The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-04

engaged for years trying TO perfect con-
trivances for greatly cheapenng its pro-
duction and adapting 1t to general and do
nestle use; but up to this tifle we are UNI
able TO record their success. Beyond
question the new light has proved its
superiority to the old Tor the illumination of
large spaces, and it has boon wisely iutrO-
duced into some manufacturing establish
ments; but gas still holds its own as n
means Of ordinary Lighting, and the compa-
MICS which supply are taking new courage.
Meanwhile we hear little from Mr.. Ed
son, though let us hope that no news in this
case, as in 50 many others, means good
news lie has set himself rcsoutely to work
10 give US the electric light for all uses, and
has spent large sums Of money OH his exper-
imcnts, which have probably shown him
that the problem is n more difficult one 10
solve than he at first supposed.
The excitement caused by tho electric
light, and the damaging effect OF the expec-
tation OF its substitution for gaslight on
the value Of their shares, have stirred up
the London gas companies to efforts to
show the public what great things can be
done with gas in the way OF illumination.
The Paris company also have taken steps in
the same direction. In New York, however,
we do not hear Of any attempts on the part
OF our gas companies TO introduce improved
devices for the utilization OF gas, though II
the foreign experiments shall prove sue
ccssful, they will be forced to offer equal
advantages
Mr.. WooDALL, the engineer OF the Phoenix
Gas Company of London, has relighted a
piece Of roadway between the foot OF Wa
tcrloo Bridge and the Southwestern Railway
terminus, extending for distance Of about
900 yards, on a new plan, by which the
amount Of the illumination is greatly in
creased. Twenty-Five ordinary street lamps
have been replaced by forty-eight others Of
a new design, each giving the light Of fifteen
candles against twelve given before. Re-
Electors are also added TO throw down the
| light which is wasted upward by the usual
street lamps. The result is most brilliant
illumination Of the space. The cost is three
! times greater than that Of the old plan, but
! 1t Is still very much less than that of the
electric light as furnished by any OF the ma
/ chimes SO far introduced. Thus the public
have an opportunity to compare the old
| light with the new which would not have
been afforded them II electricity had not
scared the gas companies and driven them
TO the putting Of their best foot forward to
save their reputation.
A similar experiment Is to be tried in
Paris The Lighting Committee OF the Mu-
nicipality have reported In favor Of permit
ting the gas company TO introduce improved
lamps in competition with those OF the cleo
trio company, the experiment TO be made
| for a year. The Avenue de lOpGra, the
Place dc la Bastlle, and one Of the market
buildings, are to be lighted by electricity at
a charge not exceeding 30 centimes, or {
cents per hour, for each burner. while the
gas company is to light the Rue du Quatrt
Scptembre, the Place du Chateau d Eau
and another market building in an improved
fashion at an extra charge OF not more than
5 confines, or cent per cubic metre. The
gas company will place four or eight burn
ers on the present lamps covered with large
shades, thus consuming about seven time.
as much gus rs heretofore.
These experiments will enable us TO SCI
what can be done with gus; and unques
tiounbly they will prove that our methods
OF street lighting have hitherto failed to dc
velop its Illuminating power. Their success
Will also lead the public TO demand the NOR,
brilliant lighting OF great cities at night
While the price OF nearly everything els,
has declined heavily during the last tiv
years. gas is sold in New York at the OLE
price, and the companies, therefore, can AT
ford 10 furnish the improvements. The COS
Of gas to the consumer is now at least ,
per cent. higher than it ought 10 be.