The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-30
TO THE PUBLIC.

TIME COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC BUILD
Il INGS, in his Report, has seen proper to place
"The Washington Gas Light Company in a posi-.
ton before the public and before Congress that
makes it our painful duty TO reply, especially as
we have been. what we regarded, the most
friendly terms.
The Commissioner, in this instance, seems to be-
tray an ignorance that does not enttle his opinion
on this subject to as much credit as ought to be at
tached to the Report of Commissioner" par
ticulary when the expression Of such an opinion is
likely to do injury to an unoffending party, as is
the Gas Company in this instance.
The Company has furnished light to the Govern
ment since December l545, at the Capitol, and in
the chandeliers at the Presidents house since Feb
ruary since the 18th Of May on Pennsylvania Ave-
nue. and the Capitol grounds-and these lights all
very brilliant Up to the lst of June, when the
Avenue was being fully lighted up, the cost was
Avenue, and Capitol and grounds, the chandeliers,
including the month of December, $S,460.
The Commissioner should not have stated the
cost in lump on Pspnsylvania Avenue as as il would
high price had been paid for lighting the Avenue
the time stated. The Commissioner ssserts, in re-
gard to the pipes, that the Company has no claim
upon them. This assertion we think rather gratut
tous TO say the least of it. II is 10 be remembered
that the expenses incurred by this Company
entered upon under the reasonable expectation that
the lighting of the Government was to be given it,
They have laid about one mile and three fourths Of
the Avenue, so az to render much better light at
the Capitol than could otherwise be obtained.
At the time of laying these pipes, under the eye
Of the Commissioner, branches with outlets at the
different streets were put In by the Company.
These outlets not paid for by the Government.
II would be an awkward predcamcnt, as well for
this Company as the Government, If, according to
the suggestion Of the Commissioner, the lighting
should be taken from this Company and given TO
some other. Who il to cut off these outlets and
rate he nj frorpf hosp If he Con
pany? This Company asks an immediate investi-
CATION by. Congress in reference to the charges
made by said Commissioner. and with regard to
the future lighting Of the public grounds, streets,
and buildings. This Company not only declare
their willingness TO contract for the lighting with
the same materials, as cheap a. any other light
can be furnished. bat they are willing TO review
their doings through the past year. And II they
have not furnished lights cheap, for the same
amount Of light, could have been furnished in
the United States, excepting the city Of Pittsburgh
and part Of the city Of Philadelphia, then they are
willing TO refund the ercsssirsiy high"
The Company here state that they expect 20
manufacture gas cheap any others can do
from the same materials, and they never expect
nor intend TO receive sxcssssceiy high profits
The amount of gas consumed 10 furnish light has
been under the control Of the Commissioner and IL
he has used too much, two long n time. the fault
hes at his own door. lie may gather up all his old
bills for candles and for oil, and IL do not show
him that We have. and can still furnish, more light
for the same money, he shall have all the advsn-
tagc of the investigation by refunding Of the Ger
eessiceiy high In the past, present, and future.
The statement Of facts made by this Company, ,
and printed in all the papers in this city with
tificates Of respectable men, Is before the public
Let them speak, and let them be eontroverted; or
let such assertions as are made IN the Report be
recalled.
In behalf of the Washington Gas Light Company,
ULYSSES WARD, Pres't.
b.. b FRENCH, }Directors,
sAML. NORMEN'i, Stakeholder,
Jan. 30--It COMMITTEE.