not to exceed. ....... 1000. 90
We Will .ose the city taxes. -. 1000. 90
We We viii viii lose ;S the county taxes 10000
CHARGED the company: and
decides that the city is bound
by the contract with the Du-
luth Water & Light CON-
pany. it will amount annual
lY to So. 5O0 If the court de-
| cides to the contrary. I esti-
mate that a fair annual rate
would be $1,000. Let us in
be safe .::...........:...:.: 5000. 90
| The ageregate of the ex-
Denses and loss of income to
| the city then will be-. $14.2OO. 90
The city will gain the income now de-
| rived from the plant by the company:
| Hydrant rentals ............... $12.250. 90
! Income from water consumers
Of West Duluth ........... 1891. So