The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1921-01-28
MAY REACH COURTS
TROUBLE BREWING OVER sELEc.
TON OF SITE FOR SOUTH DA-
koTA WATER PLANT.

Another angle Of the possible effect
II action by the state legislature OLA
state hydro-electric site came to light
at q meeting Of the hydro0lectric COM
mission, which has had charge OF the
surveys SO far and which formally in
dorsed and recommended to 'the legis-
lature the engineers findings favor
Ing the Mobridgs site on the Missouri
river. 1t has been generally assumed
that whichever site is adopted by the
legislature and when final action is
taken rival site boosters would refer
their decision to a vote of the people.
1t is the belief Of the commission that
since there was a popular vote to con-
stitutionally authorize a h~ydro-electric
plant no action taken by the legisla-
ture to carry>it into existence can be
referred any more than the prohibition
vote could be referred in Ohio. 1t is a
question which may, have to be decided
by tho courts.
The goth annual review Of progress
OF South Dakota by DOane Robinson.
Of the state historical department is
just out and one Of the features in the
detail OF activities Of the different
state and municipal affairs is the
showing Of taxes called for to main
tain ~the state and its subdivisions
for the year 1920. The total amount
asked was $27, IS 1872, which was an
increase Of $6,O79,5 99 over the de-
mands Of the previous year. Out of
this total the school and county taxes
took $1s,227,2 PA, the cou.ties calling
for .$9,326, 666 for their maintenance
and the schools for 5000, 548. The
demands for state purposes and mu.
nicipal purposes were very near the
same mount the state asking or a
little over So. 900 and the munich
palities for a little less than that
amount, while the township takes over
$4,000, 900.
The hydro-electric commission takes
exception to the statement which is
circulating in the state that it will ask
for an appropriation from the state at
the coming session, when the matter
OF finance is to be one of the leading
ones Of the session. The commission
denies this, declaring that it is not
asking for q cent in appropriation.
Members Of the commission declare
they will ask for a grant of credit from
the state which will enable the plant
to pay Its own way and at the same
time save the people of the state a
million and q half dollars in coal bills
annually, and two and a half million in
electric light bills each year. 1t is es-
timated that this saving alone would
pay for the plant in four years.
The ice men Of South Dakota now
are experiencing some OF the anxieties
which farmers encounter during the
summer when they are coddling their
growing crops. Thus far this winter
ice on the streams Of South Dakota
has not frozen to a sufficient thick
ness for cutting and storage purposes,
and as q result comparatively a small
part OF the ice harvest has been COM
pleted.
The high price OF coal has no terrors
for a large number OF residents ct
Spearfish, who have "cut out" the coal
man and are burning wood this winter.
An abundance Of wood is being Sc.
cured from the hills and valley Of this
part OF the Black Hills, and can be pur-
chased at a price which makes 1t much
cheaper than coal for fuel.
Eight indictments have been re-
turned against four retail coal con
Germs Of Sioux Falls by a special
United States grand jury which was in
session several days in Sioux Falls.
They arc charged with profiteering in
coal sold to consumers in Sioux Falls
and vicinity.
The ~13-yearold son OF Clarence Dis
brow was shot and killed at their home
in Alcester. The boy and his brother
were wrestling for the possession OF
a shotgun. when it was discharged and
shot one Of them in the face and
breast.
The buildings and tracks Of the state
coal mine have been completed and
with the new equipment three cars Of
coal are being put out for each day,
filling orders which are coming in, but
with the equipment q larger amount
could be put out in case OF a sufficient
demand.
Wagner elevator men have been
swamped with corn during the last few
weeks. Since the country roads be-
came passable farmers have unloaded
a large share Of their 1920 crop which
is said to grade unusually high.
Peace officers have been appointed
for Todd county, for the purpose OF en-
forcing the laws until the county is
formally organized. Several educated
Sioux Indians have been appointed act
ing county officers. q
A third city mail carrier will be add.
ed to the force Of the Canton postof-