Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-12-20


Affects both the comfort and health OF every per.
SON In washington is whether the Gaslight Com.
pany cannot and will not supply TO its customers
o better quality Of light than that now furnished
by it. The fact that there has lately been a nomi.
nal reduction In the price per thousand feet of its
output has nothing TO do with the point involved
In this inquiry. What is needed, and what con-
sumers have the right to demand is an article OF
pasrer end stronger illuminating po,Uer than that
which they now get In spite OF all the of1lcial
certificates and authorized explanations that can
be produced-and they may had In any amount,
for the esktng,-everybO body knows, by sad and ex-
penstve experience, that in ightgiving properties
the gas now furnished, twhen Congress Is not in
SESSION. Is poorer than formerly, and constantly
growing worse, and that, in spite OF the so-caled
reductions In price, 1t costs more at present to
adequately light given apartment or house than
It did when the price was higher, for then the
quality was better. II is In fact almost impossible
now to get from any reasonable number Of burners
suficfent light for ordinary household purposes,
while reading or writing or carrying on any special
work without the aid OF a lamp, is almost out OF
the question.
Now, state Of things like this in city the size
and importance OF the national capital Is simply
intolersble. 1t Is disgraceful, alike to the man.
ayers of the company and those who permit its
legalized robbery OF q helpless community, and
be applied at once. Better gas con be furnished
and II the existing company is not able or willing
70 supply It, then a new company, better qualified
and better disposed, must be allowed to enter the
field and demonstrate what virtue there Is In COM
petition. Hitherto the present monopoly has been
able to keep out opposition by interpreting, among
other objections the argument that the excellently
paved streets OF the city must not be torn up for
The purpose OF lay1ng down new pipes. This pre-
text, II IL had any force at all, would simply
present q choice between two evils. But as
matter Of fact 1t IS not worth considering for
moment. II Is apparent to any observing person
that, between extending its own service into new
quarters and laying down down new and larger
pipes In various parts OF the CITY, the streets are
disturbed as often and as seriously by the pres
ent company as they would be by providing for
the mains and supply pipes OF a new corporation.
But even If that were not so, the objection so as
NduouSly urged against competing company Is
far less than the evils arising from the greed OF
the monopoly which now has its feet upon the
neck OF this community. The tearing up OF
street Is but temporary affair at worst If the work
be properly done under competent supervision, as
II should be, and Affects but comparatively small
number OF persons, for the time being only whereas
pure and good gaslght Is a matter which vitality
Affects the health, eyesight and bodily comfort OF
every person in Washington, whether resident or
visitor.
Gentlemen OF the Senate and House of Represent
attves, shall we not have this great boom to which
we are 50 justly entitled? The remedy is alone I'm
your hands; and without your action to that end IT
Is clear that there can be no relief from the pres
ent expensive and CALLING oppression. Are you for
the people, or against them?