Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, N.D.) 1909-1915, 1911-08-25
LIGHT AND WATER
is DISCUSSED

Special Committee.
A. B. Kerlin the owner of the fran
chise covering water, light and tele
phone, was present at the meeting to
give his side of the story, which he did
in a clear, logical manner Manager
William F. Brown of the Byllsby cleo.
trio plant at Grand Forks was present
also, at the invitation of the council to
give expert advice and seemed to full.
ly sustain Mr. Kerlin in all his state.
ments in regard to expense, currents
voltage and other matters in connec-
ton with electric lighting. Mayor P. ].
McClory seemed to take great interest
In the matter and read to the council
facts obtained from numerous different
towns in Minnesota in regard to rates,
most OF them municipal plants. Quite
an animated discussion was carried on
the whole evening and many questions
asked. No haste was exercised, mo-
ton of Alderman Onstad prevailing
dSClOQ
until the regular meeting September
9TH. Extracts from Mr.. Kerlin's talk
to the council in his own behalf are in
teresting and he went on record, stat
ing that Devils Lake has a lower light
rate now than so or 80 per cent of the
other cities of North Dakota.
Il have been trying for several years
to bond our plants, and not succeeding
this, to sell them. l have made it my
main business to sell the plants for
less than they cost. have offered to
sell to parties here at home and
abroad, also to the city for less than
cost, when the franchise granted us,
states that if the city desires to pur-
chase our plant, it shall pay ten per
cent plus the cost.
Il am endeavoring to arrange. some
plan OF cooperation whereby we may
remove from the present location to a
track site and while we are endeavor-
ing to interest bonding companies, it
is a poor time to talk slashing rates.
"A certain article has been circulat-
ed in one Of our city papers, saying
there is :Something rotten in Den
mark about the rates of the Devils
Lake Improvement Co." At this time
the speaker outlined the conditions
that existed when the company came
here, when the city was about 1900.
Continuing: "Now after accepting
these conditions and privileges granted
by your previous council, it is propos-
ed by another council to repudiate a
part of the contract it's city has enter
ed into to encourage these public i'm
provements in a risky town under risky
circumstances. Yes, we will admit
there is something rotten in Denmark.
AT the time we came here the town
did not have comprehensive fire pro-
lection, much less sewer system.
I'VE request the city, if the Improve
ment company has not already the
power to prevent outsiders from COM
ing to the we'll which should be con-
served for the city's use. Another
condition which it was not agreed
should exist, was permitting local wa
ter vendors using the we'll with or
without license. We have been annoy
ed greatly over this condition.
I'VE have b lsine:s we consider
just as legitimate as any bank in Dew
lis Lake. Let it 90 out that our city is
attempting to take any unfair advan-
tage of those who are invited within
its doors to make investments and
you will secure reputation that will
permanently destroy your hopes for a
larger and more commanding city.
I'm nine years the Devils Lake I'm.
provement Company, on the present in.
vestment of $4,000, has created a
surplus of $4,000, which is $4,000 a
year, after paying the president and
manager 500 per month and allowing
nothing for depreciatio -,
II have never turned. away one
where my help or assistance was need
ed and have never attempted to use
arbitrary power in my place. There
are those here present who have re-
eeived favors at my hands and are still
receiving them. I think / have moi
j been a hard task to master on ou1
customers.
8 "Now suppose we charge $4,000 sal
airy for president and manager instead
of $1,000 and per cent depreciation
on 100000 on the plants, making ST.,
900. Having already figured out 81, 200
salary, we will say there is a balance
] due on salary of $4,000, making total
of $4,000, making deficit of $780,"
{. Mr.. Kerlin stated that he was willing
to submit to any comparison which
might be made in North Dakota, where
conditions were similar tn Devils TaIxe