The Bemidji daily pioneer. [volume] (Bemidji, Minn.) 1904-1971, 1920-03-02

salary-paying Offices be created by
your body, which are contrary to the
provisions Of our character. It specif-
ically enumerates who and what such
officers; elective and appointive, shall
be, and alphabetically declares that
no others shall be created. ~
| $Inprovsments Made.
Our revolving fund has been
drawn for the sum Of $2O,209.34.
This represents the cost, largely of
sidewalks and curbs, laid in anticipa-
ton Of paving, and the cost will be
largely paid back by the property
benefited. The permanent improve
ment fund shows an outlay of $751;
$50. This represents permanent inn
provements which must be paid by
the city, and were made in view Of
the proposed Babcock system Of high
ways, and with the intention of being
ready to take advantage of it,
whereby we will be reimbursed for
the cost of paving a strip eighteen
feet wide on certain streets and av-
enues., We should strain every nerve
to secure our share of that appropria-
ton. This means that we must pro-
vide the money, and pay for paving
the entire Of width Of such streetg
and avenues, in the first place, as well
as the intersections Of streets and
avenues, and then, we will be paid
back the cost Of the eighteen foot
strip, and the balance Of the cost Of
such paving, exclusive Of street and
avenue intersections will be paid by
the property abutting.
. Would Improve Roads.
st is unfortunate, but nevertheless
true, that the very worst parts of
our roads, with one or two exceptions,
are the parts Immediately in connec-
ton with our paved streets, and this
fact has caused a great deal of I'M
favorable comment by tourists.
recommend that in this work, and
all our public works, all things con-
sidered, our local contractors should
be given the preference, and that in
the purchase Of supplies and material
used by the city, no individual, firm
or corporation, who is, known to be
profteer should be patronized or
considered 49,:
Urges Life Guard.
"In view of the fact that several
unfortunate drownings occurred at
Or near diamond Point last summer,
I recommend and urge, that during
the bathing season q lite guard be
stationed there during the day time,
and that he be furnished suitable life
saving apparatus and appliances. I
recommend and urge the closest
working relationship between your
body and the park bo9rd, so that
steps be taken in the {near future
to begin a system Of scientific i'm
provements of our parks. Unless
this is commenced and carried on
from year to year, we will have to
supply many of the natural beauties
of our parks which nature has so law
ishly supplied. Gentlemen, l am a
servant Of the people as you are, all
and each of you. l want to work
with you and every other good citi-
zens in buildings up bigger, better
Bemidji, in the enforcement of law,
in making our city more, beautiful
and attractive, in advertising its un-
eaualed beauties ana advantages to
the home builder and as a market,
and in advertising the hundreds OF
thousands of cheap, fertile acres sur
rounding it. Let US be open and
candid in our relations with ourselves
and the people, tolerant Of each 9th
ers views, unopposed to free speech,
the right of assembly and petition,
within the law.
Co-operation Welcomed.
II extend to the people of the city
of Bemidji a cordial invitation to be
present at your meetings. They are
not star chamber nor executive ces-
sions. They are for the transaction
solely of public business. Your at
tendance will be welcomed by the
council. It will hearten and strength
en- them, will show your appreciation
of their efforts for the good Of the
city, and, remembering that they are
giving their services gratis, your at
tendance will also remove many false
impressions which many people have
of all governing or Legislative bodies,
and will give you better understand
ing Of how the business Of the city
is conducted than any published &C.
counts can give.
Sincerely,
IL. F. JOHNSON"
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