Richmond Palladium (Daily), Volume 40, Number 157, 15 June 1915 — Page 4

J J PAGE FOUR THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM AND SUN-TELEGRAM. TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 1915

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THE RICHMOND PALLADIUM

AND SUN-TELEGRAM

Published Every Evening Except Sunday, b Palladium Printing Co. Palladium Building, North Ninth and Sailor Sts. R. G. Leeds, Editor. E. H. Harris, Mgr. Ib Richmond. 10 cants a week. By Mall. In advanceon yean 15.00; tlx month. $2.60; one month, 45 cents Rural Routes. In advanceone year, 12.00; six montb. 11.25; one month 25 cents. Entered at the Post Office at Richmond. Indiana, as Be end Oaa Mail Matter.

The Lecture of Dr. Jordan Hundreds of citizens of Wayne county had the great privilege of hearing Dr. David Starr Jordan, chancellor of Leland Stanford university speak at the Coliseum Sunday afternoon. The lecture was free. Dr. Jordan was brought here through a committee of public spirited men who believed the city as a whole would benefit much by hearing this noted educator speak on a topic in which many persons are vitally interested just at this time, when the leading nations of Europe

are involved in the greatest war the world has ever seen. The spirit shown by the men who brought Dr. Jordan to Richmond should be emulated. The city owes a vote of thanks to the leaders in the movement. It well behooves the citizens of a municipality to appreciate a good movement and to praise those who -are its leaders. Lately, it seems, many men have come to realize that they owe the city a duty and that full success in life does not depend upon the time and devotion one pays to his own private business. The measure of success can of ten be seen in the unselfish devotion to a noble cause, in the hours given to public enterprise, and in the endeavor to make life brighter and happier for the less fortunate. The time and money which public spirited men spend for the public welfare is not misspent, neither is it unappreciated, even if the '"public does not 'seem to appreciate it with many loud spoken words of praise. There are hundreds of men and women who refer to the generous benefactions of public spirited men and women, and who do not stint the credit such men deserve. The men who brought Mr. Jordan to Richmond did a public service and deserve to be complimented and thanked.

BAVIS SUBMITS ARTICLE BY ED WARFEL Of ANDERSON'S MUNICIPAL PLANT

I am submitting to you for publication a statement of facts as found by Mr. Ed Warfel in the city of Anderson, Ind., who sought at first hand every possible- information leading to results, based on experience, of monopolistic management of Anderson's respective utilities. The result of this investigation, made by a disinterested citizen, Is so convincing in its revelations as to be worthy of thoughtful perusal by the entire citizenship of our city. This is banded to you in the exact form In which he prepared it, and demonstrates very clearly the absurdities . of certain objections raised against the city creating a monopoly of the electrical business in this city. Personally, I would state, what Anderson has done, Richmond can do, and what ia more to the point, will flo. ALFRED BAVIS. ..Facts About Anderson. Anderson has enjoyed a municipal monopoly in electric lighting and power production and distribution since

1892. Plant valued at date of purchase, $48,000, now has a book value of $270,000, which is being augmented by an additional unit to cost $75,000. Current is produced at a cost to the city, estimated by Superintendent Burke, of nine-tenths of one cent per kilowatt. Rates for power are frequently as low as H4 cents per kilowatt, and have been as lbw as 1 cent per kilowatt. Domestic rates range from 6 cents to 3 cents per kilowatt, with a minimum service charge of 25 cents per month, which minimum is one-half that effective in Richmond. Anderson's plan produces annually 5,500,000 kilowatts, which is 35 per cent more than produced by the Richmond plant during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1914, and slightly more than the present output. Anderson has practically no city debt, the light plant has more than paid for itself, has relieved the city treasury in time of 6tress, and made

it possible for the city to municipalize j

the water works, which also is operated at a splendid profit. Tax Rate 65 Cents. Anderson has a tax rate of sixtyfive (65) cents on each $100 of property valuation, due wholly to the fact that the municipal treasury has been profiting through the public control and operation of its utilities. Wholesale condemnation of the policy of the city council, characterized bv threats of impeachment from many "ieadtng business men," marked the municipal situation in Anderson. Ind., twenty-three years ago when it was proposed to municipalize the privately owned commercial lighting plant. Municipal ownership was then in its earliest experimental stage, and was looked upon as a wild bit of Socialism fraught with all sorts of pitfalls and endangering the public treasury. But the Anderson city council was game. And in the face of open charges of crookedness and idiocy, it borrowed the money and paid Charles

L. Henry $48,000 for what some oi

the so-called moulders of public opinion chose to call a "junk pile." Henry had a franchise to operate an electric lighting and power plant in . connection with the street railway sys

tem. Service was inadequate and the

rates were high. Mr. Henry virtually charged the city for eliminating a pos- . sible competitor in the electrical field. Anderson then was lrghting her own streets and spending about $75 per arc per annum to do so. The city plant made no special effort to secure commercial business, such as might have been handled at a big profit, until Mr. Henry's plant- had been salvaged. Then Anderson woke up. From the first year of municipal monopoly, the possibilities of the plant became apparent. And although it has never approached the limit of its opportunities, the municipal electric lighting and power plant has contributed more to the comfort and prosperit of Anderson than any other one institution. Shows No Set-Back. During all the twenty-three years of municipal Ownership the electric lighting and power plant has been "in politics." And yet, in truth, it has yet to be demonstrated where it has suffered from the experience. There has grown up around the Anderson publicly owned utilities a sort of tradition that these must be saved from the spoilsman. Without being necessarily a part of the declared platforms of candidates for the council or mayoralty, the people have come to accept as a matter of course, a policy of abiding loyalty to a strictly non-partl-an, business administration of the public utilities supplyig light and pow-1

er and water to the city. And were any to announce upon any other proposal, or to leave any doubt in the minds of the voters as to his fidelity to

this trust, he probably would be exam ined for lunacy.

" And why shouldn't Anderson stand by its municipally owned electric lighting and power plant? For has not

this institution demonstrated beyond peradventure that it is the wisest and best investment ever made of the city's public funds? No one in Anderson will even hesitate to emphatically declare that it is so. For this $48,000 "Junk-pile" was thrown into the "dreaded maelstorm

of politics," and always a subject to

the spoils of the party successful at the polls. Yet its annual reports are as mile-stones in a path of progress. Never has there been evidence of failure and every year has shown greater success, until now th plant has a book value of more than $270,000 and is providing the $75,000 being expended for the new unit needful because of the Increasing demands upon it. Hold to Plant.

"And," commented President Joseph Hennings, of the Chamber of Commerce, a live organization of more than 1,000 citizens who boost Anderson twenty-four hours every day, "if any-one offered us a cool million and a half dollars for that plant, we would not dignify his offering by referring it to a vote of the people. The city council wouldn't even stop to consider such a proposal, at any price. For the council knows .and the citizens know tha't our plant has never failed to come up to the fullest expectations and that it is the greatest single fac

tor in the community's present prosperity." "What other community in the state," continued the head booster of Anderson and Anderson's municipal monopolies, "can compete with us in offering inducements to factories. Our tax rate is sixty-five cents on the $100 and our power rate is about 1 cents and in one case 1 cent per kilowatt. Our streets are well lighted, and many 6f our people light their homes for 25 cents per month. Can y&u beat that? The light plant did it." Incidentally Mr. Hennings described how the Remy Magneto works (which by the way at one time offered to come to Richmond for a small bonus and was turn i down) was Influenced to remain in Anderson with its 1,500 skilled workmen, largely by the offer of cheap power, so essential to the efficiency of the industry. Mr. Hennings tells how the Chamber of Commerce of Anderson secured the removal of the American Playground

Device Manufacturing company from Terre Haute. The company is a new enterprise. It had been paying 3 cents per kilowatt for power at Terre Haute, and was casting about for a location. Anderson offered a rate of 1 cents, which sounded good to the factory owners and the city landed an industry that is now employing 125 men its capacity day and night, and which last week was behind to the extent of $14,000 worth Of busines, without having made any effort to market its out

put save through the mails. The Midwest Box company, a factory secured by Anderson in competition with Frankfort, Indiana, was attracted by an estimated saving of $3,000 per year in its expenditure for electric current. Power Diminishes. The Rotary Valve company,, a splen

did institution and very busy at this time, shows by a comprehensive chart

what municipal ownership means to

them, in the conduct of their plant

As their business increased, the cost

of power diminished-not proportionately but positively due to the economy resulting from a municipal monopoly. Retailers using large wattage likewise declare their' fullest appreciation of the benefits of the present arrangement. A. WeslOw, owner of a big department store, is one of the city plant's staunchest and most enthusiastic supporters, as is also Glen W. Gates, whose women's apparel shop is one of the best lighted in Anderson. Professional men, including Attorney Oswald Ryan, formerly instructor in economics at Harvard university, author of text books on city government, and one of the foremost students of municipal and sociological questions in the state, declare unhesitatingly for the municipal monopoly, testifying to its unparalleled prosperity and its usefulness to the city. "Our citizenship is militant in its support of the integrity of our utilities." said Mr. Ryan. "No offcial would dare Invade the administration either of the light plant or of the water works. There must be no spoliation of these institutions, it was reported only recently that certain ma

nipulation, contemplating changes at the light plant, had been Indorsed in party caucus. When I served notice on those responsible that I would take the 4 public platform, expose their scheme and warn the people of just what was in store, once the political sanctity of their utilities was violated, the plotters desisted and it is not likely that things will be disturbed. It is no trifling matter here to talk about making political plum trees of the light and water works, and it would be a degenerate indeed who would fly in the face of public sentiment in such an undertaking." Serves Despite Polities. Edward Burke has been superintendent of, the Anderson municipal plant through two Democratic administrations. His politics does not seem to count. A colleague described him as a Republican, another said he was a Bull Mooser, and a former mayor under whom Burke held office said he was a Democrat. If Burke takes his politics seriously, he gives no outward indication of it. He has the good win and support of the entire community. His complaint record consists almost wholly of "trouble on the line," reported in cither by linemen or patrolmen who find an extinguished arc. Burke is paid $1,800 a year and earns it. He is not an engineer, but is described as a "very practical man," which unquestionably he ie, in his line.

Former City Controller John wilr Hams, was laughed at, by some, when, before retiring two years ago, he made the assertion that within a very few years Anderson ought to abolish municipal taxes altogether and pay its governmental expenses from the net profits Of the publicly owned light and water plants. But he came right back

and gave figures proving, in the light of past performances, that it could be done. Yet Anderson will be content with less. Controller William Richter, Mr. Williams' successor, sees "no reason why the city shouldn't come mighty near it." Last year the receipts of the plant are shown to have been $121,452.58, and the disbursements $70,294.16, a net gain of $51,158.42. The city of Anderson, which the year before had paid approximately $15,000 for street "lighting, last year paid nothing. In addition the city plant was charged with and paid Onehalf of installing ornamental cluster lighting posts, or about $15,000. Anderson operates 309 cluster lights, distributed over the business sections, and 335 arc lights, brilliantly illuminating the entire city at night. Reduces Cost. Superintendent Burke estimates that the actual cost per arc light, which was $75 at the time the city

entered upon a monopoly, has been reduced to $26. He says the city sup

plies "juice" to 4,300 meters. After discussing the value of mu

nicipal ownership of its light and pow

er and water utilities, Mayor J. H. Mellet asserted that the city might have managed to continue reducing its tax rate, had provision been made for depreciation and replacements in the properties. However, no such provision was made and it is now necessary to take the 1915 profits from the two plants, for additional construction, made imperative by the enlarged demands, thus depriving the city treasury from the benefits of such moneys. The mayor admits there will be a deficit of perhaps $20,000 to make up this year, but inasmuch as the city's total debt consists of $16,000 in 3 refunding bonds, due in 1927. this" is

not regarded as a very ominous situation. Besides, Anderson, generally recognized as a very wealthy city, has an assessed valuation for taxation of only $10,700,000. So that while the tax rate may be raised to 90 cents for next year, the contitnued prosperity of the light and water plants, and a more equitable assessment of property guarantees that the city's profits from the two utilities, if properly handled will go almost the entire distance in paying municipal administrative expenses. Now Anderson and Richmond are almost of the same population. In physical area they are very similar. Richmond operates about fifty more street Arc lights, but no cluster lights. Richmond raises practically twice as much in taxes as Anderson, on a rate of $1.10 and a taxable valuation of $16,800,000. So that it is plain Richmond should have far more for public j improvements. But if Richmond has had and spent more for better streets, j or public comforts, the results are not!

apparent. In Anderson the light plant has been the means of providing funds for the various municipal activities and enterprises that here have meant a direct levy upon taxable property. And Anderson's lighting and 1 power and water rate schedules are i almost identical with those of Rich-1

WILLIAMSBURG ROQUE ASSOCIATION SENDS CHALLENGE TP TEAMS Grounds Improved This Spring and Players Confident of Defeating Rival Claimants for Honors.

WILLIAMSBURG. Ind.. June 15 The Williamsburg Roque Association Is Improving the courts this spring. The walls are being recushloned and the entire grounds are being repaired. The local team is ready to meet the clubs In any of the neighboring towns. Harold Hobbs of Muncle was here Friday on business. Cecil Scant! and is spending a short

vacation at home when he will return

to school in Muncie.

George Green spent , Sunday in

Muncie.

The Willing Workers Sunday School

class of the Friends church was enter

tained Friday evening at the home of

Rev. Lee Chamness in Economy. William Farmer is seriously ill.

Mrs. Mollie Roberta was in Rich

mond Saturday.

Mr. and Mrs. Roo Martin returned home Saturday after spending a few

days with friends in Richmond.

Miss Mary Harvey returned to school Sunday evening after spending

the week end with her parents.

wimam Meredith oi Lynn was

here Sunday.

Clyde Cates spent Sunday in Mun

cle.

Mist Reynolds of Fountain City,

spent Sunday with Miss Elsie Clem

ents.

Dr. and Mrs. V. C. Griffis spent

Sunday with his father in - Fountain

City who ia improving from an illness

Noel Bundy called on friends In

Webster, Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. M. H. Woolley enter

tained their son, Ruford woolley and

wire and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Jar

ret of Richmond.

Karl Stegall of New Paris, is visit

ing nis rather. Mabel and Kattie Voris of Indian

apolis are visiting their aunt, Mrs

Caroline Campbell.

Fred Pearce is remodeling the" prop

erty occupied by Mrs. Franklin.

Victor St Myer visited his father at

Winchester. Ind.

Children's Day will be observed at

the M. E. Sunday School Sunday evening, June 27. Mr. and Mrs. H. Franklin and daurh-

ter Lydia, and Mr. and Mrs. Chester

franklin attended the Decoration Day services at Greensfork, Sunday.

Starr Jordan lecture at Richmond Sunday. .. . ' Miss Isabella Cbehoweth of Winchester was the guest of her grandfather Murray Chenoweth last week. Harry Young of Richmond was the Sunday guest of Mrs. Hill and family. Mrs. Gus Gerlach and daughter Catherine are visiting relatives and friends at Farmland. ' Rev. and Mrs. I. R. Godwin of Gas City visited their daughter, Mrs. Howard Chenoweth last week. Mr. and Mrs. John Martin, Mr. Russell S wiper. Misses Jennie Eckerle, Elizabeth Pegg autoed to Winchester Sunday and visited Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Moroney. Russell Isenbarger. who la a student at DePauw, is spending vacation with his parents. Bob Mann of Indianapolis, has returned home atter a winter's school in the city.

LYNN, IND.

Dr. and Mrs. O. W. Hinshaw and daughter Christian, Mr. and Mrs. Will Swain and daughter. MiMrH rri

Bowen and family attended the David

mond, except as to minimum charges,

mese Deing lower in Anderson. So that, in the final nnnlvete in

stead of proving a source of incre'iRad

taxation, either direct or indirect, in

stead of a Dbysicallv inefficiAnt noim

cal plumtree, instead of a handicap in

tee iorm or inadequate service, instead of all the things the pessimists have predicted for Richmond in thA

event the present so-called "competition" is wiped out, the Anderson municipal monopoly in the manufacture and distribution of electric current has proved a God-send by keeping taxes

tar Deiow tne level that obtains here; by giving the community a very forceful argument why new industries should come to it; by remaining free

rrom political intrigue or despoilation; by maintaining an efficiency that is entirely satisfactory to all concerned-

and this too while constituting a most

eitective safe-guard against the op

pressive tyrannies of a privately owned corporation. The people of Anderson are not harrassed by the trickery and deception of an unscrupulous non-resident ownership of a service plant. -They are not worried over the prospect of being forced to pay a high price for electric energy in order to sustain a private institution that already has waxed fat through excessive and exorbitant charges. They are not deprived Of the fullest benefit from th nvt.

ment of the public money, nor are they asked to Jeopardize their economic salvation, while the public utilities commission shields and protects the enemy, by a uniform rate schedule, that makes a farce of competition. In Richmond the consumer pays the freight on duplication of over-head cost. He is disappointed in the contetflplatlon of buying service and current from his own publicly owned plant, at the lowest possible cost. In Anderson he is favored not only with the cheapest service, but saves in taxes of the plant's net profits. "Why, you didn't come all the way from Richmond to ask me whether you ought to complete this deal and make a municipal monopoly, such as we have, did vou?" asked former Mavor

Frank P. Foster, after bearing a hypothetical question based upon the facts as they exist here. "Surely any man of sense, if he will only investigate what we have done, and I know conditions in the two cities are not dissimilar, will promptly advice you to go ahead and buy the private plant. Your problem will never be solved un

til you do."

Luke-warm water often will revive wilted flowers upon which cold water will have no effect.

The Constipation Cartel

Constipation-clogged bowels cause pain and sickness; 95 per cent of our ills, say the authorities. Sentanel Laxatives bring quick relief. All vegetable contain no calomel. Ten doses for a dim at any druggist'. Physician's tarnpie free upon request if you mention this advertisement. The Sentanel Remedies Co., Inc., 800 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky.

Oee the

Plffli A4 J

EDrurf Store Prices to Suit Any Purse. Don't think of taking your vacation without taking a "Kodak with you." If you own a kodak, then buy your film here as we carry only the Eastman "Non-curling" "The dependable kind" packed in yellow cartons only. See that you get this kind. ROSS' Drug Store "The Place for Quality." 712 Main Street. Richmond, Ind.

Masonic Calendar

Tuesday, June 15 Richmond ledge. No. 16, F. and A. M. Called meeting. Work in Master. Mason degree. Refreshments. Wednesday. June 16 Webb lodge. No. 24. F. and A. M. Stated meeting. Friday, June IS King Solomon's chapter. No. 4, R. A. M. Called convocation. Work in the Royal Arch degree. Commencing at 7 o'clock. Refreshments. ' ;

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emmii-AiniiiMaiIl CfleaFaece Sale USE PIAM(D) :

FOulB More Pays

It will pay you to investigate these this week as they are great bargains, being taken in exchange on player pianos and brought in from rents in homes. All in first class condition and fully guaranteed. Come see them Tomorrow.

TO.PAY We Aro .ready to loan in sat- amount from $5 to $100 on Household Goods. Pianos. Teams. Fixtures. Etc., without removal, for one Month to one yenr in monthly, weekly or quarterly payments. We Pay Off Loans With Other CompaniesHome Loan Co, 220 Colonial Bldg. Phone 1509. Richmond, Indiana.

I COTE UprightFancy Oak Case.

1 McCONAHA Oak Case Fine Condition. Cheap

1 MELIN-WINKEL Upright Mahogany Case. 1 REMINGTON PLAYER Golden Oak Case. Almost new.

1 REMINGTON Oak Case.

1 LINDEMAN & SONS Parlor Grand Cost new, $1.000-Sale Price $375.

Four Organs at Bargain Prices High Tap Organs with Mirrors and oak cases, $15 and up

Four Square Pianos Carved legs ; original price, $450, now, $20 each

SQshpif IPflaum

10TM AND MAIPfSTS.

RICHMOND, IND.

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