Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1906-10-03

the NOlGlS OF the lily Ol alma.
The Alma Board of Trade wishes
to present to the electors of this city
a plain statement of fact which con-
fronts it in the progress of its work
and which is vital to its interest and
to the welfare of this city and its
people and german to the bonding
question before the electors at the
special election called for October s.,
1906
The Alma Board of Trade was or
ganized to promote the business and
commercial interests of the city of
Alma. 1t is legally organized cor
poration and as such can among other
powers conferred upon it by its char
ter ''hold real and personal property
by gift, devise or purchase and dis
pose of the same by sale, lease or
otherwise
Under this power it is the natural
and legal person or corporation to act
as trustee in the promotion and es-
tablishment of manufacturing enter
prises in this city. 1t can legally en-
ter into contracts for that purpose
with any person, firm or corporation
which can be induced TO come and
locate in this city To encourage such
action was primarily the purpose OF
its organization. Il was organized
last spring and is the first association
of our citizens having legal exist
ence and ample power and authority
to carry out the intent and purpose of
its creation.
1t contains within its membership
nearly all of the business men of the
city. 1t welcomes all classes of our
citizens to its membership upon appli-
cation. 1t acts primarily upon all ques-
tions by vote of its entire member
ship. 1t gives force to such action
through its Board of Directors and
Officers, which consists of twelve
persons elected by and from its mem
bers.
1t may be said that 10 secure manu-
featuring enterprises for this city and
with them citizens of standing and
influence was the principal purpose of
its organization. This it has en-
deavored to do 1t has found that
for this purpose it is necessary to
have money. Other nearby cities
with organizations similar to ours
have such means and the cities have
bonded themselves for funds as is
now proposed here for purpose of
obtaining it. The Board finds itself
able to locate desirable factories with
men and capital who would be willing
to come to us, but it can not con
tract to do so, it cannot proceed with
tbs work without money to do with.
1t is not necessary to argue the de-
stability of securing such enter
prises, or desirable citizens with capi-
tai for this city. We want them, we
must have them, if our city shall ad
vance, if our property shall retain
its present values Or increase in value.
We cannot stand still. This means
that we go back, that our property
will decrease in value and that our
city will lose its place in the strife
for position and influence We have
the natural location in this part OF
the state as against all others near
us for this progress and the purpose
of our organization can be realized
if we have means with which TO do
We need $20,OOOOO.
To secure this money two ways
only are open First: Private sub
scription by our citizens. Second
bonding the city and using the bonds
or the proceeds therefrom.
1t is the view of our board that
the first method is impossible; and if
not impossible then inequitable and
unjust A few should not bear a bur
den in the interest of the many; rath-
cr each should bear his proportion and