Warren sheaf., 1915-03-03
Communication.
To the Editor Of The Pioneer and the
8. Taxpayers Of Middle River:

33
To the Editor Of The Pioneer and the
&. Taxpayers Of Middle River:
The Editor of the Pioneer, in last
weeks issue, saw fit to criticise the
village council on account Of its deci-
sion to open First Street by condem-
nation proceedings clear through
south to the section line. The Editor
insinuated that this was done through
selfish motives rather than being
prompted by a public sentiment, and
that the opening up Of that street
will not be benefit.
The article clearly shows that it's
contents were dictated by those
whose selfish interests would not per-
NIT them to believe that any public
improvement would be for the public
good unless it benefited them and no
one else.
You know, or ought to know, that
during the month of June 1914, the
county board of Marshall County
changed the route of State Road No.
| Z by having tlse same run east across
the railroad track at a point imme-
diately west of Mckenzie Avenue, and
that it runs east until it intersects
with First Street and thence runs
north along First street to its inter
section with Cedar Avenue, at which
point it turns west
The county board adopted this
change, and the same was approved
by the State Highway Commission,
on the ground that there was already
substantial bridge across the river
following this route and that this
route was the most feasible and eco
nomical one, not only from the states
and county's standpoint, the parties
who have to pay the bills, but also
due to the fact that such a route
would be of great public advantage to
the citizens of the village of Middle
River.
The recent action on the part Of the
village council however, has nothing
to do with the state road. The sole
object Of opening up this street is to
afford the public a reasonable outlet
and inlet to the elevators, lumber
yards, stock yards and depot, located
near the proposed street. AS they
are now situated, the farmers are
compelled to go a considerable dis
tance out of their way and many of
them with heavy loads, before they
can reach these places. By the op-
ening Of this street there would be a
direct route to each and all of these
places from all directions. Would you
say that this is not of a public bene-
fit? Would you say that the village
would not be warranted in paying the
extra expense necessary to make this
improvement? The expense at the
most would be a small one, and es-
pecially when viewed in the light of
the benefits that the public. would de-
rive therefrom. The amount of land
needed will not consist of very many
acres and it is now known that the
Northern Townsite Company did not
appear, and did not send any Of their
! agents, to make any protest or make
any demands for damages in connec-
tion with the opening of First street,
at the time Of the meeting Of our viii
lage council recently as per previous
announcement made through the col
ulnns of the Pioneer. There is no
question but what the Townsite Com
pany benefits by this opening as we'll
as others and that they feel that the
damages they could reasonably de-
mand will not exceed the benefits de-
rived. The portion that each tax
payer will be called upon to pay by
the opening of this street, would be so
small that it would not be noticeable.
The different business interests
that are located in the southwest cor
ner of the village are heavy taxpay-
ers and are entitled to the same con-
sideration as other citizens or insti-
tutions located in our village.
Is it right to make the farmers,
that are willing to come to our vii
lage to transact business, to haul
their heavy loads several blocks out
Of their way in order to compel them
to pass certain corner in order that
such corner may become known as
''The Editors Busy. Corner" and is
that treating the business interests,
that will be affected by these proceed
ings, right? &C
Mr.. Editor, you know that you are
wrong, and the thing for you to do
is to come forth at least once and ad-
nit the truth. You know that the
council is right, and you know that
the opening Of this street will be of
a public benefit to us all.
Respectfully Yours,
J. Sjoberg,
J. S. Sorenson,
A. r. Wicklund,
| C+ IJi1oira Dot ~