davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
TAXPAYER THINKS
CITY COULD SAVE
MONEY BY PAVING
MONEY NOW SPENT ON MAIN
STREETS FOR UPKEEP WOULD
GO TO SIDE STREETS

The following article has been sub
mitted to the Banner by one of the
taxpayers of the city. The article
presents an angle to the paving pro-
position heretofore only lightly touch
ed upon in the Banner. The subject
of the article as written by the person
submitting it is, "Shall we Pave Bridge
Street," Here is the communication:
Some of US small taxpayers are
wondering why some of the large tax
payers, who were so strongly in favor
of paving Main street, are now using
every effort to defeat the paving of
Bridge street. We voted with them
to help pave the streets in front of
their blocks and homes and think they
are acting very selfish in opposing the
paving of Bridge street. They act
as though all that is necessary is for
them to get their streets improved and
paved where they have property and
the balance of thes retets are good
enough as they are because it might
possibly cost them little more taxes.
We know if the outlying streets are
ever to be properly improved we must
get those streets where the general
street fund has always been used, year
after year, paved by a special fund
such as will be raised by bonding, then
we can have the general street fund
used to improve our streets. We would
like to have thes treets in front Of our
little homes receive a small part of
the money we haves paid in taxes,
which has not been the case in the
past, and we wish this improvement
made while we are living to enjoy it.
We know our taxes cannot be raised
beyond the charter limit and all we
ask is a square deal that we may get
some benefit from the taxes we pay.
With Main and Bridge streets paved
the expenditure Of money on them
from the general street fund will stop.
Many thousands of dollars have been
expended on these streets which have
been washed away and removed ben
citing no one.
A Taxpavar
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
FIVE YEAR. PLAN
MAY Be ADOPTED
BY BAPTIST CHURCH
SUPT. f. NJ. LAKE OF LANSING
WAS HERE SUNDAY TO EX-
PLAIN THE PLAN

+. M. Lake of Lansing, superin-
tendent of state missions of the Bap-
tist church was in Belding over Sun
day and addressed the members of the
local Baptist society both morning
and evening. His especial mission
here was to explain to the church
the real and whole meaning of the
''five year" plan as it is being adopt
ed by the Baptist churches of the dis
trict. The matter Of adopting the plan
as outlined by Mr. Lake will be taken
up at the prayer meeting Thursday
night.
Briefly the idea as laid out by the
five year" plan is dividing the
church into four main divisions. In
one division the addition of members
is the ultimate aim, in another the
distribution of denominational litera-
ture and the securing of new readers,
and in another the benevolences is
paramount. In the plan if adopted
the local church would become a CO.
operating church with all the other
churches that adopted the plan. The
plan woul be in operation for five
years with five goals, one each year.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
BOARD OF COMMERCE
REGULAR LUNCHEON

The main topic of discussion at th,
board of commerce last Tuesday noon
was the paving Of Bridge street and
the approximate Indebtedness that
would be incurred by the city if the
measure carried April 3. 1t was
brought out in the discussion by Mr..
Chapple that the city was obliged to
face the school house proposition
within the next few weeks in most
vital way and hence should not be
oyer-hasty in voting to pave resi-
dence street on which large
amount of money had been spent in
the past three years in the nature of
semi-permanent improvements.
AS a final result of the discussion
a motion was carried empowering the
chair to appoint three men to pass
upon and revise an article on paving,
read in open meeting, in preparation
for publication in the Banner The
article will be found in another col
uinn this week.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
TAXPAYERS THINK
CITY TAX MAY BE-
CONE BURDENSOME
SET OF FIGURES SENT TO THE
BANNER FOR CONSIDERATION
OF CITf READERS

The following article has come to
the Banner for publication. 1t gives
another angle to the paving project:
Editor Banner:-We can tax one
per cent of the assessed valuation,
hen we can tax further $40 of one
per cent for interest on bonds and for
sinking fund, to pay these bonds when
due; then by majority vote we can
bond for certain purposes up to five
per cent of the total valuation. See
how easy it is? Then, if we divert
the money paid into the sinking fund
to meet payment on bonds when due,
as has been done heretofore, then we
can perhaps, possibly, if we are not
so burdened with debt that bonding
companies will not bite, pay the
money due on bonds by new issue,
in other words, give a new bond be-
cause we cannot pay the old one, "a
la Micauher."
After paying 100000 of bonded
Indebtedness this year, there will be
$106,000.00 left, add 100000, city's
share, if Bridge street is paved, MAX
ing $131, 100000, then add $27,000.00
existing school bonds, $158,000.00;
then add $25,000.00 bonds for new
school house, $1S3,500.00 (and the
new school bonds are a sure thing).
Interest on S183, 100000 at five per
cent is $9,175.00. See how it grows
1t will cost money to maintain and
keep clean the paving on Main street
more than has ever previously been
spent on this street; will certainly
cost more to maintain and keep clean
the (approximate) mile of paving on
BRIDGE street. if laid, than it does cost
on Main street.
After maintenance and cleaning
Main and Bridge streets, and paying
the nice little interest charges, what
are the taxpayers on the other streets
going to get in street service?
Several Taxpayers and then
Some.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
BIG FRESHET DOES
DAMAGE; DAM GOES
OUT At SMYRNA

The recent heavy down pour of rain
following the snow fall of last week,
put the rivers and streams in all
parts of the state on the rise and
much damage has been done. Flat
River has been overlooking its banks
here and fear for the r. S. Co.'S dam
was felt that it might not hold up
under the flood. Every precaution
was taken, however, by Superintend-
ent +. A. Washburn and the danger
point is now past.
The Spencer Light company lost
their dam at Smyrna Tuesday night
about twelve O'Clock. 1t went out
with a rush entailing a loss of ap-
proximately $4,000. The company
however, had wisely taken precaution-
airy measures for such a contingency,
two years ago, by connection with the
r. S. Co., and they Immediately
switched-to that line, the service not
being out of commission a minute.
The company will not be crippled in
its service and is already taking care
of its business as usual.
Every precaution at the Citizens
Light Co.'s dam below Smyrna was
taken as soon as notified of the
Smyrna break and force of men
saved it from being swept away by
the big flood of water let into it.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
JAY COOLEY MET
WITH BAD ACCIDENT

Jay Cooley met with very serious
accident Saturday evening. He went
to his barn to assist in taking care of
a horse which Mr.. Simmons, a man
who came to see him about renting
his farm, had driven into the yard.
Mr.. Cooley slipped on the ice and
fell heavily breaking his right hip. He
was assisted into the house by Mr..
Simmons and Drs. Pinkham and Dutt
were at once summoned. The doc
tors found the fracture a severe one,
and say it will be a number Of weeks
before he will be able to get out Of
the house.
Mrs. Cooley was visiting friends in
Oakfield and was at once called home.
The physicians have made him as
comfortable as possible, but the injury
is a painful one. He is one of our
old and respected citizens and his
many friends hope to see him recover
from the misfortune.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
WELL SATISFIED WITH
AUCTION SALE RESULTS

Alfred j. Moore was well-pleased
with the results Of his auction sale
held last Wednesday. Almost every
man attending was interested in some
one of the articles and made buying
brisk. Prev ious to the sale Mr..
More made an estimate of the amount
of money he expected TO receive from
the goods sold. After the sale was
over the figures showed that he had
received over 5000 more than he had
anticipated.
Mr.. Moore advertised his auction
sale in the Banner thus putting his
advertisement into almost every
home within many miles of his place.
The advertisement was read by the
fresides in the evenings and conse-
quentIy the buying public had the
chance TO consider the purchase of
the articles offered. The final out
come was a good, lively bunch of
bidders on sale day. When you get
ready to have an auction sale you had
better see the Banner about it's eff
cient yet inexpensive method of adj
vertising auction sales to bring re-
suits. We have yet to find a person
who has not been satisfied with our
auction sale advertising system.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
DIFFER ON DRAIN LAW
AS NOW OPERATING

The Banner was in receipt this
Wednesday morning of a communica-
ton from Frank c. Miller, city attor-
ney of Ionia opposing the repeal of the
Ionia County Local Drain Law. I'm
fortunately the article arrived too
late for full insertion. Mr.. Miller
saws in his letter:
81 do not believe that it should be
repealed as it is a law that is bene-
fetal to property owners whose lands
are assessed for the construction of
drains. Under the general law as now
existing the people whose lands are
to be assessed and are crossed by the
proposed drain have practically moth
ing to say about it.
"By all means we should retain this
local law upon our statute books. 1t
permits the majority to rule and this
should always be the guide in local
improvements"
On the same mail we received a
letter from ID. G. Crawford, county
surveyor. Mr.. Crawford saws:
Ionia, Mich.
March 81, 1916.
Editor Belding Banner:
"Dear Sir:-In behalf of the farm
ers in the south part of this county
would like to see all the voters of
Belding and Otisco vote yes upon the
amendment to repeal the special drain
law of Ionia county, as it never should
have been passed.
ID. c. Crawford,
County Surveyor"
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
n. C. HALL CANDIDATE
FOR Rem 0MINATI0N

Herbcr. G.. Hall, prosecuting attor-
ney and Jerome Lavery, county agent
for the board of correction and char
tiles were in the city Monday looking
up some cases coming under their of
fetal duties. Mr.. Hall will be a can
didate again for the office of prose-
cnting attorney and his petitions for
the primary election are being curcu-
lated and literally signed He has
held the office for one term and his
friends believe he is entitled to re-
nomination and election for a second
term as has been the custom in the
past. Mr.. Hall has improved the op-
portunity in his first term experience
to familiarize himself with the intri-
cate duties of the office and will be
well and better qualified for the work
in the future.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
Mary Pickford in "Fanchon the
Cricket"

Mary Pickford, is at the Empress
Theatre in her splendid triumph,
"Fanchon the Cricket" the latest five
part production Of the Famous Play
ers' Film Co. with this idolized star,
on the Paramount Program.
As Fanchon, "Little Mary" por-
trays the famed role of the lonely,
uncouth girl of the woods, who rises
above the animosity and cruelty of
the villagers who prosecute, until she
reaches the greatest heights that
woman can attain-devotion to her
lover and her supreme sacrifice for
his life and happiness.
In her unaffected charm and bound
less dramatic power, in her sympathy
compelling rendition of the suffering
of the character she impersonates,
and i'm the unconscious simplicity in
which she developes her great climax
Of sacrifice, Miss Pickford proves be-
yond the shadow of a doubt her right
to the distinction Of being the worlds
most famous motion picture star.
IL will be seen at the Empress
Theatre Thursday April 8; special
orchestra.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
NORMAN PUTNEY
PASSED AWAY At
TRAVERSE CITY

The body of Norman Putney was
brought here from Traverse City
Monday. where he died in the asylum.
Mr. Putney was ga years old, being
born in Ashfield Mass, Oct 10, 1922.
He was married to Maria Robinson
May 25, 1S43 and came to Michigan
with his brother, Charles Putney and
family in 1853, coming to Otisco and
stopping for a time with Tiberius
Belding, an early settler here.
He resided at Cooks Corners many
years ago, and later at Woods Cor
ners, and after the death of this wife
in 1904, he went TO live with his
daughter at Ionia.
Three years ago his mind began to
fail and he was taken to Traverse
City. He was fine man in every way
and charter member of the Washing
ton club.
The funeral was held in the Church
OF Christ Wednesday morning, Rev
G. M. Pease in charge, assisted by
Rev. Robert Chapman of Ionia. Burial
was made in the Otisco cemetery by
the side Of his wife.
He leaves one daughter, Mrs. Mel
lie NJ. Harrington of Ionia.
In attendance at the funeral were
his daughter and granddaughter,
Mrs. Clifford Smell and Miss Esther
Harrington; also, Clifford Smell.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
HOSPITAL BOARD MET
WITH GOOD SUCCESS

1t was a crowded house that heard
Amborse +, Wyrick sing at the opera
house last Wednesday evening. Mr..
Wyrick showed his usual good quail
ties, displaying a wonderful volume
and rare tone, qualities seldom por-
trayed by singers. He was greeted
with an audience that was not salts
fed simply with the selections listed
on the program and the usual encores
but asked for more and more until
twenty-seven selections in all were
given. Probably the three best liked
selections were ain Italy," "The Old
Refrain" and "Charge of the Light
Brigade" The selections by Grace
Bernice Osmun, pianist and also of
Clara Coleman, violinist, were also
greatly enjoyed and commended.
The hospital board under whose
management the event was held
cleared. for the institution almost $50.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
PARENT FINDS
SENTIMENT is IN
ACCORD WITH BOARD
AS RESULT OF INVESTIGATION
AMONG FRIENDS, WRITES
TO BANNER
Editors of Banner:

Editors of Banner:
Since reading the article in your is
sue of two weeks ago submitted by
the Board of Education on the school
house proposition and also the reply
of "A Patron" in last weeks issue
have been seized with desire to
register my opinion regarding the
situation. While the matter has been
touched upon by the Banner at num-
erous times in the past year, it had
not been brought so forcibly to my at
tention until the last few articles ap-
peared.
| have taken the trouble to investi-
gate the situation and have inquired
of many of the patrons regarding
their views. | find that in each in
stance the persons interviewed were
agreed that the school house question
must come up for settlement and
found too, that these parties had talk
ed with still other persons and found
the same condition existing. This fact
led me to believe, and | have no cause
to doubt it, that by far the large ma
jority of school patrons are already
convinced of the dire need Of addi-
tional school facilities and that the
situation should be faced as soon as
possible.
want to commend the board for it's
intent to serve the needs of the school
district faithfully by presenting the
situation, just as it is, at an early
date. Such action gives us time to
consider and plan intelligently.
wish also to commend "a Patron"
who wrote the most excellent article
last week. While you are at perfect
liberty to disclose my name in con-
nection with this article, for the sake
of propriety, prefer to sign it here
simply as, A Parent.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
ANNUAL BOYS
CONFERENCE TO
Be At PORTLAND
PROGRAM TO BE GIVEN AT BAN
QUIET FRIDAY EVENING;
ALSO, OTHER MEETINGS

Next Friday and Saturday will be
held in Portland the annual County
Boys Conference. While it will be
the shortest one ever held in the
county it bids fair to be the most
lively and interesting.
Following is the program to be
given at the banquet Friday even
ing and to which all persons inter
ested in the county work are invited /:
Invocation 80. Rev. G. f. Pollock
Introduction of Toastmaster. .....
........... President Wells Hall
Toastmaster 1880 DR.. r. w. Alton
Address of Welcome. .......
........ Harold Buck, Portland
Response. Harry Lalty
AS We See It--Reports from the
field boys, one minute in length
Portland. .............. Dean Taylor
Ionia. ............R Richard Thomas
Saranac. ...........F Forrest Green
Hubbardston. ...... Leonard Reed
Pewamo. ........... Herbert Brunn
Muir. r...........,.... .Chas. Ross
Lyons. ............ Howard Ranger
Collins s.............. Lewis Adams
Belding ...... Clarence Bailey
Clarksville. le.........P Paul Bryant
Lake Odessa. ..... Flint Pearson
Palo. o.................. Dee Knapp
All over the State. ....W. II. Gay
Grand Rapids, Chairman of
State Committee
Address ..............T B. Lanham
State Secretary of Ohio
Benediction. Rev. w. H. Skentlebury
The banquet will close in time to
catch the 8:47 tran.
Conference program Saturday fore
noon, April 1, 1916:
500. Devotions. Tom b. Lanham
500. Inspirational Address ......
Lewis +. Rieman
$40. Our Backbones and the Sun
day Schools. s............. .lonla Boy
$3.50. Songs and Yells, Lewis Rieman
900. The Backbone of Athletics.
.....Ed Edward Clark, Portland
9:10. Backbone Development and
the Y. M. c. A. ...........
........ Edward johnson, Lyons
9:20. Discussion of these Papers.
........ Led by Lewis f. Reiman
9:40 The State Camp. ...
.............. Forrest P. Knapp
9:55. The Backbone of the Church
B. Preston
1O:i5. Picture Taken
1895. Report of Nominating and
Election of Officers.
10:45. Spring and Summer Activi-
ties, One Minute Talks by Delegates
11:15. Calisthenics. Lewis +. Reiman
11:25. Final Address, ....
Tom B. Lanham
1900. Dinner, Delegates with their
hosts.
200. Games and Stunts.
400. Adjournment.
At $3.50 in the forenoon the leaders
Sunday school teachers, ministers and
any interested in work with young
men will hold a conference at the
Congregational church parlors, under
the leadership of Tom b. Lanham. Re-
turning to the main conference al
9:55.
Churches, Sunday school boys
clubs are invited to elect delegates
from among their older boys, and send
name and so cent enrolment fee to
Wells Hall before Thursday evening
March 80.
This program will be the shortest
and best conference program ever
held by the boys of the county.
The committee extend a hearty in
vitation TO all the subscribers and
friends Of the work to attend the an
nual banquet Friday evening, March
Al
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
Vote Early Next Monday

1t behooves every voter of the city
to get out to the poles early next
Monday and vote. There will be
nine ballots to vote and this fact in
itself will necessitate much time for
each individual. Early voting on the
part of everyone will enable the work
Of the boards to move along better
and thus make it possible for every
one to vote before closing hours.
"Vote as early as possible" is the ur-
gent request of the precinct boards.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
COMPLAINANT IN
CASE WAS ABSENT

The much talked of breach Of prom
Use case of Leah Brhden against Ed
gar Kilborn for damages for heart
balm, which she claimed was broken
by him in refusing TO marry her, came
TO an abrupt termination in the circuit
court lost week
Mr.. Kilborn was there to prove that
il was impossible to break heart like
hers, but Leah did not show up to try
to convince the jury that the one she
carried in her breast throbbed with
tender emotions and was susceptible
to a crushing blow such as he dealt
out on his refusal.
The Judge placed the case in the
line Of dismissal.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
NO CAUSE FOR ACTION
WAS THE VERDICT

The case of Myron C. Green against
Mary +. II. Coville which had been
appealed to the circuit court from the
justice court of A. l.. Spencer of this
city was tried in Ionia last week. The
jury brought in a verdict in favor of
Mrs. Coville.
Mr.. Green brought the suit in Jus
tice A. l.. Spencer's court last sum-
mer, claiming damage on a contract
for lease of part of her farm and in
the trial of the case a jury awarded
him about $40 damages.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
The Farmers, Club

The West Otisco Farmers club will
hold its next meeting with Mr.. and
Mrs. Will King April 6. A program
is being prepared and a general good
time is looked forward TO.
The topic for discussion will be,
"What kind of Corn is the best TO
Grow, and how 10 handle it to get
the best results" Discussion led by
Mark Brown and Lester Carpenter.
Let all members be present If pos
sible. Martha Hall Cor. Sec'y.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
FATHER OF X. C. GUN.
S0LUS DIES IN DETROIT

X. c. Gunsolus, secretary of the
board of commerce, has been in De-
troit this week, being called there
by the sickness and death Of his faith
er, DIR. Kenneth NJ. Gunsolus, aged Ga
years.
The deceased had practiced there
for many years, going to that city
from Dundee, Mich, and was an able
surgeon and excellent citizen.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
WILL BUILD HOUSES
IN GRAND RAPIDS

Thomas Dawes was in Grand Rap
ids last week and has taken a con-
tract to build two dwelling houses
there the coming summer. He has
associated with him in the work, Clyde
Younger of this city and they will go
there TO begin operations very soon.
Mr.. Dawes says prospects for a
large amount of building there this
summer is exceptionally good.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
Smith-Best

Guy II. Smith of Stanton and Miss
Beatrice b Best of Belding were mar
ried in Ionia Saturday at the Metho-
dist parsonage by Rev. C. +. Hoag.
They were attended by Mrs. Effie Van
DenBroeck Of Belding. Their future
home will be in Stanton.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
punils MiIl Give Recital

The pupils of Miss Eva Engel will
give a recital Friday evening, April 4,
in the Methodist church. Miss Enoel
has fine class under her instruction
and the public are invited to come and
enjoy the music.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
w. c. L. U. Annual Meeting

The annual meeting Of the Women's
Christian temperance union will be
held with Mrs. Z. +. Cook at the city
hall.
The annual election of officers will
take place and the ladies are urged TO
be present.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
Chanre Service Time

Beginning next Sunday evening the
time Of calling the evening services in
the churches of the city will be chang
ed to one-half hour later. The young
peoples meetings will begin in the
respective churches at 6:30 and the
evening preaching services at 7:30 D.
m.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29

Jay McNitt, son of Mr.. and Mrs.
Fred McNitt, who has been sick for
sometime is considerably improved.
Recently the family received a box
from Mr.. and Mrs. Mark McNitt Of
Laporte, Texas, containing southern
roses, orange blossoms and strawber-
ries. They came through by parcel
post on good time and were fresh and
fragrant.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
Hospital Meeting

There will be meeting of the Beld-
ing City Hospital association Thurs
day evening, March 30. All members
urged present. Election of officers.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29

The Belding Cemetery Association
will hold a sale of baked goods at
III. A. Lambs store, April 1, begin
ming at 1000 a. m. This is especially
to purchase shrubs and flowers for
the cemetery. Will all who can kind
ly contribute to this sale.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
SOME FIGURES ON
PRESENT DEBT AND
ASSETS OF BELDING
PAPER READ IN BOARD OF COM
MERGE MEETING AS REVISED
BY COMMITTEE

AS stated in another article in this
issue of the Banner a committee was
appointed at the board Of commerce
luncheon Tuesday to revise and pre-
pare for publication in the Banner an
article read in the meeting that day
by President r. H. Hall. The article
as submitted by the committee fol-
lows:
Feeling that possibly some of the
voters of the city are not entirely
familiar with it's financial condition
the Board of Commerce is submitting
the following figures as given to us
by the city clerk:
The city liabilities in 1913 in all
denartments were as follows.
Belding banner., 1916-03-29
Verv respectfully:

Don't fail to see the Battle Cry
of Peace" at the Empress theatre
April ii and 12.--adv.