The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-11-25
Farlningt0nians
Should Wake Up

The more The Times looks into the
actual conditions of the business of
the electric railway into this city, the
stronger grows our desire to explode
| bomb under certain of our citizens
that will, at least in a measure, arouse
them to greater understanding of
their duty, as well as obligation, to
give to this public service company a
large part, If not all, their business.
Some of our business men appear to
be utterly lacking in appreciation of
the services that are rendered to this
city by this railway, which is the only
direct connection this city has with
the outside world. They appear to
entirely overlook the conditions that
would very likely come into being
were that public carrier abandoned.
They also seem to be careless of the
likelihood of abandonment of that
road, unless greater true community
spirit is very soon established in re-
lation to it.
We have heard of several instances
of late where some of our largest bus
mess firms have had freight shipped
to DeLassus, and go there with their
trucks and haul such freight into the
city, rather than pay the comparative
ly slight additional freight charges
that would be annexed by delivery in
to the city of such freight over the
electric railway. While they may be
able to handle such freight at a slight
profit from that nearby point, by
truck, such saving would be small in
deed, and would be quickly absorbed
when the real advantage of the cleo
trio railway to Pennington is consid-
cred. Then, too, such additional ex-
pense would be absolutely no cost to
them, as their patrons are supposed
to pay, and do pay, cost and carriage
bn all goods, with their profit added.
The necessary equipment and cost
of operating the electric railway
through Pennington entities that
road to the business of this commune
ty, to which it is a real asset. 1t is
therefore entitled to, and should have,
the loyal and united support of this
whole community. Most Of our bust
hess maj appreeiate this fact, and do
not hesitate to give to this railway
their business. But such loyalty ON
the part of some of our business firms
is not enough to make the business of
that line profitable, according to the
reports of that road. There should be
united and whole-hearted support of
that line by ALL the business inter-
ests of Pennington. AS a final re-
sort, our people should INSIST upon
such action.
What if the electric railway were
to be abandoned, and we are informed
there is great likelihood of such ac-
tion in the not remote future, unless
its business is scon increased. Can
anyone persuade themselves to believe
that such abandonment would not be
severe blow to this community?
Most assuredly it would be. Then
would the people have to pay, and pay
dearly for their neglect in forcing
such abandonment. Not only would
they then be compelled to pay in addi-
tional freight rates and in loss of busi-
ness, but in convenience. Do you think
for a minute the buss lines would haul
you to and from the lead belt at the
prices they do now? No. The pas
senger rates would then be prohibitive,
especially to those who must make
daily trips from this city to the lead
belt. Then miners, clerks, school
teachers, etc, would either be forced
to resign or quit their employment
there Or else change their residence
to the lead belt.
Is that plain enough to enable you
to see at least some of the advant-
ages of the electric railway to this
community. Then what do you pro-
pose to do about it. This question
should be settled at once, and settled
right, if Pennington is not to be the
big loser in the deal.