The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1912-04-12


electrical invention, rates which
today appear unusually favorable,
might become eXOrbtant on ac-
count of future development and
Invention, but this risk can al
ways be obviated, by the incorpor
alton in franchises of such articles
as are necessary to assure the
grantOr the benefits of any con
siderable reduction in cost of pro-
duction due to future discoveries
or invention, in the field of elec tri-
city.
Lastly, in addition to economy
and the resultant decreased cost
must be added, the direct advant-
age Of increased taxable property,
when a public utility passes from
the hands Of public to private
ownership
On Wednesday evening a smoker
and luncheon was held by the
Miles City chamber OF commerce,
which was largely attended, and at
which the proposition was fully
discussed by the most prominent
and influential business men and
capitalists of the city
President Wiley, after calling
the meeting to order, stated that
the light matter and the PROPOSE
ton offered was one of the very
most important issues that has
been before the people of Miles
City in many a day, and he invited
free and open discussion Of it.
County Attorney Sharpless
Walker was first to procure the
privilege of the floor, and he made
quite lengthy argument in favor
of the development Of the Buffalo
Rapids power, reciting among
other things the many advantages
that would accrue therefrom, in
Guiding tire 30 per cent reductions
from the present rates, the pOssi-
bilities OF increased manufacturing
and industrial plants and posSibili-
ties Of irrigation. He expressed
it as his belief that the city had
everything to gain and nothing to
lose in making a deal with the peo-
pie in question, along the lines
proposed. He stated that the
franchise would not be exclusive,
which would permit an inoepend-
ent company to come in at any
time. He contended that the pro-
moters in reality would have a bet
ter proposition in the long run if
they came in Of their own vola
ton, which under the law they are
permitted to, and begin selling
their power without any regard for
the city plant. But, he argued,
in order to put the deal through,
that is to finance it, the promoters
must have a franchise in order to
procure the $40O, 900 or $500,OO0
which will be necessary to carry
the project through. In conclu
sion he said he believed the offer a
good one and urged that the cham
ber appoint a committee to confer
with a like committee appoint
ed by the council to look into the
feasibility of the matter.
President Wiley in reply to Mr..
Walker, stated that the proposition
on the face of it looked good, but
it was matter that would bear
strictest investigation, being that
franchise is nothing more or less
than a contract. Mr. Wiley made
the point that if franchise was
granted for, say a period of twen-
ty-fve years, the city would be
obliged to pay three cents killO-
wat hour FOR its street lighting,
even though conditions might arise
where power could be manufac-
tured much cheaper than during
the present age. While not op-
posing anything that might he for
the best interests of all, he did
believe that it was matter in
which too hasty action should not
be taken. !
MIR. CRAGIN'S VIEWS