Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1907-09-11
BOARD
OF TRADE
MEETING
Demands Cheaper Gas, and viii Take
Steps 10 Get II

A most enthusiastic meeting of the
Salem Business Mems League was
pulled off last night at the Board of
Trade rooms, and the results of their
proceedings may have some vital ef-
fects on the city's future. A good
attendance was had, including tho
mayor and several councilmen, and
many subjects of vital interest to the
business interests of the city were
considered. The most important
matter brought up was the resolu-
tions for a lower rate of gas, which
Will be presented to the next meeting
of the city council, declaring the rate
of 81 per thousand feet, charged by
the Salem Gas Company, for gas, ex-
cessive and exorbitant, and demand
ing that an ordinance be passed re-
ducing the rate to 81 per thousand
feet.
If relief is not secured before jan
uary /, 1908, the league pledges an
appropriation of $50 from It's treas
ury to be used in advertising an
opening for another gas plant, and
that the business men of this city of
$4,000 people will use their moral
support to secure a franchise for
same.
Several attempts have been made
at council meetings of the past to Sc
cure the adoption of an ordinance
to reduce and regulate the charges
for gas, electricity, water, etc, but
they have all failed for some reason
or other. The question came up at
last nights meeting of the Business
Mems League, and was discussed at
considerable length. II seemed to
be the unanimous opinion of those
present that the rates charged are
eXorbitant and unreasonable, and
the resolution was finally adopted as
the best means of voicing the leagues
sentiments TO the public and placing
itself upon record as being opposed
to the present rates charged by the
local company.
The local plant is owned and oper-
ated by the Portland General Elec-
trio Company, which absorbed Il
when the local street railway and elec
trio light and power system was TAX
en- over. The full text of the resolu-
tion follows:
Whereas, The business men and |
the citizens of Salem have for many |
years paid excessive and exorbltant
rates for gas, and
Whereas, Other cities, towns
and villages on all sides OF us have
better rates than So per thousand |
feet. and
Whereas, There seems TO be no
relief, therefore, be It
Resolved, That the Business
Mems League of this city reques. the
city council to introduce and pass an
ordinance making the gas rate $l.0O
per thousand feet, and be II further
Resolved, That II no relief can
be obtained by January /, 1908,
that the sum of $50 be appropriated
out of any money in the league treas
ury to advertise to financiers of the
country that the business men OF
this city of $1,000 people will use
their moral support to secure one
that will guarantee si.OO
gas"
II was also the sense of the meet
ing, and a motion was made and
to that effect, that all OF
he business houses be requested to
close upon Salem Day at the state
lair, Wednesday. September 18th, at
/ O'Clock in the morning.
A resolution was also adopted
asking all business houses to decor
ate their stores fair week, and
composed OF j. l.. Stock
-on and G. Stolz, was appointed Tor
he purpose. All stores are request
ID to close on Salem Day of the state
lair.
The matter of holding a bargain
week sale for Salem some time this
lall was brought up, and a commit
zee, composed of II. ID. Patton Nj. o.
Buren and f. T. Barnes, was appoint
I'd to look after the matter
Another important matter taken
lp, was the subject of the league
holding a banquet at Hotel William
stte early in October. All present
favored this means of bringing sa-
EN- business men still closer togetn-
sr. and no doubt the matter will take
4