Little Falls herald. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1889-1950, 1904-03-11
APPROVE THE PRO JECT
Mass Meeting Of Citizens
Favors Electric Road
Proposition = =

u~S~S1SA~AA 49,;
Judging from the meeting at the
Commercial club rooms Monday even
Ing, the cirizens of Little Falls are
practically unanimous ip favorins. .
county bond issue to help build
electric lines to Pierz and Elmdale.
If dissenters were present. they did
not object. although every opportun-
ity was given. The meeting was one
of the most representative held in Lit
tie Falls In long time. The senti-
ment manifested was very gratifying
to those believing in the wisdom and
benefit of the electric railroad PROPOSE
tion.
President A. R. Davidson of the
Commercial club presided. with E. J.
Richie as secretary. Mr.. Davidson
said the meeting was called to consid-
or three matters-the prospect of hav-
ing a wooden mill establ ished here.
the city charter amendments. and the
electric road. He hoped for full
and free expression from everyone.
Mayor Vasaly opened the discus
sion, and described briefly the trans
portation needs Of two great and i'm
portant sections of the county-the
country toward Pierz and beyond,
and the region toward Elmdale.~ For
many years the people of these regions
had wished for better transportation
facilities. Various attempts had been
made, but without success. There
was no prospect of securing steam
roads. There was prospect of secur-
Ing eleotric lines. If in order to Sc
cure these lines reasonable assistance
was necessary, it should be given.
The extension OF proper means of
transportation into parts of the couh-
ty. where somuch needed, would great
ly develop the county, mean much for
it's prosperity. and the prosperity
would reach all the county. On this
question he hoped for united and har-
monious action.
F. E. Cawley of the Minnesota Mill
Co. endorsed the project. 1t would
mean much for the development Of
the county. Very likely much wheat
now brought here by team would be
sold: in; villages alonk the HIRE. The
farmers were entitled to saving. in
time and hauling distance. He would
endeavor to be represented in those
markets. The plan meant increased
development for both city and coun-
ty.
Charles Gravel said there could be
no question as to the benefits Of the
proposed lines. An immense section
Of country would be opened up. and
the county increased greatly In popu-
lation and wealth. The people east
ward were all in favor of the propo-
sition.
Postmaster Fuller exp lained about
what might be the proposition. The
plan was TO ask county aid at the rate
Of $4,000 per mile for twelve miles to
be built toward Pierz and probably
eighteen to Elmdale The towns out.
side Of the city crossed or benefited
by the..road would be asked Ito vote q
fair amount of bonds, which in any
case could not exceed 5 per cent Of the
valuation The sum OF aid asked
might reach $115, 600.
A. B. Davis Of st. Paul, represent
ing company owning large tract of
land northeast Of Pierz, favored the
project, and gave instances to show
the benefits. He would be glad to
pay whatever taxes were needed for
the bonds. feeling sure that the
growth Of the county and it's develop
ment would amply repay everyone.
P. J. Tomelty spoke stron gly in
favor Of the proposition. Referring
the question Of affecting the city's
to trade, he said he would take his
chances as to that and had no fear of
the result.
B. Burton said he was willing to
take chances on the trade question.
He was heartily in favor of the plan
as tending to help both tho city and
the county.
A. P. Blanchard, F. W. Lyon, F.
A. Liudbergh. G. D. Auyer. DR..
Roberts. DR.. Millspaugh. all spoke
favorably. -
Jacob Neisius. Hubert Bares and A.
E. Macho. prominent citizens of
Pierz. were present and were asked
for their views. All were in favor.
They said that the Pierz country had
earnestly desired railroad transporta-
tion for many years. They felt that
it would mean great development
for the region around them. Their town
would vote to the limit to secure
transportation facilities. =,
Mr.. Davidson BROUGHT ont an i'm.