Middletown transcript., 1886-03-12
THE EDISON INoANDEsCENT


Following is a description Of the
electric light Of which there has been
80 much talk and which we hope to see
into our town before many
The cost Of lighting private
houses is given, and much interesting
detail. Many who have figured on the
cost say there is very little difference
in the actual cost and when the super
iority of the two lights-oil or electric
ity- is considered the balance is large
ly in favor of electricity.
6 The necessity for an artificial light
which isperfectly steady, which emits OH
noxious gases, which is practically
without heat and which is without
danger to life or property has long been
felt. The Edison system of lighting
fills all these exacting requirements
and is by far the most perfect system
Of artificial illumination at present in
use.
The Edison dynamo or genera tor OF
the electric current produces current
SO weak that the conducting wires can
be grasped with the naked hand with
out the slightest inconvenience. This
current is carried to the lamps through
wires. The Edison lamp consists of a
pear shaped glass globe about four and
q half inches long, exhausted OF air
and containing a filament of carbon
lied bamboo, which becoming incan-
descent by the passage of the current
through it, emits soft mellow light,
absolutely steady and equaling the il
Eliminating power Of a jet of the best
quality of gas. This light being en-
closed in glass can be burnt out in the
open air without being affected by
wind or weather, and not requiring any
protecting casing the full value of the
light can be obtained. Each light can
be turned off or on at will by key
similar to gas, or the whole number
can be lit at once from the electric
light station, thus in town lights saw
ing the expensive daily attendance.
For domestic use the light is unequall-
ed, no heat, no flicker and a light that
will enable us to distinguish the finest
shades of color at night as well as in
daytime. No smoke to disfgure cell
ings and paints and noxious fumes to
vitiate the atmosphere. The electric
station can be placed in any part of the
town without the attending odors and
dangers of gas or gasoline. The light
itself is the safest known illuminent
and the difference in insurance alone
over oil will pay large part Of the
light bill. 1t can by introduced into
cur homes without defacing or tearing
them to peices, and without cost to the
consumer. William s. Heger, Of Will
mington DEL, who represents the Ed
ison company will meet our town
council this evening in reference to
the introduction of the electric light
into Middletown, He proposes to in
terest sufficient capital to start a sta
tion to supply streets, stores, and pri-
vate houses. The company will fur
nish the lights, put the lamps, wires,
and plain fixtures in complete, and
keep the same in repair at no cost to
the consumer beyond a certain rental
per month which will vary from 60
cents to 81 for a ten candle power
lamp per month. This charge will
cover all the expenses to the consumer
and give light that requires no at
tention whatever on his part, any more
than the turning on or off as the light
is desired or not. The Edison COM
pany has large number Of stations
established all over the country inde-
pendent of the plants owned by pri-
vate parties for the lighting of mills
and houses. Wilmington, Chester,
West Chester are in our vicinity. Po-
comoke City is the pioneer plant on
the peninsula. Mr.. Heger is negotiat-
ing with Chestertown and Smyrna for
plants.