New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-03
DANGERS OF ELECTRIC LIGHTING.


EX-GOVERNOR CORNELL EXPLAINS HOW THE
ARC LIGHT CIRCUITS COULD BE MADE SAFE
Ex-Governor Alonzo b. Cornell recently wrote
letter TO Mayor Hewitt suggesting that the use OF
high tension circuits in connection with electric lights
should be prohibited In the interests OF public safety
The publication of the letter stirred up breeze among
the electricians who attending their convention
In this city, and led to the adoption OF resolutions
opposing the suggestion
A reporter of The Tribune called upon Ex-Governor
Cornell yesterday at Yonkers and asked him what
was his object in making the suggestion.
Because replied the Ex-Governor, the high
tension circuits dangerous TO the lives Oh CUR
citizens and their property"
But It has been stated that the electric light
currents have really only killed four people IN TINS
city, and that this is small sacrifice to make Tor
such a brilliant Illumination"
8" ! not aware how many have pecn killed py
tho electric circuits. Can you tell me who they
were n asked Mr.. Cornell
"No; they We're not persons Of any prominence"
Suppose that instead Of one of these four MI
Astor, Mr. Vanderbilt Mayor Hewitt had Deeh
killed by accidental contact with an electric WIRE
do you suppose that we should still be discussing the
question Of what should be done with these nigh
tension circuitsi 1t seems to me that one reason
why the public are little Informed in regard to the
details Of the management Of the electric circuits Is
that the victims have been obscure persons
some people contend that II IS Impossible 10 nave
the lights without the high tension currents -
that your opinion ~
Undcr their present systems the electric light com
panies many lights upon single circuit. Or
of economy they find II advantageous 10 make
the number Of lights upon one circuit AS large a.
possible. II the number OF lights one circuit were
sufficiently limited the danger would DC removed
Then you think II possible and practcanie 10 nave
lights without endangering human lie g.
Certainly, and OF quito as high Illuminating power
as those now in use, but might cause some
in the dividends paid 10 stockholders" 80, -,
1T is conceded that high tension currents will kill
what Is your remedy n
ain my opinion tho surest, safest and only I'M
medately available remedy IS the enactment OF iaW
by the Legislature which shall absolutely prompt mo
use Of Of such high tension as VIII chdahgcr
human life and property"
a" Would such law prove efectveF'
If Il provides adequate penalties by ming anu I'M
rrisOnment and is executed by honest intelligent ana
energetic officials It will prove abundanly enecuve
= Under such a law would people be abe 10 eet
arc lights at aDything approxlmatnG INC peSohe
ratrs ?" -. .
"Tnat is a question for experts. | am not pre-
pared al this moment answer IL But IL seems 10
me the matter Of cost is of little consequence com
pared with that of saving human life. The compan
les would have TO fewer lights on cfcul', am
that would Increase their expenditure, buy i u'nk
that IL will not materially affect their eXpendltuIe
DO you think il possible 20 render heH 'cHS'o"
circuits safe for general lighting = .,,
believe that the electricians VIII improve ,h'i
systems and render them less dangerous, pt M II
while the community ought not to De suDJoo'ou !"
the present menace to lie and property"