The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1906-06-08
Council Purchases the Fourth
Street Property.
PRICE is PUT AT 500.
Aid. A'Chison Made Strenuous Object
ions; Had The Figures Showing
Ciiy's Money Condition.
From Saturdays Daily.

From Saturdays Daily.
With but one dissenting vote the city
council last night adopted a motion fav-
oTing the purchase of the Cray prop
erty on North Fourth street for park
purposes. The price agreed upon was
$500 and the council is to retain the
privilege of naming the park. There was
considerable discussion over the question
of making the purchase, and Aid. Atchi-
son presented an array of figures which
went to show that the financial condi
tion OF the municipality was not in
favor of expanding money for a park.
Under the head of communications Re
corder Hodapp read one from the La
borers' Protective union requesting the
council to buy the Fourth street prop
erty for a park.
\ communication from Judge Cray
stated that the Civic Improvement
league had requested him to make a
proposition to sell his property to the
city. He said that he would sell the
property for $4,000 and the council re-
tain the right to name the park. His
other proposition was that the city
could purchase the property for $4,000
and name the park Cray park. The city
could pay $500 down and $500 annually,
the interest to be per cent. One lot
has been sold to William George.
The Commercial club committee mott
fed the council that it had secured sub
scriptions to the amount of 81 200 which
would 90 toward the purchase of the
property.
Benjamin Taylor's Statement.
The aldermen desired to hear from
Benjamin Taylor That gentleman re-
GREETED that the park matter was up
at time when the paving and other
propositions were yet before the peo
pie and that the tax levy was so high.
But the city must make contract for
park in the central portion of the city
Will go by. There are hundreds of peo-
pie i'll the north part of the city who
cannot visit Sibley and other parks be-
cause OF the distance, and they would
enjoy the benefits of park in the lower
part of town. Mr.. Taylor considered
Judge Cray's offer reasonable The
signers to the subscription list live in
all parts of the city. People in the
south part of town feel that those liv
ing in the north end are entitled to a
park and are willing to help pay for it.
The north end people are entitled to
consideration. Mr.. George will not stand
in the way of the city buying the prop
erty. Arrangements can be made with
him to give up his contract. The prop
osition is up to the council. In future
years the gentlemen composing this
council will not regret their action.
Not Spokesman for Automobiles.
Dr.. J. W. Andrews stated that he did
not appear in behalf of those people who
possessed automobiles and carriages,
but for the scores of poor women and
children and workingmen who could not
enjoy the beauties of Sibley and High
land parks. They could seldom visit
these resorts. 1t seems a pity that they
are compelled to remain at home during
the heated term of the summer months
whereas if they had park in their end
of the city they could seek rest and
recreation under its trees and enjoy the
comfort which comes from the green
grass. The park would be an excellent
place for the convalescents at the near
by hospitals. For their sake the park
should be established.
At this juncture Aid. Hampl made a
motion that the property be purchased
for park purposes.
AID. Heinze said there were three
things in Judge Cray's communi-
cation that did not strike him favor
ably. He did not want the city bound
to pay but $500 annually. There may
be years when the city could pay a
larger sum. He objected to the per
cent interest and also that Mr.. George
must settle with Mr. Cray.
Mr.. Taylor explained that Judge Cray
would settle with Mr.. George and that
the city could pay $500 or any other sum
annually. Mr.. Cray has been to SON