The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1907-06-06
COMMERCIAL CLUB
DID MUCH GOOD
WORK
During the Past Year-Annual
Meeting Held on Wednes-
day Evening.
PRESIDENT LANDER
MADE ANNUAL ADDRESS
Information on Several Impor-
tant Projects Will Be Sc
cured at Early Date.
PRESIDENT LANDER
MADE ANNUAL ADDRESS

Inc lOll0WlnS directors were elected
for the ensuing year: l.. B. Gibbs,
w. H. Kelsey. r. NJ. Carothers. H. NJ.
Wheeler, NJ. F. Murphy. C. N. Barnes.
Geo. E. Duis and Geo. B. Winship.
Several other matters were also
taken up by the club, among them be-
ing the manufacture of paper. J. A.
Sorley stated that through conversa-
ton he learned that eastern manu-
features had spoken highly of Grand
Forks as a field for such an industry.
After some little discussion. the pro-
position was referred to the manu-
featuring committee.
The lowering of gates by the Great
Northern at the Third, Fourth and
Fifth street crossings was also taken
up, being referred to the railroad COM
mittee. 1t was claimed that on ac-
count of failure to lower said gates.
considerable danger to pedestrians and
drivers resulted.
4 resolution was adopted recon-
mending to the board of directors the
appointment of committee of three
from their number to act as an eXecu-
tive committee.
The denaturized alcohol subject was
also taken up and discussed. On ac-
count OF the widespread interest in
this industry at the present time. fol-
lowing the passage by the United
States legislature of bills anent it's
manufacture. it was decided to secure
if possible the presence of Senator
Hansbrough and Congressman Mar
shall to give addresses on the subject,
the club members in that manner be-
ing able to secure considerable wanted
Information. The president of the club
was authorized to make arrangements
for these addresses.
Reports of various standing COM
mittees We're received, as aslo were
the reports of the secretary and treas
urer The latter showed balance on
hand of about $4,000 with 200 active
members in the club.
A vote of thanks was rendered the
special hospital committee for its ac-
the new hospital.
President E. J. Lander gave his an
nual address. He said in part:
TO the members of the Grand
Forks Commercial club: Your organ
ization is now 'three-year-old," not
fully grown or matured, yet from its
vigorous activity. and strong healthy
growth, it gives promise of great ac-
complishments-not but what it has
results to which to point, and many
during the twelve months just passed
to which reference will be made later.
but We are forced to admit that we are
in that stage of development where
much OF our time is being spent on in
trospection. The problems of finance,
OF increased membership, the secur-
ing and maintaining of interest and
confidence in the club and it's activities
are still ours. That much has been
accomplished along these lines is sure
ly true-we have money in the treas
ury and an income sufficient to meet
all ordinary current obligations. Our
membership is increasing and as vet
no appeal has been made to members
of the general public for financial or
other aid to any of the club activities
which has not been met with prompt
and generous support. However, not
withstanding the fact that we are
sound financially. in membership and
in the confidence of the community
our exact place as voluntary agency
in aiding in our city's upbuilding is
not firmly fixed. We have not yet
fully learned to differentiate the in
dividual from the club, or in purely
civic matters fully appreciated or real
lied that it seeks to promote only
those questions which it believes will
result in the general good. This or
ganization, as conceive it, has a
right to be, it ought to be the clearing
house OF city affairs. Here opportunity
should be given for every citizen to
be heard on any question affecting the
public good of the city's growth-an
opportunity to give and receive in
formation on any problem before the
community; it should be sentiment
creator of irresistible force; its men,
bership should be largely augmented
and made to embrace practically every
man engaged in business here, no mat
ter how small, every professional man
whose interests are in any way identi-
fed with those of the city, who is will
ing to do his fair portion in the up
building of the CITY, We have city
OF which we are all proud, but 1t ia
growing rapidly, and increased growth
means increased needs. Let us not
forget this. that we are in the forma-
ton period, building city for which
IAS 6SACld WulCu dEV COUl6
will have the right to hold us respon-
sible. Civic advancement, then, as
we'll as commercial advancement
should have large share of our at
tention. The securing OF additional
railroads, manufacturing enterprises
and other wealth-producing factors Is
slow and difficult undertaking, and
will all come naturally and in due
time. Because, however, our efforts in
these respects have not been rewarded
with more success, 1t should not dis.
courage US. but we should go right on
steadily, alert and aggressive to secure
any of these most important develop.
ing factors"
Mr.. Lander then referred to the
work accomplished during the past
year.
The new hospital project has prac.
tically been completed.
The regulation of milk, taken Ut
first by the Commercial club, is nov
a reality through a city council or
dinance.
The securing of paving data wal
something In which the citizens gener
ally benefited.
The passing of park law to re
place the one declared unconstitu
ttonal was also part Of the club,
work.
! The get-acquainted trip was anothe,