The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1884-06-30
AN ELECTRrC SUCCESS.
The Astonishing Advance Made by In,
Hartford EIecirlc Light Company.
GIartford Evening Post. june 26.l

(dartford Evening Post June 25)
The day for the illumination of the main
streets Of this city by gas has passed. The
yellow, Pickering, inadequate light has given
place to the rich, clear, mellow refulgence of
the electric arc. Instead of suffering disfig-
urement by the traditional lamp-post and lam
tern, brought close to the walk, our thorough
fares are ornamental by the posts and carbon
points of the new regime. The introduction of
the electric light met with sturdy opposition at
first by the Court of Common CounciI-urged
thereto by the gas interest-but it is safe to say
that the City Fathers have become strong and
lasting converts to its desirability. The lights
have vindicated themselves. They fur nish
better illumination, and more of it, at the
same expense, than the gas service was even
suspected of doing. Experience thus confirm
ing promise and anticipation, favorable judg-
ment must ensue. There is but one sentiment
among unprejudiced citizens of Hartford the
electric lights must be continued and their
number must be increased.
Each electric light displaces six or seven gas
lights and displaces them so effectually that
even more light is obtained-ssy ten times
more than before, and at no additional expense.
1t is a matter of history how excellently we'll
these thirty lights were received. They have
changed the entire night aspect of the main
thoroughfare of our city. Pedestrians and
storekeepers have rested more securely, know
ing that the dangerous classes flee from we'll
lighted streets. 1t was, in essence an addition
to the police force. A prominent householder,
who had been up in arms against the innova-
TONS acknowledged From remonstrant he
was converted into an importunate petitioner
These thirty lights were ordered May 30. In
June, six more were ordered, and Monday
night, the Council, keeping a view Of the pro-
gress already made, passed an order for thir-
teen more. Petitions for thirty additional
were presented and referred to the Street Com
missioners. This total of 70 will probably ba
increased to 100 by December next
The Hartford Electric Light Company is
showing close acquaintance with the bust
ness. Its methods are economical-as they can
be under the American system it employs
and thorough. 1t furnishes the maximum of
power with the minimum of expenditure, IL
Is surprising that the old systems were operated
as well and as long as they we're. They were
lll-digested schemes and very wasteful, too
with absolutely nothing, save novelty, to COM
mend them. But the THOMPSON Houston ma
chine with the Armington & Sims engine is
unsurpassed In Its economy and its execution.
To this improved method, as well as to the
business qualifications of the managers, is due
the success of the electric illumination in this
city.
The Construction Company, by which the
Hartford or sub-company was established. is
the American Electric and Illuminating Com
pany Of Boston. Managed by experienced
gentlemen, this organization has had phenom-
email success and has deserved it, too. 1t takes
the sting from envy when success is fully
merited. Under the presidency of MIR. Ed
ward III. Golf and with an able board of
directors, including a number OF Connecticut
gentlemen, it has in year and half become
completely established, declaring no less than
twelve per cent. dividend All this is due
to the superiority of the American system
Thompson-Houstonm machine and the Aiming
ton & Sims engine. The company has equipped
valuable stations in many large New England
and Canadian cities, and is constantly enlarg-
ing its usefulness. Having recently added to
its patents and territorial rights it has now for
its field nearly all the country this side the
Mississippi. In view Of the enlarged domain
an issue OF 100000 additional Of preferred
stock has been voted and is now being disposed
of at par.
In the success of the Construction Company
and of its various plants-especially that in
Hartford, of which we speak from minute
acquaintance with the facts-there is o new
augury for the success of ingenuity and perse-
verance in every branch of industry