The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1908-03-04

Nelson also declared that this prom
inent attorney tells him that proper:
y has Increased 25 per cent. in value
since The strict enforcement of the pro-
hibition laws; that crimechad been re-
duced to minimum: that building
had increased rs per cent, and that
Kansas City had never been in more
Aourishing condition than at the pres
emit time. These statements are also
made by Mr.. Trtckett direct.
Exposed by ofHeial Records.
Mr.. waggoner proceeds to riddle
these statements as follows:
t.The records Of Kansas City, Kan,
indicate that there are no saloons in
existence. on the other hand, the rec
ords Of Kansas City. Missouri, 1.-THE
two cities are divided only by a street,
show that $40 licenses were either re-
newed or originally issued on or soon
after the first day of January Of this
year. And these saloons pay Kansas
City, MO-, and Jackson county over
$500, 900 per annum. But this is only
one instance that illustrates the mis-
representation of the existing condi-
lions in this city which have been
scattered abroad.
at is a well known iaot-and the
fact may be verifed-that the mer-
chants of Kansas City, Kan, have not
prospered as they once did. Since the
closing OF the saloons there are more.
vacant business houses than were ev-
err known before in the history of the
city. Also 1t is an undisputed fact
that rents are much lower and that
there is practically and absolutely no
building going on for business purpos-
es. Notwithstanding the fact that
homes have been built by people in
ordinary circumstances who seek
cheaper building sites. A very perth
nent instance of conditions in Kansas
City, Kan, may be cited from the fact
that the Chamber of Commerce build
ing, costing 100000, was destroyed by
fire soon after the saloons were clos
ed, and there is no prospects of 1t
being rebuilt. The ruins, which were
a funeral pyre for fifteen helpless oc-
cupants, still lie there, a gaunt and
miserable monument to the effect OF
absolute prohibition in Kansas City,
Kan. There is no demand for space
in a building like this. neither is there
any use for scores of other buildings
that were made vacant by reason of
the determination to close the saloons.
Another thing that cannot be denied
is the fact that the working people
in Kansas City, Kan, expend large.
proportion of their earnings in Kan
sas City, Mo-. because OF the fact of
its close proximity to their homes and
because Of the fact beer and other bev-
erages may be conveniently obtained
across the line.
Building Operations.
"The increase in building, the fact
OF which has been shouted over the
country by Mr.. Trickett and his fol-
lowers, can be traced almost wholly
to the big establishments. For in
stance, such as Peet Brothers and
Proctor & Gamble Soap Companies,
Armour, Nelson Morris and Cudahy
packing companies. are compelled to
provide additional floor space from the
fact that their foreign demand is
growing and not by reason of any in
crease in the local demand. 1t Is safe
to say that not to exceed half a dozen
business buildings have been erected
since the saloons were closed in Kan
sas City, Kan.
More deplorable. however, than the
fact that business is not so good is the
well known truth that the mayor and
council OF the city know not where to
turn in making proper adjustment of
claims which now stand against the
city.
ut may be said that this is true
only in the provision for the general
fund. which is now approximately $77,-
900 in arrears. This. in addition to the
fact that $G2,50o in bonds authorized
by the last State Legislature was issu-
ed December 15, 1907. The issue of
the latter mentioned bonds was to
make good deficit in the general
fund occasloned by the curtailment Of
a revenue, which prior to the latter
part of 1905, was derived from the fn-
ing Of saloon proprietors.
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