Chillicothe Morning Constitution from Chillicothe, Missouri • Page 5

Chillicothe Con VOLUME XXVI NO. 100. 4 PAGES FRIDAY, MAY 1, 1914. DAILY THE WATER QUESTION. By W.

H. BOOTH, i AM) IKS TAlvK A Ol' 1 CITY ISy -ViiUit tin- Will He ill I'roleclins the Civil G'mvrnment. Vera Crux, 'May 1. Vera went back to i i today under the laws of Mexico, a i i ed by American olh'cials. The i i government, however, a i sub- i a to a i a law i (lie work of restoring the i i a or- ganisation went a General Funslon rind Kerr, i i governor of General i a oft the transports and marched to the sand i barracks and other a to relieve A i a er's i jackets, who vent back to the men-ot'-war.

Funston established his a a in the barracks deserted by Con. Masts and A i a Fletcher i i stall'. The marine corps was i i to work with the army. Robert J. Vera are gradually assuming' oi' a J'airs while the navy, on i attention has.

been centered i'or eight days is i i i the background. Rear Admiral is busy preparing i'or the i a a of his Funston is setting stores and special details ashore and Kerr is endeavoring to -grasp the i i i i of civil government as by his Mexican predecessors. With some ceremony the bhie jackets and the ships' guards oi' marines will be i a late today and their places taken by Ftinston's men, who will all be ashore by a time. Admiral Fletcher's order for the withdrawal of the blue jackets, issued today, paid a high i to officers and mm, not only valor in action, but for orderly and resourcefulness i resulted in the qliek restoration ol' normal living i i for the citizens of Vera Cruz. The admiral personally a his command and "The highest honor is due those who gave i lives in the service of their country." General Funston has chosen olllces formerly occupied by Gen.

Maas as his 'headquarters, instead of tho Terminal i i i was used by Rear A i a Fletcher. This building was designed for i i a use and Funston believes it will bo more i for his purpose, as a large part of his men will be garrisoned in the barracks adjoining. Governor Kerr has been ransacking the civil offices, examining books and accounts and i i i men formerly connected with the civil government, one result being the discovery of postage stamps representing 3 2 0 0 0 0 pesos. The stamps con- i in use. An order is to be issued that all business houses report business done since April 21 in order that they may be' to taxes accruing since the occupation, "The first i i a hospital was established today in the a a school building.

It is in charge of A. Williams, surgeon a ot the Third Hospital Corps. Doctor John Guiteres of the Marine Hospital service is here in charge of a a i work. The seven sacks of mail about the disposition oC i Rear Admiral Fletcher asked Washington have been delivered to the Mexicans beyond the gay in the railroad lino. This was done on i i Washington.

liVPEKTS 1M.ACK I (). ON TliK C1TV A i A BOOKS a to resolution adopted by the Board of Public Works, a comm i a i by the a of Commerce, together i the Finance Committee of the a council and the Board of i Works, selected Smith and Broclle. certified accountants of Kansas Missouri, to audit the books and accounts of the City "Light Plant. The i is the assume that most of our citizens have a really honest desire to arrive at the facts in this question ami that most alJ are in favor of municipal ownership. And among the many doctors diagnosing the case there arc many diverse views.

Among: the many points of division is the question of tho cost of the various items comprising the Water Plant. A few years ago the plane was inventoried, and invoiced by exports employed by the city at or over. We as- snme that an honest estimate of value was made 'toy men familiar with the subject. The estimate recently -made by Sir. Roberts is A fair minded man naturally asks why is there such an immense depreciation in so short a time, when it is known the company has spent some or OO0.OO additional on the plant.

Mr. who is a fine and competent architect, who will probably admit ho is not an expert in water plants, doubtless made the best estimate he could I'rom such facts as were furnished him. Now, without any desire to do Him an injustice, we submit that some of his ol! costs ai'o clearly erroneous, for instance, his estimate of tho weight of 12 inch iron water pipe per lineal foot, he puts at 75 Ibs. while tile true weight is 9O or 91 Ibs. to the foot.

Take his figures ho calculates and publishes in the Tribune, Mr. Koberis says la inch pipe 1293). lineal feet at 75 Ibs. per Ibs to tons at (At Ills own estimate it is 5O tons short). The true weight is as follows: 12,951 lineal feet at 91.7 Ibs.per or 593.8 tons, which at per a difference of estimated cost of this one item alone of $3,906.06.

Now it' be makes an error in the estimated weight of over 2O per cent in one item, may lie not err iji other items. Instead of tons oi' 12 inch iron pipe the true weight is 593.8O tons. Vou take your pencil and ngure for 1 iVow is it not the common knowledge of all men that hind sight knowledge is better than foresight ami that calculations and estimates of the building or any improvement before the work is done is always less than the actual cost ascertained after the completion ot the work. We bear many estimates made as to costs of a new plant and they are as divergent as the poles. If every man who reads this article will call- upon his own experience or knowledge, be can i numbers ot" examples proving this.

"Whoever built a house but foiund his knowledge of Ibe cost was much better after it built and paid for and that likewise the cost was greater than in his estimates made before. Take the estimates made on the cost of public improvements, and there is exception to the rule. Experts iigured the Light Plant to cost before building; since completed its cost is known to be just the difference between hind sight and foresight. Most of the residents on paved streets, especially those paved with find the estimated cost such pavement was not as great as Hie tax bill presented after the job was. done.

Nobody to blame--just human frailty. Kiror in judgment. AVe are asked to vote Cor bonds to buy or build a water plant. Are we wise in mortgaging our property for this money that can't be paid back in less than twenty years until we know, First. Can we buy the present plant for Second.

we Uillld a plant for Isn't it a g'amblcr'-ri chance for iis sober minded citizens to vote this money upon "the contingency that we can buy the old plant for or build anew one for The property owners on streets paved with Hassani patent pavement took the gambler's chance that Hassam Pavement was better and cheaper than any other pavement. you ask thejn whether it pays. It we can buy the water plant for why vote for bonds. If we build new water works, why vote in bonds when is required? It seems too indefinite. Would a man in this city lake this haphazard plan in his private and personal atttairs.

W. H. BOOTH. AH receipts were properly account- CHrLMCOXHE SHOTJJLD PROFIT ed for and deposited with the City I BY DliNVEU'S EXPEKllSSrCB Treasurer as evidenced by his receipts; Chillicothe, April 30, 1914. HAL BANQUET OF CHAMBERfCOMMERCE WAS HKLD AT LEEPElt O.V KVBNING.

Interesting Talks Were Made by M. V. Watson ol' Kansas City and M. V. V.

Carroll. The annual bantiuet ot the Chamber Commerce was given in the dining room of the New Leeper on Thursday evening at which a large portion of the members were present. It was a very enthusiastic meeting. Its members were all feeling good over the splendid record that they had made during the past year the i i of Chillicothe and Livingston county, and they pledged themselves to accomplish more i the coming year than during tho past year. Chairman B.

V. Gill, after a preliminary talk, stating the object of the meeting and a i the members 'or their Icyalty to their home city ind covinly in tile a things accomplished the good of the community, i M. V. Watson of Kansas City, who made a most excellent talk on the subject of "co-operation between the city and the country, and the benefits to-be derived from a close acquaintance and an. intercourse of all citizens of the county Eor the a good of all.

Mr. Watson also talked on the subject ot good roads. For want of space in today's issue, the Constitution will print in full the address as delivered by Mr. Watson, in Saturday's issue. Mr.

M. V. Carroll, secretary of the Sedalia Commercial Club, was then introduced as the next speaker. Mi 1 Carroll laid particular stress upon the necessity of all the business interests of a city working together harmoniously, looking ahead for good of the town and the necessity of promoting every proposition that will bring results to the city and the county. It was very necessary that the people of this town work for the county.

It was very necessary that the people of the town work for a i general advancement and good of the i in all of' its various de- a and business enterprises. That the co-operation of all its biggest interests resulted in the mutual benefit to the entire i He spoke a the construction of a macadam road Springfield to Sedalia and on that the road was divided up into districts and that practically the entire road Sedalia to Springfield would soon be completed. That the Sedalia Commercial was largely i a in i this road and that 5 it be of great advantage to that section of the country and especially to Sedalia. Their Commercial Club ITEE WILL FORMULATE PLANS i AT CIRCUIT COURT ROOM TUESDAY I AUall'a Campaign Will lie Held in Livingston Comity Monday ami Tuesday, June B. V.

chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Thursday afternoon appointed T. D. Jones, Ernest Allen, (C. B. Seay Brownless Jones, eorge Terry, J.

H. Cusick, R. A. rhnrp, R. J.

Lee, B. J. Meek and W. H. Ellett as a committee to make pre- i i a arrangements the al- a a meetings which will be held in every townshjpjn the on Monday and Tuesday, 1-2.

A meet- of this i will be held in the i i court room Tuesday even ng at 7 3 0 at i time plans wil made for these two big days. Those who heard W. 11. Baughman the i i room Thursday rtornooii wore well pleased with his a and were i that he was Management of Municipal Plants to the secretary of the Light Plant. The Constitution: All expenditures were supported by proper vouchers and by the certificate of the Board of Public Works.

The cost of the plant to March 31, 1D14. was $78,604.41. Of this amount was paid the proceeds of bonds sold, 2 7 5 subscriptions by citizens, out of earnings. The total revenue and $15,274.97 from current i was 6 2 7 9 8 3 8 at a total cost of 3 2 6 4 2 5 3 making net profit oi' $30,155.85. a revenxie from lamps, etc.

was $20,506.37, at a total cost of 2 7 0 8 5 4 2 making a net profit of $1,520.95. The total revenue all sources was $155,634.19 Total expenditures 139,232.36 Making a balance of. 16,401.83 This balance is made up as follows: Emergency Fund City Treasurer Accounts Receivable. Inventory, fixtures, etc. Total assets Liabilities .3,804.71 .5,835.11 .1,426.04 .17.090.21 6SS.3S Respectfully submitted, Smith and Certified Public Accountants.

Smith ami Broilio Certified Public Accountants Reliance BtiiklinS Kansas City. Chillicothe, April 30, 1014. The Board of Public Works; The Finance ComuUtee of the i a Commerce Committee CliilHcothe. Me. j-S" Pursuant aiH.oUumout made un audit of the books the City Electric Light a toj, March 31, 10-4, and submit lierewitV a preliminary report, summariz- the results of our investigation.

TE.V DOLLARS KEWAKD I will pay reward, for the return of one rooster and six or eight hens, pure Plymouth Rocks, which were stolen from my chicken house at my on South. Washington, street on the night of April 30, and for the arrest oi the thief. F. K. Thompson.

We hope your readers are not paying a-ny attention to the assertion of the bond promoters that Chillicothe Water Company is a dead organization and cannot get into court. This is a pure fiction. I want to call your attention to a letter received from Assistant Attorney General oE Colorado in relation to the Denver situation. They have there the same condition and have had it for years that we now propose to" enter. They voted eight million dollars for a new water plant.

When they flncl that it will cost eleven million; and note what he says: "After all these years we are now in the same position we were before the litigation started, and the only benefit the people have received has been the expenditure, oJ $113,000 in litigation, etc. If some of your people are contemplating the construction of a new plant, I trust they will profit by Denver's experience, and k)t well enough alone. Don't please, let any one convince you that the water company cannot put you into the circuit court here and drag you up through the United States Supreme Court, the process taking at least ten years of litigation, leaving you at the end'with the impression and knowledge that you have been milked dry in furnishing money for lawyers' fees and court costs and to find at the end of this time 'that 'the water company is still doing business at the old stand. Taypayer. NOTICE MASONS.

Regular Communication. Friendship Lodge No. 89, A. P. A.

M. tonight. Work in 2nd degree. All Brethren Invited. J.

A. Daveport, W. M. Weather Forecast. Mostly cloudy tonight and Saturday.

Possibly showers. Slowly ris- ing temperature. raised a large amount of money to help build the road. Mr. Carroll's talk was greatly appreciated by the banqueters and at the close of the meeting the speakers were extended a vote of thanks tor coming to i i cothe to meet with the Chamber of Commerce.

C. F. Adams made a statement of the effort being put by C. A. Lawson and others ill securing forty men from the State prison to do road work in Livingston county.

It is the intention of the promoters of this proposition to build a macadam road Chillicothe southwest past Longview ranch 011 one of the county-seat highways, which will constitute a part ot the Kansas City-Cedar a i route. It is intended that this entire route from Kansas City to Chillicothe may be macadamized and made one of the most promient highways in the state. It goes i saying that Mr. Adams is one of the best good road advocates in the state and he is recognized as such. He has done more toward putting Chillicothe on the map as a good roads center than anyone else, and he is still in the harness, working for the extension and promotion of Livingston, county and North Missouri highways.

G. H. Lawson, another one of Livingston county's good roads boosters and a member of the Chamber of Commerce was present and stated what be necessary for Chillicothe to do in order to get the work of the prisoners and the building of the contemplated highway through Livingston county. The Governor consented to allow forty of the inmates of the state prison to be brout'ht to Livingston county for the purpose oC building the road under the general supervision of Mr. Lawson.

That it required ten teams and full equipments for Livingston county's part and it will be necessary for Chilli- cotha to furnish five of them. The teams and equipments will cost in the neighborhood of $525 each ana it will be necessary for Chillicothe to furnish these immediately if they are to get any benefit the work the state, for it will be necessary to PROF. P. G. HOLDEN Who i speak in Livingston county 1-2 on raising a a a an on i a a a and believe a the campaign which will be held in Livingston county 1-2 to in'terest tho a and business the farmers in the growing of alfalfa will be one of the greatest events J'or the farmers aiid business men in the this year.

There are a of small patches of a a grown in the county at the present i there is need of of acres more and the corps of men who will bo hure on the above two days i on this and other important i regarding a i will explain in details how to grow alfalfa. The a should make it a point to attend one of these meetings, as it i be to their advantage to do so. The i in charge of the campaign have all arrangements completed, the places and hour of i the meetings in time tnat they can be a the press. FOR SALE Pure Bred Galloway ready for service. Grant Bowen, Dawn, Telephone 3SF2.

start to work i the month of It is true that a number of cases of municipal ownership of water and light plants are a 'Success and result in giving the people good service and at the same time make a profit for the people, but in the majority of cases the municipal plants are either failures or are oil the ragged edge of being failures because of incompetent man- agment. The principal point of weakness in the city owned plant is the very unfortu- natc--conditions that usually prevai-l in the handling of the funds and the superintending of the plant. Politics, carelessness, ineompetency and gross mismanagement is the bane of all city owned plants. Divided responsibility means no responsibility in the management of public utilities. It has been proven in a multitude of cases that success can only come from the employment of a man who has experience and expert knowl- edge of the particular utility.

That responsibility must be centered in a superintendent who has power and authority t'o manage the plant and subject only to the proper committee of the city council. Under present conditions Chillicothe is 'burdened with the yoke ot politics and politicians who absolutely control all such mat-. ters. The main consideration with most politicians is to be able to get a fee or a job or a contract growing out of the city ownership of the city- owned public utilities. Such a condition is absolutely opposed to the successful management of a water plant and the building of it.

A municipal plant must be loyally supported by every loyal citizen whose only interest should be the advancement of the community and, the sue- cess of the plant. Self-serving pie-eaters and place hunters have no place in a successful utlity. PARALYSIS MRS. JOHN HARLOi PASSED AWAY AT HO8IE MOORE'SVIJULE THURSDAY Suffered Fii-st Stroke tiast Pr and the Second One Thursday Which Was Fatal. Mrs.

John Harlow died at her hW I 1-2 miles south of Thursday afternoon at one The funera! was held from the Metii odist church Friday afternoon:) o'clock, Her. M. L. Gray of thisSe Conducting the buriall tbe Mooresville cemetery. Last Friday evening Mrs.

suffered a paralytic stroked Thursjj'a; she suffered a second strokeVwhtc'S caused her death. She scious up to the last and knewvtliaf death was near. She bore her i ferings well and was ready to aniwe the final call. She was born'six, five years ago in Kentucky, andfca'n to Livingston county and si Mooresville township when'' girl, and had lived there practicSuS her entire lifetime. She was a' her of the Methodist church andlfa' good Christian woman.

1 large number of friends who. eager to give her her illness. Besides the hu Mrs. Bettie survives. Hariow of IOC MARKET IS OX T1IJE DOW.YWARD PATH Kansas City, May 1--The live stock narket for today as reported by Clay Robinson follows: Cattle--300; market unchanged.

market steady to 5 cents lower; top $8:35. market steady. market steady. market steady to 5 jents lower; top 8 4 0 market steady. PERSONAL AND LOCAL D.

F. Barnes is in Gallatin today on business. Mr. and Mrs. H.

D. McHoiland and ihildren are moving from the Daw- ion property on North Washington itreet to the Miller property on East Calhoun street. Mrs. R. L.

Pitts of Wheeling is vis- Mayvand to keep industriously at it tiug Mrs. Win. Rensch, West Calu i the winter sets in order to I houn street. accomplish tho work a they have in mind. Mr.

Lawaon said that Gov. Major believed that it would be the very wise i to do to put at-least a i of the inmates to work on the i highways, a he had great hopes a the experiment would be most successful and be a starter for developments in prison work for tbe benefit of the roads in. Missouri. A motion prevailed that Chairman Gill appoint a committee to devise-ways and means to raise the necessary to secure the five teams and equipments. Mr.

Gill will the committee in a day or announce o. A committee composed of Harry Gilbert, P. Hartmau and A. B. Macdonald was appointed to eoiifer with the county, court regarding the a i of the freight on a car load trees the Star nursery at Louisiana to Chillicothe.

These trees are donated by the nursery for use on the highways in Livingston the State Industrial Home for Girls grounds, and the county infirmary. These trees are of different variety and would add greatly to the appearance of the highways and grounds. vote of thanks was tendered to the superintendent of the State Industrial Home for the orchestra which played the banquet hour. The music was greatly appreciated by the banqueters. Mrs.

Jack Lillis and children, who have been guests at the R. R. Kitt home for several weeks, departed Friday for their in Salina, Kas. Frederick A. Smith is a member of the State Board of Public Accountancy and the Treasurer of said Board.

Arthur F. Brodie was City Auditor of Kansas City for a number of years. The firm was recommended to the City authorities by L. U. Crawf an expert certified accountant of Kansas City, well known in Chillicothe.

TO LATE TO CLASSIFY. LOST--Small dark blue leather chain pocket book containing a $5 bill and change to the amount oJ about $3.84. Lost somewhere between the Leader and cor. of Clay and Dickenson on West Clay. Reward if returned to this office.

Im2t MAJESTIC PKOGKAM TONIGHT A GREAT ONE This is the night of the douhle showing the select moving pictures including the great stage success, "A Good Little Devil and An Hour Before Dawn. Harsh physics react, weaken the bowels, will lead to chronic constipation. Doan's Regulets operate easily. 25 cents a box at all stores. Three Krinks--Three Three men charged wlthV blSnglfifp drunk on the streets were arrested.

the police Thursday'' morning when their cases were, called'tjtt in. police court they were. and costs. The three men a threffl cents among them, one having' cent, another two cents and the af man was "broke." High School Team to The baseball team from the Ciiil-S-fijiSI licothe High School went to Brayniijr'tigfSk? this afternoon where they are. tling with the team from the iner High school.

A crowd: of accompanied the team and. the -I feel confident they w'ill returni-thi! evening with the long end i score. Vvv. P. of P.

Officer Dies. John H. Holmes of St. grand keeper of Records of the Knights Pythias i 3 souri died yesterday at his home. Holmes was about 60 years of and was one of theibest known 16 men in the state, for the last tw ty-five years he held the position grand Keeper of Seal.

East Game is Expected. A fast game is expected be the Chillicothe and Laredo teams which will be held at the Sout)i End ball park Sunday ginning at 3:30. Arnold or will be on the firing line for 1 licothe team with Hart or 1 1 receiving. The Laredo teanv which John Bunton is the strong one and has several players. This is the opening the season for Chillicothe and weather is warm a large be present.

Dewey Anniversary Today. -VfV Sixteen years ago. May 1 18 9 Dewey won the victory which left Spanish without a naval guard '-at Manalla bay. The battle la began at ni. and ued until 12:30 p.

including intermission from 7:30. to 10:30. spectacular beginning of the pancy of the was ed without the loss of a boat American, and only six' marines wounded, while the Spanish fleet destroyed and-at least were lulled and wo unded. sh fleet was commanded by Adiair.a).; Hontojo, This decisive battle was. one ol the turning points ot the Spanish-' i 1 American war and brought undying to Admiral Dewey.

Jolin Miler 111 in Peu. Under Sheriff J. A. Walker ed Thursday night from iity where he took James who was convicted here of and sentenced to twenty-one the penitentiary. While Walker saw several of, county men who are time in the State institution.

ed that John Miller, men who pleaded guilty; the Farmers National ow, and sentenced to. penitentiary, was in poor John. Henry and James other two were in good 4 health was also Gordon Kyles, J. ngton and the other members 'Of the Livingston county colony. (Continued on jage 4).