Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1916-02-08

! eratiOnS q new company IN their own
| thriving city. They were reaf1, to be-
gin laying rails at once, but it had been
earnestly represented to him that the
manufacturing interests of his group
Of capitalists would be just as well
served by permitting the new lines to
be erected by the old company, and
I after conference with his principals
1 It had been decided that If the Ring
City Street Railway company wished
to monopolize their legitiniately an
ticlpa ted profits this could be done by
the purchase Of their franchises and
tgood will at purely nominal figure.
A buzz of satisfaction followed this
4 magn animous offer, and little Henry
| Peters was for purchasing the fran
chises Immediately.
"I'd have lostiall my years Of saw
ing if I'd sold my stock at thirty-five."
he told his neighbor.
II don't understand it, but it's a
skin game" announced the crooked
nose man. "Who is this fellow, any
how?''.
Mr.. Marley turned TO Mr.. Bozzam
with the frank smile Of a gentleman.
And how much would your company
consider a merely nominal figure?" he
inquired with smoothness.
1.-TWO hundred and fifty thousand
dollars cash. stated Bozzam lightly.
Young Daniel B. Atkins Immediately
moved to accept that price.
"Nor hotly yelled Bert Glider.
II second the motion" announced At
torney Tucker.
1T has been moved and seconded
that we purchase the franchises and
good will Of the street car company
represented by Mr. Bozzam for the
sum Of $250,000 cash.. stated Presi-
dent Marley, looking about him with
cool aloofness. Are there any re-
marks ~
There were-a perfect pandemonium
Of them-and out Of the battle Presi-
dent Marley recognized Attorney Tuck
Fes.
Attorney Tucker begged leave Of the
chair to ask Mr.. Bozzam just one ques-
ton and received it.
Have you named your bottom fig
ure:' he wanted to know.
Positively declared Mr.. Bozzam,
with vast firmness.
zone more question. Are you en-
powered to close this deal?"
Il ann replied Mr.. Bozzam. II have
a free hand"
Sledge almost looked at the genial
promoter.
Then we must pay the price," fer
1 vently asserted Attorney Tucker. This
is a CLEAN of hope in the darkness, a
way out Of our difficulties. a solution
to our troubles. We have the cash
to purchase these franchises. which will
give us a practical monopoly of the
city's street car business, We can Ell
Their increase our capitalization or issue
bonds to pay for our extensions, and.
in the meantime, the moment We con-
clude this deal our stock jumps back
to par"
Loud cries Of Question: came from
all over the hall, and little Henry Pc
tiers. after the demand had started,
shouted louder than anybody.
4 Young Daniel 3. Atkins wanted to
make a speech and was granted that
privilege.
He was more enthusiastic about pay.
ing out that $25O,0OO than anybody,
and. being professional whooper-up.
he used his clarion voice and silver
tongue to such good advantage that
the throng was with difficulty restrain
ed from rushing up-to Bozzam and
paying him the. money on the spot.
In defiance Of the mady expressed
wishes Of the multitude, however. Pres
| ident Marley recognized Bert Glider.
Move to amend the resolution to
read fifty thousand in place OF two
| hundred and fifty" he shouted.
Second the motion!' yelled a big
mouthed young man sitting next to
him.
/ "AIr. President" exclaimed Mr.. Boz
Fam. rising to his feet. ''that amend
ment is positively useless"
A frantic hubbub arose. The hall
was sea of open mouths. Little,
Henry Peters held his mouth open
wider than any stakeholder present.
One could see his tonsils perfectly.
He was helping to howl down Bert
elders absurd amendment
President Marley tapped his gavel
energetically.
II perceive that it is useless to
waste time on speeches against this
amendment he announced Are
there any remarks to be made in favor
of it? The chair will permit five min
utes for such argument" He waited
u moment. No one arose. Attorney
Tucker stood up.
"If the chair please he began.
Are you about to speak in favor of
this amendments" Interrupted the
chair.
No" replied Attorney Tucker.
THE chair refuses to recognize the
gentleman" announced the president.
"rhe secretary will take roll call
vote on the amendment"
They endured that as men do. only
venting their emotions by the vehe-
mence Of their "No!' on the roll cab
vote. A scant few had the temerity to
vote Yes" and were nearly mobbed
for their daring. The most Of them
kept their eyes on Bozzam in fearful
.,pyiaty Lost offa,,Jad hr tbts. r,rocaad.