Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-10-16
A COMMON TARGET,

Nr. III. g. SGronS K1pLatns Why so Many
Lamps are Reported Untit-L0mps De-
mo.fsIted by Mtschtevous Boys and the
Contractor the Unprotected and Fined
Victin,.
To the Editor of the Globe.
Amongst your city globules of yesterday is
an item concerning the lamps in the outskirts
of the city, which at this iuncture is liable to
do me great injury unless explained. Your in
formant states that complaints are made by
persons residing in all parts OF the city,
concerning the absence of gaslight, instancine
particularly certain night on which a police
officer reported nineteen lamps unit in the
Fourth ward and on Rice street. I will say
nothing OF the Omnipresence of those persons
who reside in all parts of the CITY, but will try
to account for the number of lamps unlit
When the lamplIghter arrives at his beat, say
on Rice street. he inds on an average from
ten to fifteen lamps broken. These he mends
and lights. The police arrive at their beats
about 9:30 P. NJ, and report SO many Lamps not
lit. Now this official zeal is carried to such an
extent that frequently they report lamps "out"
when no lamp is there to be Lit, and as matter
Of course they have no time to discover
that the glasses are broken, or that the valve
has been stolen, or that the tank containing
the oil has been demolished. Thus, some six
weeks ago lamp corner Rice and Ellen had
been stolen, which fact was reported to the
common council. who, after the usual amount
of red tape, ordered another lamp in it's flace.
The fact of the thefts was reported st the
police office; slso the fact that / was waiting
for orders from the common council to replace
that lamp; yet that par ticular lamp hourishes
| amongst the "Outs" for nearly two months.
Similar instances occur almost every day, and
it is wonder that these ''outs" in the agsre.
gate form quite large number.
Now, as there is fine of twenty-five cents
imposed upon me for every "out'' reported,
You will see at q glance what an immense
benefit they are to the community.
First-The spOlice officers have an opportu-
nifty of proving that they were On their
beats. and thus the rounds of the ser.
geant, to say nothing of establishing their eff.
cieDcy. at SO little cost to themselves,
Second-The city saws money, because the
fine for one ''out" pays for twu and a half lamps
burning.
Tbird-It provides amusement for the little
urchins, who with sling-shot, base ball or snow.
ball, would not know what to d.. if the ''outs''
were not reported, and no panes of glass pro-
vided for their target.practice.
From the 18th of September to October 18th,
Rice street and vicinity msnaged to break 225
panes of glass. Is it wonder that so many
''outs" are reported from that locality? The
Bohemian settlement almost equals
Rice Street in providing a market for the glass
manufacturer. and if anything gives broader
field to the police officer to proue his efficiency.
Complaints at the police were fruitless. Com
plants to the Gas committee and common
council ditto" SO that there is nothing left
for me but to grin and bear it.
ii. s. sARoNI,
Contractor for lighting the outskirts of civil
cation.