The Coeur d'Alene press. (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho) 1892-1907, 1904-04-02

may purchase the plant at a figure
that would. at eight per cent interest,
earn revenue equal 10 the average
annual net earnings of the plant for
the five years next preceding such
sale. That Is an absolutely fair prop
osition, and flnanoiers would not
invest their money under an arges-
msnt to sell their business ON a lower
basis Of interest. No business man
would give up an established business
at less figure,
So far as the light franchise is con
cerned, the free lights were one Of the
principal features to which capitalists
objected In the first franchise, aud
this objection was eliminated only
foI the purpose of securing the money
to build the plant. Otherwise the
old company would still be in bust
ness. The franchise provides that
lights shall be furnished the city on
such terms as may be agreed upon by
the company and the city. Is not
this fair? Did the people prefer to
continue under the power Of the old
company, or did they wish a change,
even at the expense OF giving up the
five free street lights offered the city,
with no provision as to what should
be charged for additional lights? We
want the people to consider these
things from business point OF view,
1t is a matter of history that at
the time these franchises were being
considered, injunctions were sought
and temporary restraining orders
obtained to prevent their passage, and
later to stop work. ID was for these
reasons, and to pass the ordinances
before injunctions could be issued
that the boaid OF trustees acted on
them in one evening under suspension
OF the rules. You all know how the
board was delayed and every obstacle
known to law or trickery resorte1 to
to defeat the will Of the people Did
not this Justify prompt action?
Are not all these statements facts
with which you are familiar. aud be-
ing acquainted with them, is it not
a fact that you should be careful
to not condemn the old board in this
matter or take chances on Gripping
the new company before 1t has gotten
its plants in operation To make
that mistake now would he notice TO
the world that men OF means would
not be treated fairly II they invest
their money in Occur d'Alens. We
would not recover from such an un.
fortunate blow for years.
Another matter worth considering
Is the fact that with the purchase Of
the old plant the Consumers Company
bought its franchise and all its rights.
1t could have continued the old
service indefinitely, but its manager
went ahead with the new enterprise
as be promised and will give
Occur d'Alsue the best water and
light system in the country IL the
people do not make serious blunder
at Tuesdays election.
The Voters Guide, Issued from
the gold brick office, Is not printed
under the supervision Of the old
enemies of the people for the purpose
Of helping you, but Is a scheme to
deceive the people into innocently
placing themselves In the hands Of
James Graham aud his handful Of
hackers.
The Press has only the beat inter
'sts Of the town in view in stating
.hese facts and we do not believe they +
'an be successfully contradicted, no
matter what efforts to deceive may be
put forth. II is time for the people
% wake up and take these matters
INTO careful consideration. aud cave
themselves from possible compiled.
ions and results which may prove
disastrous to the best interests of the
own