davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
A TEXAS Letter

A letter to c. H. Autry from
w. L. Bates, Newsome. Tex,
asks for the following informa-
ton, which we believe to be of
sufficient general Importance to
publish and reply to:
What is improved, decided lane
worth? What do you raise for a
money crop? Is there land there
that can be homesteaded? Is
that a good cattle country? Is
Ian d hard to pvt in cultivation?
Is it prairie country? How is
the water? Does it rain, or do
you depend on snow for a crop?
Is there a settlement and school?
How far are you from railroad
and closest town: What do
milk cows sell for? and mules
and horses? How much for farm
hands by day or month? How
is climate, ard winters? How is
ontside raRge--for farming and
bunch Of cattle? Could a person
co any good with a dairy? Is
there any showing for a person
with some money to go into bus
ness there""
On account of the great body
of public land that could be home
steaded, decided land has not
been selling. Raw decided land,
from $500 to $500. Improved
land according to improvements.
Broomcorn, maize and cane
are the money crops. Raise r
little of everything else.
There is still homestead land,
but it is going like hot cakes.
| Baca county is the right place
for all KINDS of stock.
1 The country is prairie, and
four horses will easily turn
fourteen inches of sod.
Water is like the nectar OF the
gods-only it's water.
The SHOWS and rains together
make our crops; but more de-
ponds on the man than on the
SHOWS and rains.
The children of the county are
at this time about all accomodat-
ed with schools.
Lamar, nearest railroad point.
fifty miles from Springfield. the
county seat.
Milk COWS, all the way from
$50 to $3.50. Baca county is just
starting in on a dairying career
With silos we believe that dairy
ing will pay here as well as east
wardly.
At crop gathering time hands
are in big demand. At harvest
F., time, great numbers of our peo-
pie go to the grain fields of Kan
sas, where they make money.
} Climate is healthful. People
live till they dry up, and then
tie spring winds blow them
away.
Every man here wants small
bunch of cattle. Would fence
some pasture and range some
outside.
There are lines of business that
a man could start in with here
with some capital and do well.
For further information, reaG.
the Springfield Herald.
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
NOTICE OF PUBLICATION
(For PublicafinL
Department of the Interim
u. S. Land Offic. a. Lamar. cul,

U. S. Land Offic. a. Lamar, Col,
January 30. i3ia
Notice - hereby given that Elizabeth Il. Sh-r
non whose post-offics address 10 Regnier, 'oIo..
do, On the 2sth day Of August. 1914. file in rhi,
ofhse sworn statement and application. No.
oit7l7 to purchase The Lots S. 9. reiS nwi. see
tson ~, Township 81 8. Range ~ w., 9Th princi-
pal Meridian. and the timber thereon, under the
provisions Of the act Of Junea 1873 and acts nm
endatory, Anown - the climber and stone law -
aasueh value ~ might be fixed by apprairment.
and that, pursuant to such application. the land
and stone thereon have been appraised two hum
drsd eighteen esl00 that said applicant will Of
fer hnal proof In support Of her application and
, sworn statement on the 18th day of April, 1915.
bsSose s. z. Spsckmann, United States Commis-
sioner. At Springfield. colo.
Any person is at liberty to protest this pur.
chase bsfors entry. Or initiate contest at any
time before patent Issues, by hling oorroborated
aAhdavit In this ONCE. alleging facts which would
defeat the entry,
Eugene M. Whitaker Register
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION.
Publisher,
Dspaxtnsnt Of the Interior

u. 8, Land Office at Lamar. Colorado
March 6. 1915
Notice b hardly given that Benjamin G. Dok
Of Wentworth, Coao., who, mndeFeb rs, 1909
homsstesd entry No. 1911, serial No Oil5;.
swk Of section and on Dec. Is, 1910, made ad-
aitional Ed entry No. 09356 for
81 Of section g Twp.
50. 8. b. ~ W. 9th p. Meridian
has Aisd notice II intention to make five
ysar proof 10 sstahlish claim to the land above
described, bsfors ths Judge of the County Court
at SprinE6sh. Co'or.dA on the 2:.nd day of Apr
1915,
Clainsnt names ~ Witnesses:
Charles A, Wiley. Adam Kicenski, Charlet
Aalu,buxg. Martin Miller, all Of Richards Colo.
4. L. BEAVERS
Register.
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
NOTICE FoRoPUBIcATIUN.
,Publisher)

Mar IL, 1919
Notice is hereby given that William Kirens-
XII of Richards, Colo, who on sep. p, 1911,
made homestead entry serial No. oiic1o
e.. ne4, s'a swi. ard SEA Of
Section 20 Township 81 s. Range Al
W. 9Th Principal Meridian has filed notice of
inten ton to make three year proof to establish
claim to the land above described before
silesE. Speckmnnn, u >. Com. at Springfield.
Colorado on the eth day of May, 1915.
Claimant names WITNESSES.
Adam Kiccn.ki. OK. ostecn, II. L. Turner
Perse L. Mckinley. all of Richards Colo
A. BEAVERS, l'sristHr.
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
(Publisher.)
Department Of the Ir.terioi
u. 8. Land Once at I...;nlr. Col

u. 8. Land Once At I...;nIf. Colo
Lamar. Color ado, Mar. 9, ms.
Notice u hsrsby given that Elmer E. Geek
Of wentworth. Cola, whs o. Feb. u. hos'
made Hid. entry No. SIS serial No. oSise fof
nwl< Of Sec. Q, and On Dec. Is 1910 nnads Add
Hid. entry No. UeeD7 for nsA u ~. two. y =
r 4, ". 9Th y. ~. hes did aosses q inesnsse"
to make Five year psoos 70 sseaesiss e'Aa1
10 the land above Described. hsfess the Judge o.
tAs County Court u sprins8sh. cossesso' On
de s9.d Of day April. 1913
Claiment name - WttasessG
Ch.rIss Wiley, Jes Carter, Charles Aalmhsrs
al, three Of Richards. colo., W. F. Thomas o.
Wentwosth. Colo.
A L. BEAVERS
Rakistss.
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
S..rnwr..r rl'H,.n Ar'"N

Publisher
Department of the Interior.
u. 8. Land Once
Lamar, Colo, Feb. 18th. isi 8
No,iee is hsreby given that Elsa Rssee OF Rich
ards, Colo, widow Of General y. Reees.
$1,000. vho on Nay Z, lSls, made
homestead entry serial No. oi71ls, for M
peN ~ rs,1 and ~ of Sec. IL 4 lots iiAiA
Of Sec. Is, T. 50 8. 3. IS " 9th 2.
Meridian mas fiisd notice of initiation 70 make
thrss year proof 10 establish claim oths And .
bovs dsseribsd before 8. :. Spseknsnn sne
United States tspsinghssd. cssoesde. Ga
the 9Th day Of Apr ..isak
Claimant nance - Witnesses:
Russell Cunningham.
Orval Hines,
]. l.. Wheslef.
John N. Womaek, all Of Richards Colo
EUGENE n. WHITAKER.
Register.
The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1915-04-02
Local Gossip.

Elk, sheriff Kett was in town
on the Seth ult.
Clark II. cka,hotn Of Holly ha-
recently b en- On II vi>i' t. Ston-
ington.
w. q. GorL..n was down from
Lamar Monday in the interest Of
the Cook estate.
Jnn. Meier of the New En- pnria
country WAS business visitor
:" Sprin.ticld on the Goth ul'.
Tom and Cecil tx Is of Nash
Y L.. kan>., returned to their
=, !! ;Acn c,u Y laln',, the first of
| he wrcr.
/ q ]. D,-imnn. Herman Whit"
m Chas. Niopin can up to tho
an ~ cal ital cdresday TO
a'ii ;'ln'.' the seek quarar-
! n.,:s ilr y VA TO do some
| AN - . from Tllil art.
STRAYED-lr, III the Jacob
iIaney ranch, one mottled-facc
| COW, 4 Gears old, iraLded j Fl"
ov.r hrr on left hip: and tho
snrc,n left SIDE. Reward fn-
,cr"v,ry. Notify Jacob Hnnry,
StUning,cn, Ct }. W. Su.cr Cam
%, 90. dis
Judge DmuShtr, one of the
best known attorneys of Lamar,
| was in Springfield Monday on
legal matters. The Judge drop
ped IN just long enough to talk
over his many land cases, the
publication summonses in which
: have recently been concluded in
the Herald, and then jumped TN
tn a waiting car for his return to
! Lamar,
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
EDITORS DISCUSS
NEWSPAPER LAWS

Seattle, WASH, Jan. 14.-"News-
paper law" was the subject of an
address delivered today before the
State Newspaper Institute by John
H. Perry, of Seattle, an acknowledged
authority on the subject. Besides
the publishers and editors of newspa-
pers of Oregon, Montana and Wash
ington, $50 students of Journalism
of the University of Washington were
in attendance. Perry's address COW
cred the general range of newspaper
Jurisprudence, paying particular at
tention to the fright of privacy" He
also went carefully into the question
of the attitudes of the courts toward
the press. The state newspaper in
stitute will be in session three days.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
THOUSANDS OF LIVES
LOST in EARTHQUAKE

Rome, Jan. 14.-As reports from
the earthquake zone are received, it
is believed that the losses of life will
reach 10000. The chief victims
Of the eruption were in the vicinity
of AbruzZi and Avezzano
Another earthquake was felt here
this morning, creating panic, but
it is believed that no additional dam
age resulted. Details are difficult to
secure on account of the destruction.
Military relief is being given and
every effort is made by the govern
ment to protect stricken people. An
emergency fund of $4,000 has been
voted for troops: Rescue work is
slow and conditions are reported Sc
rious on account of snow and trains
are blocked by the quake
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
BRA|NERDW MEETING
Crow Wing County Seat Making Ell
fort to Take December N. M. D. A.
Convention From Bemidji.
SUGGESTS DROPPING COUNTY

When Commissioner Hayes voted
against the allowing of an approprta-
ton to the Northern Minnesota De-
velopment association, he may have
taken a step which will cause the
dropping of Beltrami county from the
roll of the booster league. 5s.i
This appears to be the plan in GER
tain quarters and already Brainerd
is making an effort to have the con-
vention of next December held in that
city, instead Of Bemidji. Beltrami
county's proportional appropriation
was only $3.50 and this amount the
commissioner refused to allow for the
purpose of advertising the county and
to assist in bringing settlers here. IT
is hoped that Commissioner Hayes
will change his vote should the mat
ter be taken up again at the next
meeting, and if he does not, personal
contributions must be given. Other
wise to Beltrami county and .Bemidji,
the birthplace of the organization,
will be lost the advantage of it's work.
A Brainerd news item says: at
requires the unanimous consent of the
county commissioners to appropriate
and one member voted no. Beltrarni
county is the birthplace of the or
ganization, supplied many Of it's Off
GERS and is the scene of the next win
ter convention.
"Should Beltrami lose it's repre-
sentation, Brainerd will enter the
field in an effort to annex the winter
convention = -asss.s55
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
Play TW0GAMES TONIGHT
big Bemidg" Encounters Pine River
While High School Will Meet Park
Rapids on Basketball Floor.
TWO FAST CONTESTS PROMISED

IT,
For the first time this year Be-
midi basketball fans will be given
an opportunity to see the high school
team in championship contest,
when Park Rapids is encountered on
the Armory floor this evening. A
double-header will be staged, as 'Big
Bemidg'' will play Pine River. II
Pine River has made a wonderful
record this season, defeating Brain
erd, Akeley and many other strong
teams. The five comprises several
former college stars. + ~ c..z-.-.. ?:
The high school game should be
one Of much interest because of Be-
midji's chances to win the state
championship. Coach Betsul has a
team which is undoubtedly the best
to ever represent the local educa-
tional institution and in the games
played this year have secured easy
victories. Brainerd, Staples and
other quints of this district will be
played and the boys are confident of
an opportunity to perform at the
Carleton tournament. "a I
The Dutch Band" will be out in
full force and the games will start
lat sharp. ~.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
: TAKEN TO ASYLUM.
Buzzle Woman Adjudged Insane Yes
terday by Judge D. H. Fisk.

Mrs. Emma Arneson, 81, wife Of
Ole Arneson Of Buzzle, and the moth
er of six children, was taken to the
Fergus Falls insane asylum yester-
day afternoon, having been adjudged
insane by Judge D. H. Fisk, court
commissioner. The unfortunate wo-
man has been failing for three years
and while never violent, her mental
powers have been in an unbalanced
condition., continually growing worse.
She was taken to the asylum by
George Denley, deputy sheriff, Mr.,
Arneson accompanying the officer on
the trip.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14

No other regiment in any existing
army un1ergoes such Spartan training
as the French Foreign legion. When
at their headquarters, Sidi-bel- Abbes.
the DICTIONARIES are marched off for &C
casionaI training trips Of 300 miles or
more, in continuous daily stages of
twenty four miles, with only five min
utes halt every six miles. General de
Neyricr. who commanded them In
Madagascar. said. Some soldiers can
fight: the DICTIONARIES can die" Their
record shows how they fall in action
In the Cri1nea, in Mexico lighting for
Macmillan and in Spain their losses
were enormously heavy. OF 1900 lie
gionaries sent to aid Queen Christina
in 1866. against the Carl.sts, only sou
returned to Algeria.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14

Miss Gladys Gainey was pleasantly
surprised Wednesday evening by a
number of schoolmates, the occasion
being her fourteenth birthday. The
guests were Misses Grace Riley, Nor
ma Nissen, Ellen Crothers, Bertha
Webster, Alice Dyer, June Williams,
Anna Schroeder, Alice Hammond, Ell
sic Blackburn, Evangeline Schmidt,
Evelyn Kirk and Glanche Grafton.
Misses Vera Backus and Edith Err
win acted as chaperons. A dainty
lunch was served at the close of the
evening. .&s.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
UNION MEN DEMAND
REAL RAPID TRANSIT

Philadelphia, Jan. IA monster
parade in which several thousand
union men, representing trade unions
of many industries, will participate,
will be held here today, demonstrate
ing the fight of the union men for a
high speed transit system. Immedi-
ately after the parade, a big mass
meeting will be held at which rep
resentatives of the various unions and
Business Mems associations will urge
the installation of the system out
lined by Director A. Merit Taylor.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
RETREAT .
BEFORE: FLOODS

Paris, Jan. 14.-InformatiOn re-
ceived at the war offices here today
tells of the retreat of the French
troops in the vicinity of the Aisne,
having been compelled to retire. A
severe flood and the carrying away of
bridges is blamed and not German at
tacks. The fighting at scissors con-
tinues, the Germans throwing heavy
forces into action in an attempt to
regain lost ground. In the extreme
north, the -cannonading / continues,
despite the thin blanket fog which
is surrounding the entire country.
The artillery is violent in the Ypres
region, while along the Aisne artil-
lery exchanges have brought no
changes in the situation.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
PAST TENSE PREFERRED
Mrs. Tuomy, in Duluth Herald Com.
munication, Speaks of Story in Re-
cent Issue of Leading Magazine.
THE OLD BEMIDu AND THE NEW

When Golfers published that now
famous story, ''The Hospital Ticket,
in which the early life of Bemidji was
a most prominent feature, a stir was
caused here and the feeling seemed
general that this city has been dealt
an unjust blow.
In yesterdays issue of the Duluth
Herald, a communication, written by
Mrs. J. T. Tuomy, of Bemdiji, was
published and we'll expresses the SEN
timent here The communication
reads:
'To the Editor of fhe Herald:
"A short time ago a prize-winning
story appeared in one of the leading
magazines that had for it's settings
scenes in and around the town Of Be-
midi, MINI. The story caused a lot
of old-time citizens to chuckle and
say: Can you beat it?' Why, I re-
cognized a number of the characters.
Some of them live right here now.
"The number containg the story
sold like hot cakes. News stands of
the town never had such run on any
one magazine Bemidjiites read the
story for entertainment, but after
reading it, they began to digest it
thoughtfully. Public-spirited citi-
zens wondered if their town had been
done an injustice by giving a wrong
conception of it's present state to the
outside world.
1T was figured out that the author
of the story must have known the
Bemidji of ten years ago, with it's
forty or more saloons, wide open
night and day, with no ban on gamb-
ling-a Bemidji with no other claims
than those that belong to a typical
frontier town.
To-day Bemidji is a dry town and
as thriving and progressive a little
city as can be found in the North
west. Everyone is vastly proud of
it's miles of paving and cement walks,
it's fine churches, it's good schools, it's
up-to-date public buildings, it's beau
tiful homes and it's wonderful seen
cry.
There is still plenty of material
for authors, but the people of Be-
midi would like to see stories writ
ten of its colorful past in the past
tense" ...~--..-.e : -.-,--:.......,s
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
STAR HIGH JUMPERS
MAY LOWER RECORD

New York, Jan. 14.-With Joe Loo
mis-, of the Chicago A. A., outdoor
national champion high jumper; Jene
Jennings, the indoor champion; Har-
ry Barwise, New England champion,
and others of the first rank scheduled
to appear, the high jumping event at
the Milrose A. A. games tonight at
Madison Square Garden promises to
be a record breaker. Loomis, in. par
ticular, is looked upon to smash the
fine record made at Baltimore when
he won three national champion
ships; the high jump, low hurdles
and sprint. ~.,s.......
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
ADD GROCERY STOCK u
rropp. Will Have New De.
partme,. H. ~ in Charge.

Announcement n Odav bv
Messrs. Troppman anu RS, of the
Troppman department score, that
they will open a complete grocery
establishment in the rear of their
store on Minnesota avenue and Third
street. Contractors are now con-
structing the fixtures in this depart
ment and plan to have it in readiness
by February first. Chris Markusen,
formerly with the Roe & Markusen
grocery firm of this city, will be in
charge of this department. The
Reed-Murdock line of fancy grocer
les will be sold and the department
will be conducted on a strictly cash
basis.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
GIANTS TO FIX UP
MARLIN QUARTERS

Marlin, Texas, Jan. 14.-1n adj
vance ofthe Giants coming here about
February 10 to train, Manager Nc
Graw's personal representative is
expected here in few days to con-
tract for necessary improvements on
the training quarters. It is believed
that the New York National League
club will make extensive changes on
the property now that they have
come into possession of the same.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
Pessimists in the sport game ca

Pessimists in the sport game can
now take their hammers and beat 1t
to the cyclone cellar. Those who
complain that interest in sporting
events is on the wane can sneak a
look at the records for the late 1914
in which it is shown 25,0OO,O0O per-
sons pushed their cash through the
box office windows to view sporting
events. This figure represents about
one-fC 18th the population of the
United States. Baseball, of course
leads with approximately 100000
Football comes next with over g.
100000, and the rest is divided UP
among boxing, tennis, golf, amateur
athletic meets and various other
forms of athletics
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
GERMANS SHELL RHEIMS

Berlin, Jan. 14.-According to
war Office reports here today the Ger
mans have instituted a vigorous bonn
bardment of Rheims, and are also ad-
vancing east to scissors. Several
attacks of the French have been re-
pulsed, these taking place in the vic
Unity of Argonne and Woevre.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
FAILURE OF GENERAL
PAUCAUSESCHANGE
Placing of General Gallieni in Com.
mand of Military Operations in AL
SAGE Means Passing of Veteran.
HAD FAITH OF FRENCH PEOPLE
Was Unable to Regain Lost Province
Now Rely Upon England for
Needed Reinforcements.
(By J. w. r. MasOn.)

New York, Jan. l4.-If it is true
that Gen. Gallien has taken command
Of the military operations in Alsace,
it is probable the most important
western development since the battle
of Flanders are shortly to occur in the
narrow district between the Vosges
mountains and the Rhine.
Hitherto, Gen. Pau, Frances popu-
lar hero Of the 1870 war, has been
directing the Alsace offensive After
the break down of the initial French
drive toward Altkirch and Mulhau-
sen last August, Gen. Pau's assign
ment to the work of recovering the
lost provinces was hailed with pat
riotic JOY throughout France
Accomplished Little.
But Gen. Pau has accomplished
very little during the tenure of his
office. This has been generally at
tributed to the small number of men
Gen. Joffre was able to send to Al
SAGE, but the present report that Gen.
Gallieni has taken over the full COM
mand of the south suggests that there
is belief at headquarters that the
one-armed hero of the Franco-Prus-
sian war has not done what was ex-
pected Of him. Unless in fact, there
had been serious shortcomings in Gen.
Pau's strategy he would not have
been replaced, for in him the French
people have personified their virtues
Forced the Retreat.
The selection of Gen. Gellieni for
the new Albanian command means
that Gen. Joffre has assigned his
work Of capturing the upper Rhine
territory. Gen. Gallieni after the
war broke out was made military
commander of Paris, and he delivered
the flank attack against Won Kluck' S
army which forced the German re-
treat from Paris.
II Is uOW apparent ludC Uc1l Odl-
lieni erred in striking Won Kluck too
soon, thus permitting the Germans to
conduct their retreat successfully
But at the time it was thought dan
gerous to wait too long, because if
the German army had got through
the French center, the flank attack
from Paris might have failed.
Saved Paris.
While Gen. Gallieni's army did not
catch Won Kluck, it undoubtedly
saved Paris. The present reputation
Of the military governor of the CAPT.
tai is very high in French army cir
cles. He forms, with Gen. Joffre
and Gen. Foch, the army triumpvir-
ate, on whom Frances hopes are CEN
tered. Gen. Foch has command of
the armies in Flanders.
Gen. French seemingly has con-
cluded that Gen. Foch must look to
England for reinforcements, while
the new strength of the French ar
my is to be used to permit the savior
of Paris to rescue the lost province.
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
ATTORNEY BROWN IS NAMED
Will Be Acting Clerk Of School Board
During Absence of Lair.

j. P. Lair, clerk of the Bemidji
Board of Education, is to retain his
membership in that body, although
he will be absent from the city for
several months, being in the west.
This was decided at the meeting Of
the board last evening. Attorney
Montreville ]. Brown, member of
the board, was appointed as acting
clerk and will attend to the duties
until the return of Mr.. Lair. Mr.,
Lair is also member of the city
council. - ...:-s5.. Eaaa..,.... =. -
The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1915-01-14
SOUTHERNERS ATTACK
WATER WORKS COMPANY

Birmingham, Ala, Jan. 14.-Hear-
ings were scheduled today in an at
tack by quo-warrants proceedings,
against the charter of the Birming-
ham Water Works company. Suburban
citizens allege that excessive rates are
charged and false meter readings
practiced.