The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1881-07-15


To the Editor Of the HERALD:
The question of gas and water for munic>
ipal. purposes seem to be predominant in
the public mind at present. The new city
standardization appear to be inclined TO fol.
low q policy of genuine economy and 10
save to the t4x-payers any item of expense
that does not appear to be an absolute ne-
cessity and in strict harmony with correct
business principles. Thus far the admins
uslion have demonstrated that they desire
real reform, at least in the matter OF public
expenditures. No hing mort than legitimate
prices, it develops, will be- paid tor either
water or gas, the two principal
sources of disbursement of the city funds.
So pronounced are our present city officials
in this direction that dead lock has been
reached with the gas and water companies,
and Investigations in tangible shape are on
foot with II view to either purcha, the pres
en' water works to build new ones, to be
owned by the city. This looks like good
business sense and management, and will
probably solve the water problem. But
what ABOUT the question of light? This is
"Giiliy us expensive IA commodity for the
AS is water, and almost rs much of a NJ n
's,'y. l thlnk the proper hand
/; OF the water question solves the
-, problem. Those VINO are thoroughly
posted on the matter assert positively that
1t won be genuine ecoroaiy tor the city 10
erect electric light works-lhree towers 10
various parts of the city and that Dallas
thereby could be illuminated long distance
beyond the city limits rs bright rs day. And
they assert these three towers can be erected,
ready tor use, at a cost of $40, 900. q sum
which The city pays out at present prices in
three years for gas, and tLen has nothing
left to show for it. All thep have had W 5
three years accommodation from the
g's company. The only apparent
drawback in the electric light
matter has beer the bic: tenn of proper mo-
tive power to furnish the necessary electric
ity. Recently, when the city council sp
pointed special committee to investigate iu
regard to the f.. bilty of the introduction
Of the Brusch electric light systeul, certain
gentlemen connected with the present water
works company claimed that the item of
motive power was easily overcome, US the
water works engine, which had al ways 10 be
" rked, and which possessed mere power
$3.50 ~ WIS hpSces1iJ " utlliZt Ill tUN WhltT
works, could furnish at u very nominal cost,
the he esssrv power to furnish the proposed
electric light system. Now if the city
Is TO erect new walter works or
purchase the property of the present water
supply company, it will possess ample
mouVe power for the production of electric
light The one power can be made to serve
both purposes rs well as one. Ard If
sloVO will erect the tower system fot the
city, as Mr.. q. s. Mitchell ard other good
business men of the city maintain is the
fact, does 1t not occur to the average mind
that 1t would be we'll to canvass The lipht
question in connection with the waller sub
jec'? Certainly electric lights are MANY
times superior to gas, and if, in addition,
they are cheaper, they should be introduced
and be owned by the city, as they would
sooD produce revenue. Tho attention of
Mayor Crowdus, the city administration and
The special committee of the council sppoin.
ted to look after the electric light matter is
called to these suggestions. M.