Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1919-04-16

SEN 49, ACkAGN1 rOCAS
vantage Of the low rate Of interest 1t which state FUNDS
are loaned, and it was necessary to borrow from other
sources. Even with this handicap the bonds which It was
necessary to refund were placed ct = rate Of interest
lower than that at which they were issued. ana some
saving wls thereby effected. similar action viii bs nsces.
sary again in the near future. but 1t is gratifying to note
that definite steps have; been taken to keep the bond
sinking fund entirely separate from the general fund,
and to apply 1t to tho retirement Of bonds. and to no
other purpose. This policy should be followed with ref
erencs 70 every issue OF city bonds.
The cost Of operating the city has been increased
by wage advances which were both inevitable and just,
and In his comment on the relation Of labor to society at
large the mayor shows an appreciation OF, tho fact which
is recognized throughout the world just now Is never be-
fore, that there can be no true prosperity where useful
industry, even of the humblest kind, is not adequately
compensated. Special emphasis is placed on the value of
home ownership as . means Of developing good citizen
ship. E
The mayor displays special interest in the matter of
street Improvement, a subject to which he has devoted a
good deal of study in the past, and his recommendations
with reference to the surfacing of streets in sections
where q finished pavement would be an unwarranted ex-
pense merits attention.
The raising of the river level by means Of q dam
has been discussed in q desultory manner for some time.
The mayor comes forward with the practical suggestion
that an effort be made to interest the railway companies
in the subject, and it seems that through such co-opera-
ton, and a proper division of expense between these
companies and the two cities. the Improvement might be
brought within reach. Involved in this are the problems
of checking the sliding of the river banks, Of reliable
water supply, and, as a possibility. of water power of
appreciate value.
The discussion of water, gas, heating and electric
plants is lucid and logical. In connection with the water
works plant it is pointed out that the plant has enjoyed
a monopoly; that it has been able to charge any desired
rates; that the cost OF replacement has been met, out OF
other funds, and it is impossible to dispute the statement
that any business enjoying these advantages ought to
make a showing Of success. In connection with the city
electric light plant it is pointed out that after an expert
|ence of a good many years, involving large outlay, it was
demonstrated by competent and unbiased investigators
that the cost Of producing current at the city plant was
materially greater than the price ct which equal current
could be purchased from a private concern, and the
mayor unhesitatingly declares his approval of tho con-
tract which was made for the purchase of current at the
lower rate. The suggestion of the installation Of an ex-
perimental unit in order to ascertain the price at which
electricity for commercial lighting can be produced IL
disapproved on the Eround that in such an experiment
on such a small scale the overhead cost would be 20
great that the experiment would be worthless.
The matter of regulation Of rates for electricity, gas
and heat is discussed in detail, and the effor: which has
oeeu ny the CITY u hasten dCLOn OyStne 8tAto 0u-
thorities having this matter in charge are set forth. The
suggestion that the whole subject be investigated by a
| commission of unbiased experts is a practical one. II. will
be disapproved by those whose conclusions are formed in
advance, which conclusions. regardless of facts, figures,
and the plain principles Of ordinary business, are un-
changeable. '
In a brief paragraph mention is made of the desir-
ability of obtaining the auditorium as a city property at
a fraction Of its cost, and the public. is reminded that
provision must be made for some years for the mainten-
ance of the river bridges. as rebuilding will not be feas-
ible for some time.
Mention is also made Of the undoubtedly useful work
that has been done through the citys agencies for the
relief of the destitute, and creditable progress has been
made in giving many unfortunates a fresh start in life.
Point is given to the discussion Of health matters by the
illustration drawn from the army records Thirty per
cent of the drafted men who presented themselves for
medical inspection were found physically unfit, and half
Of these were unfit because of troubles which could have
been remed{ed by timely attention. Naturally, the effect
iveness Of the people for civil life suffers from like causes
in similar proportion, and it is apparent that investment
in the prevention or curing OF such defects is one of the
most directly productive that a community can make.