The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1879-03-18
CHEAP STREE LAAps.

Inc very dark nights winch prevail
here at present have caused our people
to revolve in their minds the subject of
lighting the streets. Since the pro-
posals made by a certain gentleman last
fall, to establish gas works in Cheyenne
were disposed Of by general objection,
the matter has remained dormant. The
people at large seemed to have an abid-
ing faith In the success Of Edison's
light, and they wait for its coming with
the confidence of the farmers of Egypt,
who await the annual inundation of the
Nile. But months of fevered expec-
fancy have passed, and SO far as is pub
licaly known, the success of the sub
divided electric light is no more as
sured now, than it was at the begin
ming. Gas stocks, both in England
and the United States, which tumbled
to the verge of ruin, after Edison's
startling promises, have recovered, and
command the same figures as before.
The gas companies, which suddenly be-
came possessed of urbanity and fair
dealing, have sunk back into their old
ways of monopolistic accommodation
and cratic meters. New gas compan-
les are being formed in various cities in
the union-all of which prove that con-
fidence in the electric light, as applica-
BILE to publicluse, is gone. When there
is such an unanimity of belief on any
point, it may be assumed as a phase
at least, Of o~racular truth. Hence we
conclude that if any city wants an cleo
trio light to twinkle along its dark
avenues-guide the feet Of the belated,
and comfort the timid, il must increase
its stock of patience.
Yet no city need be without a safe
and certain light for its streets, ever
though there are no gas works within
its limits. Gasoline lamps are looming
up in many eastern cities as an ~irresis-
tible rival to gas. The cities which
have formerly been supplied by gas
companies at S45 per annum for each
street lamps, have replaced the latter
with gasoline lamps at SIT each, per
annum; this amount covers the lighting,
dousing and repairing of the lamps.
The gasoline light is equal in every
respect to gas; it burns as brightly, re.
sists the wind as bravely, and runs as
steadily. The lamp-posts are of iron,
as before, and are erected and fitted up
at a cost Of S14 each. Locust posts,
nicely turned and painted, can be put
up for IS each. The supply of gaso-
line, (which sells at about five cents
per gallon) is as sur and great as that
of kerosene itself. If Cheyenne were
to adopt the gasoline light, we are con-
fdent that each lamp would not cost
over 1926 per annum Locust posts
could be erected, as they are just as
suitable as iron, and look equally as
well.
In presenting these facts the LEAD
Err is moved simply by a desire to dis
seminate information. There has been,
and is now, a talk in favor of lighting
our streets. We state the universal
impression regarding the electric light,
and the probable hopelessness of wait
ing upon it; the great cost of gas lamps
is well known; therefore, as the cheap
est and best way to accomplish the end
in view, we have shown the economy
and worth of gasoline lamps. OF these
there are a score being manufactured,
and more than as many patents. The
addresses of the manufacturers can
easily be obtained, and competitive
bidding would insure the lowest posi-.
BILE cost, if our people would urge the
matter to a favorable conclusion.