The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-03-07

clude anything on account of the fran.
chise; such franchise must also con-
tain adequate provision for taxation
thereof.
In my message of April Fl, 1908,
enumerated the franchises outstand-
ing, being the Dakota Gas & Fuel,
Grand Forks Incandescent Light,
Economic Gas Co., and others, and
among other things at that time said:
Il recommend further investigation
having for it's object the taking up
and cancelling of all of the franchises
enumerated and the granting of new
franchises upon equitable satisfac-
tory terms" which terms must include
the provisions above set forth; the
franchises enumerated are objection
able for each Of the grounds 1 have
stated and pledge myself to use
every effort in my power to obtain
their cancellation and the placing of
the companies using the same under
such restrictions as will properly
conserve the city's interest.
This leads me naturally to q consid-
Grafton of the
Gas Company.
Sufficient light of good quality is
almost as essential as good water and
in city Of this size, gas and electric
ity are the only practicable methods
of lighting.
The investigation made during the
past year by the committee, author
lied by the Moran resolution, of which
was member reported that
prices charged in this city for gas
was greater than what appeared to be
reasonable, compared with the prices
charged In other cities; through the
efforts of this committee material re-
duction of the price of gas was
obtained but this company holds
a franchise perpetual in Its
terms and in which the price to be
charged is fixed as an element of the
contract; investigation by the legal
department Of the city reveals this
franchise to be invalid.
1 shall recommend and by every eff
fort in my power seek to accomplish
the cancellation of this franchise and
the placing of the company under a
new franchise such as reserves to the
municipality ample power of control
both over rates and quality and which
shall provide for reasonable compen-
sation to the city for the rights exer-
cised; it must be also limited in its
terms.
This subject is of most immediate
pressing importance and l call atten-
ton to the fact that it was through
my efforts and during my administra-
ton that the contract of the gas COM
pany with the city for lighting of the
streets was cancelled and municipal
lighting plant was installed, which has
proved a signal success; I shall take
no steps that shall involve the city in
litigation, the result of which is fore
ordained defeat and large expense, but
there are many methods open, amply
adequate, by which the. rights of the
company may be tested. Competent
advice will be sought and followed
with respect thereto to the end that
the city may be successful in litiga-
ton which cannot be avoided.
Municipal Ownersafp.
have already referred to the in
stallation of the electric light plant by
the city during my term as mayor; the
success of the municipality in the
operation of that plant has been such
that 1t can leave no doubt in reason
able minds of the ability of the city to
construct, own and operate a plant of
this character.
Prior to the legislative assembly of
1905 there was question as to the
power Of the city to engage in NUM-
cipal commercial lighting or to oper-
ate plants therefor; by the charter
granted by the legislature at that SEES
sion this power is expressly given SO
that obstacles existing prior thereto
have been removed.
am in favor of and shall make
every effort at the earliest possible
opportunity to provide ways and
means to install a municipal CONNER
cial lighting plant for the purpose of
supplying electric lights to the mer-
chants and residents
My views upon the question of
municipal ownership are too well
known and have been too frequently
officially expressed to require .repeti-
ton here, but anyone DESTROYS of fur
Their information upon the subject is
respectfully referred to my message