The Vinita daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1902-1913, 1909-02-03
My Fellow Citizens:

MY Fellow Citizens:
Having been requested by many to
make public statement regarding the
Auditorium project, and thereto, do so
willingly (for my heart is in that great
Improvement, although little remains to
be said after the very excellent article is
sued by the Commercial club.
Every citizen desires, am sure to do
what is best for our city and its future |
am confident a proper investigation will
satisfy every voter that the purchase is
an exceptionally fine one from every
standpoint, and one which, due to fortui-
tuous circumstances, and the provisions
of the law. the city alone can take advan
tage Of. 1t is likewise an opportunity
that may never occur again. How often
is any municipality given the chance to
acquire block Of ground ideally situated
and Of such great value for notllingl Or
magnificent building yielding hand
some revenue. with ample space for city
offices, for less than cost year agog
The Commercial club shows most con-
clusively that the revenue from the Audi
torium alone win pay the interest on the
bonds, and enough besides to meet the
bonds when they mature, and the city
thus acquire this property without one
dollars expense to the tax payers. When
this responsible body Of men, declare in
favor Of the purchase supported by all Of
the newspapers. whose editors are ever
alert for the city's welfare, as well as the
great majority Of the tax payers and busi-
ness men, it would seem to warrant fav-
orable considering from those who have
not had time or opportunity to thoroughly
consider the questions presented.
And is it not consideration of great
value to us as citizens. who take pride in
our city and desire it TO appear attractive
and inviting to outsiders. that this park
shall be preserved at our Gateway and be
made even more beautiful than it isl Un-
less. however. this opportunity, which
those connected with the project have had
lia view for years. is embraced by the city,
(sINcE No ONE ELSE CAN ACQUIRE nTLE) WE
HAVE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE ExlGENcIEs or
RAILROAD OPERATION OR CHANGE OF MANAGE
MENr, MAY NOT ON THIRTY-DAYs NOTICE De-
vAsrATE THE PARK AND DEVOTE THE GROUND
ro CONF trNeIcHrI.Y IIsE.
And. while it does not bear directly on
the investment. yet it is of immense inn
portance to property owners and business
men, and indirectly important to the city
for its future is involved. to consider that
upon favorable action. Vinita will become
an eating division Of the Frisco system
That this means ultimately a freight di-
vision here / have no doubt. | do not re-
call town upon any line where an eating
station is maintained that is not also a
division. That this relief is shared by
Others in a position to know may be gath
cred from talking with railroad men gem
eralIv. and from the fact that ma@yy Of
the Frisco employees upon the three divi-
sions now centering at Alton are making
inquiries Of our real estate dealers and
one sale only awaits our favorable action
Some one insinuated that the motive Of
those composing the Auditorium company
and who have BY much effort brought
these favorable propositions within the
reach Of the city, is a selfish one, Let us
see. They receive S28,00l Of this sum
these few citizens donate to the Frisco
$4,000. Of the remaining $4,000,
S15.433. as shown by the books Of the
company. and exhibited to the City Coun-
ell. goes to pay outstanding obligations
and ACCOUNTS leaving balance Of So,
SIS. to be devided among them. hardly
fifty cents on the dollar. aud for which
they transfer to the city building pay
ina s per cent on its cost. Is there any
thing selfish about thatg Is it not rather
a manifestation Of a eommendable public
spirit Of which our httly city has had too
few examples and which il might Justly
ask others. some of who are opposing this
proposition. to emulate.
A few have expressed some eoubt re-
gardine The title. An examination Of the
question in the light Of the law applicable
and the reported decisions Of our highest
courts. win satisfy anyone that the title