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About Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 8, 1911)
VOL. XXVli. GRANTS PASS. JOSEPHINE COUNTY. OREGON. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1011. NO. 85 COMPANY WANTS 50-YR. FRANCHISE RITES ARE SAll) TO REMAIN IX. CHANGED. . COUNCIL IS DELIBERATING Mayor-Elect Smith Declares Fran cmVs Should be Voted on by People. It happened. The Rogue River . Electric company last night ppplied to the city council of rani3 Pass lor a franchise. And how long? Why, It demands the privilege, of cinching the people now living and those to U born ror a reriod or 60 years. At what rates? Why, practically the same old rates that Mr. Consumer has been compelled to dig ur- In the past and is digging up now , How do you like it? nd in the language of the average corporation official, "Well, what arj you g)ing to do about it?" The manuscript of the proposed franchise was toted to the council chamber by a local lawyer who ts zealously working that his employ ers get the goods. This lawyer did not make an oratorical address to the council. He did his talking on the side, quietly and "informally." He believes it Is a fine thing for the corporation. Did the council grant it last night? That was the first question asked by the town when it waked this morning. 1 , So ..Jmi it m not granted. Will It be granted? " Ask the stars on their courses. 4 The stars may halt long enough to tell you nobody down here on this spinning earth can answer that ques tion with any degree of certainty. There are those, however, who ' openly declare that the council will not dare grant it. There are others who declare that the members of the council are too patriotic and have, the best Interests of the town too much at heart to . grant such a franchise. And there are others who believe that the thing Is already greased and will slide through before the next administration takes up the reins of government In this town. We shall Bee what we shall Bee. Section 2 details what the rates shall be, and It composes a long page of words and figures set ting forth the prices per klllowat this, and klllowat that, all as clear .' to 98 men out of 100 as a bucket of mud. ' The paper reads most grawjusly that no more shall be charged than these rates. Thanks, oh, thanks. From Thursday's Dally. Are the people of the city cf Grants Tasi In favor of the present city council granting another fran chise to the Rogue River Electric company for the purpose of furnish ing lights and power? That question has suddenly Jumped , to the front, and last night and to day Mayor-elect R. 0. Smith express ed hostility to the granting of a fran chlse by the council, declared the present light nd power rate too high, and, furthermore, wants no more privilege or franchises to ro to any person, Irm or corporation un , less by vote of be people. Rumor has I that at the regular meeting of th city council tonight the local electnc company will apply for a franchlBi. The company once had a perpetml right to furnish light's and pow,r In Grants Tsm. but decision of tlo Oregon '.upreme court declared inch perpetual privi leges void. Ilmre. the local com pany has not. U ra t. a fr. hlse of any kind. Now. It Is sail, th" company wants Grants Tans to ;rnn' a fran.l.lw. but for how many ' knpnn ,0 the peonl at l.rae. and will not re known unt'1 thernnTnV V'"" ' request to th8 council, which, as ru mor says, It will do tonight Mayor-elect Smith today had the following to say on the subject: "Rates for power and lights In Grants Pass are' too high. Ashland, Gold Hill and Central Point enjoy cheaper rates than does this city. The Medford rate is about the same is ours. I am opposed to the granting of a franchise to. the Rogue River Electric company at this time, and none should be granted unless better terms are given the city. Unless cheaper rates are given to the people why should a franchise be granted at all? fThe company Is here and doing business and needs no franchise, from the viewpoint of the people." Mr. Smith was attorney ror the Rogue River Electric company when it was controlled by the Rays, and Is familiar with all details of the cor poration's 'affairs. This knowledge especially equips him for combatting further aggressions by the corpora tion. It was stated last night Ty a resident of the city that "the com pany la afraid of Bob Smith" and is anxious to force through a franchise before the new administration takes office. Mayor-elect Smith last night, In discussing the matter in an informal way with a group of residents, at which Councilman Strieker was pres ent, turned to Dr. Strieker and said: "ir that franchise is presented I hope that the council will refuse to grant It." Dr. Strieker, In a smiling man ner, said nothing. , While neither a perpetual nor ex clusive franchise can be granted by any city council in Oregon, yet granting a franchise to the local company at all, will, it is argued In some quarters, have a tendency to discourage any other corporation which might want to come Into the city and furnlshh power and light, and "they do say" that such corpora tion exists which intends to get In the game. Views of Cooncilmen. The Courier Interviewed the pres ent city administration and secured expressions from ' the mayor and from all the councllmen regarding granting a franchise, except Hugglns and South, who are out of town. The city officials expressed themselves as follows: Mayor Myers I do not care to dis cuss the matter at this time, or until it comes up and I have had further time to look into It. I expect to act for the best Interests of the city. Councilman Phillips Rates for lighting and power in this city are too high. I am not in favor of granting a franchise to the Rogue River Electric company at this time. Other towns In the valley are getting cheaper rates than are furnished to us here. I will not vote to grant a franchise until I have moro time to Investigate the matter. Councilman Wolfersberger I am not in favor of granting the Rogue River Electric company a franchise carrying the rates for lighting and power as they are now. The rates are too high. I might favor a franchise In the future if the company makes proper concessions to the city. Councilman Strieker. I would rather look into the mater further and see what the company wants be fore making any statement. Councilman Dan'els. I do not see the use of granting the Rogue River Electric company a franchise. It is here and selling light and power and not being disturbed by anybody. Councilman Herzlnger. Rates for poer and lighting In this city are too high as J something should be done to remedy the matter. It Is a hame that the people of the city are compelled to pay the present rates for both water and lights. Ia the summer we are taxed to death for water to keep a little lawn alive, then when the winter rains come we are taxed to death for lights. We are having the life sapped out of us by so much money being taken from the people here and sent away. Re garding the granting of a franchise, I do not rare to commit myself until I have had an opportunity to look fur ther Into the matter. Councilman Sauer. 1 am in favor of Rran'ing the Rogue niver Electric company a franchlxe, but 1 think the present rates for ItRhtlng and power are too hlh. specially power. Mjirl1ft Prop" Ordinance. (Continued on pare .) ROBERT G. SMITH ELECTED MAYOR . ' U PLURALITY Of THREE VOTES Dr. J. C. Smith Second, -E. V. Smith, Socialist, Third-G, P. Jester for City Treasurer. FOR MAYOR. Dr. J. C. Smith ... ; ; 4 86 E. V. Smith (Socialist) . ' l..Z."Za58 Attorney R. J. Smith 319 Attorney Smith's plurality ;. 3 FOR CITY TREASURER. George P. Jester, (Socialist) .. .. 397 James Ho man 34 Jester's majority 13 FOR CITY COUNCIL, FIRST WARD. G. M. Caldwell, (Socialist) u Frank South .. iqq Caldwell's majority 3 FOR CITY COUNCIL, SECOND WARD. Angus McLean . , . x no Tom Williams ..... 83 J. A. Pittlnger, (Socialist) .;. 41 McLean's plurality ," 4 7 FOR CITY COUNCIL, THIRD WARD. II. J. Clark .; r M7 G. W Sturgeon, (Socialist) , .. q (lark's majority ofl FOR CITY COVXCIL, FOURTH WARD. M. J. Anderson 07 C. D. Smith 70 W. E. Evert on, (Socialist) no Ererton's plurality 40 Total Tote cast In clty......... 803 APPOINTIVE OFFICERS. Attorney R. (J. Smith, uccesful candidate for mayor, has announced that he will name the following to fill the appointive offices: George W. 1 CoKlg, city attorney; John N. Johnson, auditor and police magistrate;, fl. M. Rowley, chief of police; Alex Rrown, policeman. from Tuesday's Daily. The story of the election In.thlBjj elty Is told in the above table, except that the proposed commission char ter was knocked out with rights and lefts to Jaw and 13 amendments of the proposed fifteen to the old charter were put to sleep. The two amendments which escaped were those making it mandatory on the part of the person holding the of fice of auditor and police magistrate to give a bond of $5,000, and the one Increasing the treasurer's salary from $13.60 to $25 a month. The amendment raising the audi tor's salary from $30 per month to $1,500 per year was killed along with the others. Thus the unusual situa tion Is presented of holding tbo audi tor to a salary of $30 a month and forcing him to give a bond of $5,000. It was predicted today by members of the present city administration that the new council will be compell ed to call a special election to cover the matter of salary, as the council will no longer be able to whip the devil around the stump. Regarding the result for mayor, there was some little rumbling among the losers that a contest might be Inaugurated, as Attorney 8mlth had only three pluralltly. Yet In many other quarters, the sentiment was expressed that the "verdict" will be allowed to stand. There was much good natured bad inage on the streets this morning as a result of the vote; also, some words of heat by disappointed friends or some of the candidates. This, that and the other fellow was blamed for a defeat here and a vic tory there, hut as a whole the town took the results rood naturedly. Comment on the closeness of the mayoralty vote was universal. Mayoi-elect Robert O. Smith, made the following statement to The Cour ier: "I appreciate the earneit support given me by the people of the city, and I wish to assure them that I do not consider my victory In any sense a personal triumph, but simply an effort to place the city on an endur ing bal, vU: respect for and obed ience to the law. "Rcysrdln: my statement rliirlng the campaign as to the enforcement of the law, there Is not much to nl 1 Thnt the law will be ''nforced, goi'i PS ft ina'ter of course. All r,f the laws of the city and state, so far as thy pertain to the municipality, will bo enforced so far as I have any au thority. "There are several vital things for the people to consider In this city lu addition to the foregoing subject. One Is the water question as It af fects the public health. I intend to use all my efforts and do all I can to see that the people are supplied with water for domestic purposes that they can use without danger. The water will be made absolutely pure. "I think the city should take up the question of adjustment of water and light and If entitled to It they should get cheaper rates; and also cut off water meter rents. The light meter rents have already gone by the board. "It Is my belief that the cost of paving In this city Is more than It should be. The paving material Is supplied here end the company which puts it down had no Investment what ever In a plant or machinery Iwrc, and It Is well known that paving companies' profit In some localities Is half of the cost of paving. 1 be lieve that by having the paving djt.e by the city tinder a competent engi neer and the actual cost assessed against the property owner, that a large saving can be made." Mayor Myers was asked this morn ing for an expression as to bis views on the rtty election. He said: "I can truly say that I am glad that my term or office Is drawing to a close. I do not think there are many persons who realize what a task It Is to All the office of major under present conditions. "1 am very sorry to see the amend ments to the city charter turned down; It Is almost necessary that they should be adopted before the rlfy'i business ran be conducted sa It should be. I know that the peo ple do not understand all or then:, nor do I think they ever will. "There has been much Idle talij. about city affairs or late that there Is no foundation for whutever. "I am Interested most In our finan cial condition. When our books are uidlted at the end or the year I think we will have s showing to be proud of. We will have foniethlng to rlm-v ror all that has Wn expended J""1 many needed Improvement nind. 0:ir boolis have been p'lMIe propnty. opep to all, and II U the duty of every Interested person to Investi gate before complaining. "1 am anxious for the betterment of Grants Pass In the future and I am ever ready to assist In every way that will redound to Its welfare and growth. I pledge myself not to stand on the street corner and bawl about how rotten my neighbor is, nor call a man a liar, a grafter, or a thief. "I have served the city for tt.ree years as councilman and mayor, and I need a rest. I wlBh I could have accomplished more. I have given the people about one-half of my time1 and as there Is no salary attached to. the office I feel that I have contributed my share." Returning from a 40-mlle tour vis iting patients, Dr. J. C. Smith, courte ous and good-natured, who accord ing to first returns, was defeated for mayor of Grants Pass In the city elec tion yesterday by a vote of three in approximately 900 registered names, said to The Courier today that he had no complaint to make and, as far as his personal wishes were concerned, had not a single regret. Asked If he desired a contest, the popular physician asserted emphatic ally that he did not. Asked If his host of friends were to mak a con test In his behalf, what bis position would be, Dr. Smith declared that It they discovered errors In voting or registration, they could do so It they thought best. The doctor dwelt on the well known tact that ho entered the cam paign only because of his many friends from every walk or life em ployer and employe who had watch ed with pleasure the growth and pros perity of Grants Pass under his for mer term. The narrowly-defeated mayoralty candidate and well-trusted physician declared also which la not news that he did not spend a coat In his campaign for any pnrpore, either hir ing halls, or printing of any kind, lie left It to the people, and though nosed out by an eyelash does not Leven have to call his genial philoso phy Into action to comfort blm. ; ; MISCREANTS INTERFERE " WITH FIRE ENGINE TEST From Thursday's Dally. ""The great pile of boxes and rubbish built up at Sixth and Jackson streets, on which, to test the chemical ap paratus of the new Ore engine, was set ablaze last night by young mis creants at 6:30 o'clock, an hour And a half before the time set tor the test. The hose cart had been taken to the scene eurller In the day. The vandals dumped the cirt Into Skunk creek, over a bnnk 8 or 10 reet high, which bent the axle and broke off the gong. Then at 9 o'clock some one set afire an old half burned house at Second and D streets. A run by the flrn company to this blnze cost the city $35. The chemical apparatus of the new engine put out both fires In a few seconds. .Work on the big Golden Drift dam iiast of the c.lty was closed down latt night for the winter. The dam has been put In excellent shape for bight water. The new concrete pump houxo and the wall north from the kaiue are complete and It Is understood that another season will sen the nllre dam reconstructed of cdnrtete. The msnagement Is to be congrat ulated on the class of work done. A leading member of the socialists, speaking for his party, today made tho following fitatcment regaidlng tho election: "The votes are counted and, the auccessrul candidates are known. The socialists have elected two council men and city treasurer and placed Grants Pass on the map as following In the line of recent v'irtorles. "The vote we received showed the appreciation of reform Ideas and bodes well for the future. Our can dluste for mayor made a dean fight and we do not regret the outcome. "To those who asolHted us with a complimentary vote we are Indeed very grateful. To the winning can didal wo v.fh all the bert of good III and will ever stand ready to a IK In the up'u illdltig of our 'city f r :n liillv and morally." ELECTRIC PEOPLE SEEKS FRANCHISE DECLARE THEY WILL COMMEXCB sTO I1UILD FEBRUARY 1. SELL BONDS IN THE EAST Road to Touch Ashland Medford, Jacksonville, Ruch, Williams and Grants Pass. H. M. Narren and J. Arnold Doyle), who have been In Grants Pass befort in the Interest of that proposed Inter urban electric railroad from Grants Pass to Ashland, or from Ashland to Grants Pass, Just as you care to real It, were here again today accompan led by George Godfrey, of Spokant, who Is the treasurer of the company which has been organized for: tha purpose of building the proposed road. All parties declare they will build the line, but readily admit they have yet to sell bonds in the east to build it with. Mr. Narren stated to The Courier that his company would apply for a franchise here In about two weeks; that, when franchises from all the towns along the proposed line had been secured, they would put the mat ter up to a trust company In Por- . land, which would then' underwrite tha bonds and that then the bonds would be taken east and offered for sale. "It may take but fifteen minutes to sell them," said Narren, "or U may take sceveral weeks, but be that as It may, we Intend to build the road and expect to begin work of actual con-, structlon February J. We will start' at Medford, headed for Jacksonville. From Jacksonville the line will run to Ruch, then down the Applegat to Williams and from Williams to Grants Pans, The line, as proposed will cross the Southern Pacific tracks at Phoenix." From Williams the road Is to come Into this city over the route surveyed by the Grants Pass and Rocue Rvler Railroad company. MANAGER OF GLENDALE STORE KILLS HIMSELF Joseph L. Wlnchell, reneral man ager and bookkeeper or the firm of Snyder & Co., generaf merchants of (ilendule committed suicide Wed nesday evening by shooting himself through the right temple. He bal been missing since Wednesday morn ing, and a searching party scoured the hills all nlgbt In seanh of the missing man. The body was discovered Thurs day morning about three-quarters of a mile above the water works reser voir on the ridge above . Section Creek. He was lying on nls left side under the root or a fallen tree, his pipe In his left hand and his auto matic gun In his right. A short distance from where the body lay was a bottle marked pois on. The cause for the deed Is un known. Wlnchell leaves a wife and two sons. Mr. Wlnchell was a resident' of Grants Cass about six years ago, when he held the position of book keeper for the Rogue River Hard ware company. He was a Tale grad uate and held the highest respect of his employers and his many friends In this rlty, A brother or Joseph Wlnchell Is president of the San Francisco System Railroad In the eat and Is also known In this city. Hall HHU L.tcpetit W. C. Hall last evening sold hit half Interest in the Rogue River Lumber company to his partner, G. L Lundburg, who now becomes sole proprietor or the big plant. Mr, Hell expects to remain In thU city, and It may be that he will go Inio other business.