The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1918-09-17
Begin right NOW
TO PREPARE TO CONSTRUCT A
PERMANENT ELECTRIC
LIGHT PLANT.

The city commission met in reg
ular session at the city hall last even
ing and little business was transact
ed that went on the records. The
seating capacity of the hall, and part
of the standing room, was well taken
up by a large body of Madison's bust
ness men and other citizens who yer
present to present to the commission
ers the need they feel for quick &C
ton regarding the construction of a
substantial building in which to
house the present machinery at the
burned plant, and such other new
equipment that might be added from
time to time. Nor vas this the en-
tire burden of the plea of those pres
ent. The commission was addressed
in behalf of the greater issue-the
floating Of bonds to secure money for
an adequate building, for water
works extensions and for new cleo
trical equipment. A number of
speakers presented their views IN the
situation the city now faces in view
of existing conditions. DR.. Lowe,
speaking for the business men, and
citizens in general, mentioned the
two things this city must have-light
and water. 1--WE feel" said he, that
we might just as well build our new
building now, but we can't do much
without money, and I see no reason
why bonds cannot be issued to cover
our needs, whatever they may be-"
He cited how Pierre had raised $780,
600 for their plant, stating that that
sum had come from the school funds
of the state, and that If necessary our
city, too, might avail itself of SIM
liar funds for immediate needs. He
reiterated the fact presented to the
commissioners several times before,
There's no use in putting expensive
machinery in a temporary building.
The thing to do is to start right now
and issue bonds, The people are get
ting anxious and must have light.
The city is under contract to furnish
sufficient light at the postoffice.'
The doctor stated that it was almost
impossible to read addresses with the
insufficient light now furnished. He
further was of the opinion that the
bond proposition would be supported
by the people of Madison.
Geo. H. Waskey next took the floor
reiterating in part the remarks of DR.,
Lowe, and adding a question,
Whether the mayor or city commits
sion had determined upon m plans
for the issuing of bonds?" He said
that a new unit should be added, and
now that the reminding had been
practically completed, this was the
time to begin rebuilding. Continuing
Mr.. Waskey stated that the Diesel
engine had carried more than a peak
load last fall, and that, in view of a
possible situation, should the Diesel
engine break down, We would have
nothing to fall back on, in which case
we would suffer lack of fire protec'
ton, and be without both water anc
light. From his remarks it was plair
that the citizens are agitated over thu
question of immediate action. Infer
ences could be drawn that the state
had offered the money to build thu
plant and that the citizens would con
slider only a first class plant, even !
the cost should equal or exceed
800, 900. With DR.. Lowe, Mr.. Was
key was of the opinion that the tim'
to begin building is right now"
Speaking for the commission, Com
missioner Henkin announced tina
there had been some figuring don
/ regarding the issuance of bonds, bu
since it was not yet ascertained wha
new machinery would be bought, no
, what a new building ought to cost
? it was a difficult matter to fix def
nitely the amount of money tina
? would be needed. He favored the is
suance of bonds, favored it strongl
and wanted to know If anyone pres
I emit had n figures on the prcbabl
? cost of an engine and equipment sue
as the city would need If a new plan
were erected.
Mr.. Waskey replied that a s.
Louis firm had been written to an
that firm could furnish an engine
large type for $4,000, and othe
equipment for $1,000, which, wit
$500 for freight, would amount
, a little over $4,000. Add to this o
least $4,000 for a building and 1t
plain that bonds to the amount c
$100,0 900 or more would have to b
issued to properly rebuild and re
equip.
Upon a question by Commission
er Schmidt as to the time of deliver
that could be depended upon, MI
Waskey stated that the st. Louis fir
could give no guarantee under tw
years time. Commissioner Schmid
did not see any use in building no,