New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-12-13
nFLdTED GAS BIDS.

The revolt against the gas companies which
has been organized in many of our prominent
cities has hardened the hearts OF mOnOpOlIsts.
Ii began in Brooklyn about two years ago.
The rates were so extortionate that shOpkeep-
era and househOlders resolved to starye out the
companies Kerosene was introduced in so many
houses and stores that there was IA collapse in
gas stocks, and the companies were finally
compelled To make concessions TO the public
The revolt spread quickly to other cities. The
Cincinnati companies were forced TO reduce
their rates to So per thousand feet. In Balti-
more the companies have agreed to furnish gas
TO consumers at the rate OF 81 30 per thou
sand feet and if the Common Council
had been supported by a stronger pub
lie sentiment, the consumers would have
Jared still better. In the North and South
Divisions of Chicago the Common Council has
forced the companies to cut down their rates
from So 80 TO 81 30 per thousand, and the
West District is hoping to find relief before
long, although the monopolists are making a
stubborn fight in the courts. In ST. LOUIS
the rates have been reduced from
So to So 80 per thousand feet, and
from the aggressive action OF the citizens IN
uncarthing gas frauds and impositions 1t Is
evident that they are determined not to pay
more than 81 80. In Detroit the consumers
have strengthened the hands of rival com
pany in the hope of bringing the old organza-
ton to terms. We have learned in New-York
not to put trust in competition. The company
which was organized in this city several years ago
with the understanding that it would cut under
the rates of the other corporations is to-day
ttafYa II has
been introduced IA extensively in New York rs
in Brooklyn, and the profits of the companies
have been materially reduced. In their extrem-
ity they have Joined hands, and are now acting
in perfect harmony. They will bleed the city
first and then put the screws on private con-
sumcrs
The policy of the New-York companies was
disclosed on Monday, when the bids for sup
plying the city with gas during the year 1877
were opened. The New-York and Manhattan
companies, which are receiving 1913 per lamp
this year, advanced their rate TO $50. The
Mutual Company, which is now pald
S25 IS per lamp. put in bid at
S36. The bids of the Metropolitan and
Harlem companies, which supply the upper
mart of the city, were 1874 and $37 80 re-
spectively, or about what they were last year.
The companies which light the streets below
Thirty fourth. st. have thus combined TO run up
the cost per lamp from 1913 to S36. The gas ap-
propriatlOn for the present year was 100000
If these bids are accepted, the appropriation
for 1877 must be increased to 1881, 900. This
is simply monstrous Coal is cheaper; labor is
cheaper; why should gas be dearerf Why should
tho city make up the deficit in the receipts
of the companies which has been caused
nv the introduction of kerosene in
stores and by economy in private house
| holds1 1t is true that the Mayor,
the Controller, and the Commissioner of Pub
lie Works have reserved in the proposals the
right to decline any or all of these bids. But
even this privilege may avail nothing. The
companies may combine on rate of 800 per
lamp, for aught that we can see, and the city
| authorities will be at their mercy. The pres
| sure OF public opinion ought to be brought to
bear without delay upon these grasplng mo-
nopolists.
There is something else that can be done,
and we are confident that Mr.. Ely, when he
enters upon Office, will have the sagacity to do
it. The companies are now under contract
to supply the city with gas of 16-candle
power. The new proposals call for gas of the
same power. Now it is notorious that the COM
panes are furnishing the city with gas of inferior
quality. To prove this one has only to go to
| the nearest street corner and glance ut the I'M
certain light OF the street lamp. The gas
which London uses is subjected to rigid tests
and its exact power Undetermined. In New