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Show X. ' THK CITY OAS STOCK. If the city eells its gas Btock the best" bidder should of course get it, but in case this stock is sold the city should in no way promise or guarantee any exclusive franchise. Tho people of this city are opposed to monopoly iu public franchises of any kind, and furthermore we believo they are also opposed to tho sale of the gas stock. It is very valuable valua-ble property. We understand that it pays a handsome profit to tho city as well as to the other stockholders. It is said that this stock pays a dividend somewhere iu tho viciuity of 20 per cent, which, as we aro informed, has produced a sum sullicicut to pay the expense of lighting the streets. If this is a fact, it is indeed au important item. Why should not the city continue con-tinue to hold that gaa stock and receive tho benefits of the profits arising therefrom? there-from? It certainly will save to tho tax payer in the future, as it has In the past, a large sum of money. If tho stock is sold and tho money turned into the treasury or into some particular fund, tho tax-payers will then be called upon to pay for street illumination, which at present, as stated above, is paid for by the prolits from the gas stock. Another fact that should not be overlooked is that tho gas stock is bound to increase iu value with tho growth of tho city. The couucil can not act too carefully in this business. |