A Town Cut Off by Water: Newport's Bid for a Free Ferry

An enthusiastic meeting of the business men of Newport was held at the City Hall Friday evening, for the purpose of discussing means of securing better ferry service across the Pend Oreille. F. C. Krause was selected to preside over the meeting as chairman and Fred L. Wolf as secretary.

Mr. Krause stated the general purpose of the meeting, which was followed by a general discussion of the need of a ferry and the means of securing one. Finally definite action on the proposition was taken by the appointment of a committee consisting of J. C. Jacobson, E. H. C. McCurdy and G. W. Sutherland, with instructions to thoroughly investigate as to cost of construction, location, etc., and also to see the Bonner county commissioners, to ascertain what they would be willing to do. Bonner county maintains several free public ferries, and the understanding is that it will maintain this one if the ferry is provided.

The committee is instructed to be ready to report fully at another meeting to be held at the City Hall on Friday, Sept. 18, at which time a large attendance of our citizens is urged that they may learn what the committee's investigations have brought out, and discuss means of raising the funds that will be necessary.

At the meeting held Friday evening a number of the citizens and business men present were called upon to express their views as to the free ferry proposition. All were agreed that the free ferry was a necessity and that it would have to be built. Means of providing landings on each side of the river were discussed, and it seemed to be the general opinion that docks would have to be built on each side. This will considerably increase the expense of putting in the plant, and it is estimated that the cost will run from $3000 to $6000.

Mr. Jacobson, speaking for the Fidelity Lumber Co., said that his company was prepared to stand one-half the cost, providing that the town of Newport would provide the other half, and the county commissioners of Bonner county could be induced to maintain free service. It is going to prove a heavy burden to the town, but the general spirit seems to be that the matter must be met and properly handled if the town wishes to retain close connection with the Fidelity company, its employes and the ranchers living across the river. A good ferry will be money well invested, not only for the business men, but for all our people, as it will directly or indirectly benefit every property owner in town.