The Sauk Centre herald., 1915-12-16
new MENIHEAD THE :
COMMERCIAL CLUB
SEVEN. NEW MEMBERS JOIN
BUSINESS MEMS BODY AT
LAST MEETING
The LOCAL GRAIN men TALK
CONDITIONS ARE EXPLAINED
FROM THEIR VIEWPOINT
DEPOT, STOCKYARDS

Seven new members were added to
the Commercial Club roster at the an
nual meeting Tuesday evening. They
are A. G. Salmond, d. A. Pangburn,
]. J. Weisner, Victor T. Conklin, J. J.
Costello, W. ]. Dewhirst and w. F.
Brown.
The committee appointed to confer
with the G. N. railway relative to i'm
provements at the depot and stock
yards made their report through
Chairman Jas. A. Caughren. The
recommendations are in effect that
the side track to the north of the
present depot be removed from a
point on the east side of Grove Lake
avenue and extending north as far as
may be necessary; that the present
depot be moved to the north to give
sufficient platform room, and that
the platform be lowered to street
grade; that the present depot be used
for freight purposes and that a new
modern passenger depot be erected
east of the present structure.
1t was recommended that the pres
ent stockyards be dispensed with en-
tirely; that the switch be extended to
the north; new plant of at least six
pens or yards with a housed-in scale
and sheds to protect in severe weather
be erected.
The club adopted the recommenda-
tions of the eommitte and they have
been sent to Supt. Lantry at Melrose,
who will lay the matter before the
proper officials of the road. From
things that have come to light in con-
nection with this matter the commit
tee are quite hopeful that both re-
concentrations will be carried out in
full, as they are not in the least un-
reasonable.
The grain committee reported that
they had shown samples of the same
grain at a number of different points
in competition with Sauk Centre; the
elevators did not know that they were
bidding against each other, and there
was quite range both as to price,
grade and dockage.
A. E. Erwin and S. T. Merryman
local buyers, both explained their po-
sitions very clearly. Mr.. Erwin stat
ed that he was willing at any time to
turn his property over to a committee
of business men or Commercial club,
and to buy and put the grain on the
cars at one cent per bushel commits
sion. He would pay any price sug-
gested by the committee but they
must look after the financial end of
the matter. He claimed a buyer could
not make living where he assumed
all responsibility for commissions,
change in grade, ETC., for less than 8
cents per bnshel. He said that most
of the grain purchased this year had
been graded No. l Northern, by the
local buyers But when it reached the
state inspectors all but very few
cars had been reduced in grade and
sometimes the dockage was increased.
Both the mill and elevator compan-
les invited the club committee to in
spect their books; they are compelled
to keep very correct account of the
business transacted as they must
make detailed report to the railroad
and warehouse commissioner at stat
ed intervals.
The report of the committee was
accepted and they were continued and
instructed to further investigate con-
ditions.
The report of Treasurer Ben Du-
Bois showed there was $107 in the
strong box, and with the January
dues coming in soon the club is in
very good financial condition.
]. F. Cooper was the unanimous
choice of the Club for president for
the coming year. The gentleman is
one of the city's representative bus
mess men and will make an ideal head
for the organization. A. F. Strebel
was unanimously elected first vice
president; ]. A. Schoenhoff, second
vice-president; Victor 7. Conklin, Sec
retary and B. F. Dubois, treasurer.
| Before giving up the gavel James
A. Caughren, the very efficient and
progressive president for the past two
I years, extended his appreciation to
the club officers and members for the
hearty cooperation given him during
his administration.
The retiring officers were given a
vote of thanks as a reward for their
faithfulness during the past year. The
meeting then adjourned.
i Miss Emma Chelgren vice president
Il of tho Caufrol M;nr1<c@, Usl,,..I I..-,