Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1904-05-10
WHAT THEY SAY
Marshfield Papers in REGARD to
Securing Their Light and
Power From Grand Rapids.

The proposition made to the COM
mon council OF this city several
months ago to transmit a sufficient
amount Of electrical power from
Grand Rapids to this city, to light
the streets, business houses and
residences, besides furnish power for
factories is now being seriously con-
sidered. and the council will decide
definately what they will do in the
matter probably next Tuesday even
ing. The members OF the electric
light and water board will leave here
today for Appleton where they will
investigate the city lighting plant at
that place.
If the city should decide to accept
Incorporation Of Mr.. Klaus that
gentleman will organize stock
company and the stock will be offered
for sale here in this city, and il it is
not all taken here the balance will be
disposed OF elsewhere. The company
II formed will have to expend close to
S75, 900 at once in building line to
carry the wires from Grand Rapids to
this city and for storage batteries,
which will be housed in a FIRE proof
building here, the batteries being
used to equslize and store the cur
rents of electricity. These batteries
will cost in the neighborhood of
sl5, 900 and the cost of erecting from
28 to 80 miles of line on IS foot poles
and other expenses will foot up from
CSC, 900 TO s65, 900.
Mr.. Kraus claims that the new
company when organized will be able
Ito furnish electric power SO very much
cheaper here than what it now costs
to run machinery, that it will do
much to bring outside factories to
Marshfeld, as this is one of the
greatest items manufacturers have
to contend with.
The report of the members of the
board who have gone to Appleton to
study the matter will be anxiously
awaited, for il the city can purchase
light and power cheaper than they
can make 1t themselves, the pro-
position Of Mr.. Kraus will probably be
accepted and a contract entered into
for term Of ten years, the length OF
the contract that gentlemen has with
the Grand Rapids power company.
One of the commissioners, in dis
cussing the matter this week, said:
1.-THE project has many advantages
over the present system, even though
the expense to the city is not lessened.
"It is represented by the promoter
that the power proposed to be trans
mitted from Grand Rapids is ssunlcient
! to turn every wheel in Marshfield and
supply electricity at night for several
times as many lamps as are now being
used. II such is the case the surplus
power during the day would be useful
to small manufacturing plants, which
might be induced to locate here on
strength of being able to offer conven-
lent and economical power at a
definite figure. The equipment Of
such factories would cost less from
the fact that it would be necessary to
buy engines, boilers, shafting, betting
etc. The economy in its use would be
enhanced because with electric
power each machine is arranged with
a separate switch to be turned on and
| of as the machine is used.
1t is up to the commissioners to
look into the matter thoroughly and
decide one way or another for the best
interests Of the city. An adjourned
meeting OF the common council will be
held next Tuesday evening to hear
their report and recommendations.
L