The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1906-03-23

ing here. If few lawyers and doctors
have assisted in those things what could
be done if all would take hold? He
did not care what name is given to the
new organization. "a rose by any other
name would smell as sweet If new
organization could be brought about he
was willing to lay the Board of Trade
under the sod. A fee of $40 or SIS
would, Mr.. Funk thought, bring into
the organization more members than if
it were placed at $25.
Mr.. Funk admitted that the Board of
Trade was open to criticism, but he
wanted to criticise those who have not
shown disposition to assist the board
in Us undertakings. Many have not at
tended its meetings. Mankato must
have an organization that will give ev-
erybody an equal voice. This city must
be prepared to reap the benefit of the
better freight rates that are sure to
come.
Benjamin Taylor, secretary of the
Board of Trade, was called on. He ad-
vanced a new thought. Business men
should not 90 into the new organization
or unite Simply from a sense of pat
riotism, but it should be purely bust
ness proposition with them; matter
of dollars and cents-nnt sentiment. If
the population of Mankato is doubled
business will be doubled.
Favored a Large Fee.
Mr.. Taylor favored a large fee, and
the employment of a competent man for
secretary. Business men will want to
know what is being done with their
money. They will have right TO expect
results. If these results are not forth
coming they will want to know the rea-
son why. competent man can do q
great deal of good. He should put in
his entire time to the work. Such Il
man can be found. Mr.. Taylor favored
a new organization or the reorganization
of the Board of Trade. One thing must
be understood, there must be coopera-
ton on the part of the business men.
Cashier w. ID. Willard of the First
National bank told of trip to Red
wing and what he learned from a visit
to the Commercial club of that city.
That organization has 800 members at a
fee of $40 per year. Redwing's growth
is due to the labors of that body. 1t
has succeeded in building up industries.
1t has nicely equipped club rooms. The
meetings were made attractive. Topics
of interest to the general public were
discussed by experts. To large degree
local capital is invested in the indus
tries The club was an institution of
value to the city All classes made up
it's membership. Mr. Willard maintained
that if business men will only take the
risk and invest money factories will be
located in Mankato
Must ASSIST Mr.. Widell.
Mr.. Willard was of the opinion that
there IS something in the peat produc-
ton, and he was heartily in favor of
assisting Mr.. Widell in gaining control
of the Klondike quarry. He hoped that
commercial club would be organized.
Alderman Atchson had troubles of
his own with the fair proposition. His
experience with that enterprise led him
to believe that commercial orgariza-
ton must employ someone to look after
its affairs.
Manager Jackson of the Standard Oil
company's branch, said that although Il
new citizen he is interested in the well
fare of Mankato. He felt that Mankato
has many natural advantage that should
make it grow, He spoke of the progress