The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1911-02-21
Keokuk Chamber Of Commerce Will be Born
With Filing Of Articles Of incorporation For
Concern With $4,000 Capital.
CITIZENS COMMITTED Plan ADOPTED
New Commercial Organization Will Have For
Its Executive Force Fifteen Directors, Who
Have Already Been Named.

The sentiment Of many business
and professional men, expresser in a
generous manner at the rousing mass
meeting in the county court house last
evening which filled the small audi
torium to the doors, brought out
boosting spirit for the city as we'll as
doing out to the auditor of these
patriotic burst of enthusiasm such
sparkling wit as few gatherings of
this kind can boast. The meeting was
business-like, harmonious and enter,
tanning and the philosophical citi-
zens did just. what the Woodworking
committee of go. wanted-adoption
Of the report as read by Chairman ].
f. Elder and a continuance of the
committee. This action means that
the Keokuls Chamber of Commerce.
capitalized at $4,000, will be incor-
porated; that the work of having the
publicity bill passed by the legisia-
ture will be continued and the COM
lnittee will carry out such other plans
aas it has outlined.
The meeting was called to order by
Chairman VIM. Logan and the report
of the committee of thirty read by
j. F. Elder, who was its chairman.
In this report the plan which the
committee decided upon after many
hours Of deliberation is outlined. The
adoption of the report means that the
plan of incorporating will be carried
out Immediately.
Elders Report.
The plan that this committee has
worked out and believes should be
adopted is as follows.
First. The forming of an organ
i2ation with $4,000 capital, by filing
articles Of incorporation, which shall
read, and commencing business as
soon as the Keokuk Chamber of Com
mere shall issue its STOCK, collect
funds, secure factory sites, and furth-
err those things w-IcL may promote
the welfare of the city of KeoEuk.
Second. That the general assem-
bly, be asked to enact a law authorize
ing the city of Keokuk to establish a
department of publicity, develop
ment and general welfare. As prompt
action seemed necessary. in regard to
the presentation Of this bill, your COM
mittee has taken 1t upon itself to
send a delegation to Des AIoines, to
have the bill presented in both houses.
In regard to this proposed bill, it
should be stated that it is not the pur-
pose of the city council to levy tax,
should this plan be adopted, but to use
fuLds collected in other ways than by
taxation. Should the proposed legis-
lation be given us, it is not our in
tention. and in this voice the senti-
lnent OF the committee of thirty. as
well as the city council, that any
great burden should be put on the
city and it is simply a division of
burden as between the city, as a
municipal corporation, and those pub
lie spirited citizens who are ready and
willing to give their time and money
Tor the furthering OF the interests of
our city.
Third. Your committee would rec
ommend that the Commercial club
should be we'll supported; that it
should establish d freight bureau and
employ competent traffic man.
IT seems essential that the bust
ness interests OF this community
should endeavor to secure the very
best basis Of rates for the collection
and distribution of raw material and
merchandise, and aid the retailer by
the facilities for bringing trade to
our city. And we believe that a
freight bureau should be maintained
separately from any organization
formed for the purpose of securing in
dustries, which will naturally call
upon the railroads, from time to time.
TO aid them In their work, and must
be unhampered by any demand upon
railroads for reduction OF freight
rates, or the securing Of greater IA
cilities in regard to traffic.
Fourth. The subcommittee on
finance discussed at considerable
length ways and means for raising
money. No definite action. however,
could be taken until other questions
had been settled.
Fifth. A committee was also
named for the purpose of looking into
the question securing an expert in