Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1906-11-15

M. j. Demorest said he had nothing
special to offer but he thought it was a
good idea to follow the Injunction OF the
scriptures Hold fast that which thou
hast. We had better keep what we
have got before looking for something
outside. Industries don't have to stay
here with the other cities const intly
reaching out after them. The retention
Of this factory here may and probably
will mean foundry and engine factory
located here in the not far distant future
and | cannot see how we can afford to let
the factory get away from US.
E. E. Chapple said he did not know how
we could raise the bonded indebtedness OF
the city any more, it seems to me that It
has reached 1t limit already. would be
in favor Of renting the taxes on the
plant for as. many years as it is necessary
TO make up the amount, providing that
would be satisfactory. am heartily IN
favor of keeping the factory here but
somehow don't think that Belding people
appreciate the business men as they
should, know that it looks that way to
me. We can't afford to handicap fac
tories. Personal subscriptions might per-
haps meet the demand At any rate we
should do as much to keep it here as we
would to get one here.
Adam Wagner wanted to keep them
here but did not know any way to suggest
in order to retain them. He thought
everybody wanted them kept here and
Mr.. Ballou as we'll.
Alderman Hudson did not want to see
the factory go and was n favor OF taxes
in order to raise the money necessary to
keep it here.
DR.. Pinkham came to the meeting with
lot of ideas but some one else had al
ready opened up the IDEAS he had ready
to spring and all that he could do wac to
say Amen" to all that had been said
He said he would like to know what
proposition the Balou Manufacturing Co
had to offer in case we should raise the
money
E. E. Chapple said that in order to
bring the meter properly before the
meeting he would move that the city raise
$4,000 for the purpose OF retaining the
factory in this city, $1,000 per year for
ten years, which motion was seconded
and carried
Following this motion, Fred A. Bush
was made secretary of the meeting by a
vote Of those present. Mr.. Bush sug-
gested that perhaps the proposition to pay
the amount at the rate of 81 900 per
year would not be satisfactory to the
company if they decided to remain here
and put up a building. Perhaps they
might want the funds to use in the con-
struction Of their new plant so as not to
take any Of their money from the busi-
ness. Mr. Ballou said that the cash in
hand would be better than little amounts
at time.
o j. Foster said that short time ago
large church costing $4,000 had been
built here by means of the popular bond
system, and he did not see why the same
tactics could not be employed in this case.
We could not afford to let it slip from our
! fingers at any rate
Ellis Ranney came as listener but did
not wish to see any factory leave the city
A. b. Hull said I'VE are living today in
the beginning Of the cement age, and the
possibilities for the mixer looks very
good to me. 1t has passed the sxperl-
mental stage and looks to me to become
a winner. The Ballou factory has always
been a good factor in our city and be-
lieve it should be retained at any COST"
DR.. Jas E. Ferguson: 81 believe we
ought to retain the Ballou factory in Beld
ing. II that goes from our midst the
head Of families will be missing and we
can't afford to lose any Of them. We
have not any too many now. This mixer
Industry is only in its infancy now but the
automobile business was the same way
only few short years ago ana see wha'
proportions it has attained today. | tel
you we have got 10 have more familie:
here to offset our floating opuation. W.
should strive to maintain it by any and al
means
H. j. Leonard was heartily in favor O
keeping it here If possible. He had al.
ways heard it spoken of favorvbly and HI
would gladly do his share and the bank o
which he is president would do the same
w P Hetherington said that there wa
no question but THAT everyone was anxious
to keep it here, but that the city could no
raise it by bonding, and the money mus
be raised by subscription if raised at all
Mayor Spicer thought the same bu
said he would gladly chip in his part to
wards retaining It.
Other remarks and suggestions wer
made and finally the meeting was close
by motion that the chairman appoint