The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-28
THENEW LIGHT FOR THECITY
A General Expression Fayors the Propo-
sition to Use an Electric System.
Their Attention to the Needs OF Indian
apolis for Better and Brighter Light.

The opinion seems to be growing that the
electric-light agitation this time has something
to back it, and that it is only question of time
when the city will be lighted by that means.
There is a unanimity the point that the city
has been paying much too large a sum for its
light, and also that illumination by electricity
would De thing desirable for more than
reason. Most persons who have given the mat
ter attention think that electricity would not only
furnish the streets with much superior illumina-
ton, but that it would also be saving invest
ment A Journal reporter, interviewing quite
a number of citizens on the question. found
them all taking lively interest in the discus
sion going on in the papers, and
among councilmen and alderman. AID
Wright says all the information
that has been collected shows that the .Journal
is right in this matter. "I don't blame the gas
company for getting all it can he said.
THAT'S business; but the people are waking mp
to the fact that theyshave been paying out too
much money for this thing, and that it can be
done by electricity not only more satisfactorily
but also cheaply. With proper adver-
Using we will have plenty OF bids, plenty of COM
any in the country. The aldermen's action
Monday night right We must have a
duction in this heavy item of expense. very
material one, too, and it seems to that the
electric light is the way TO bring it about
John S Spann thinks electricity is the light
for the city; Its the thing and we are going
been through big fight and it has helped us.
Let us have the electric light by all means"
W. Chapman agent of the American Electric
light Company, says the people bec oming
interested in this matter. 1T was the question
under discussion all the way down to town
the street-car this morning" he said. 1T seems
to me that it Is only question of figures. Every
one con edes the superiority OF electricity as
light. and if it can be secured cheaper why not
take it'll In no other line of business would
there be any hesitation IN acting under such
circumstances Are lights TO the number of
300, of 2, 900 candle power. would give five
times as much light as We are now get
matter. and i think thorough investigation
By the Council would verify my opinion"
Judge Martindale thinks that a system of cleo
trio lights would give brilliant light and would
certainly be attractive feature. with the
Introduction of natural gas" he continued. II
think tho cost of furnishing electric lights would
be materially reduced. We can certainly lightthe
city at lower figure than any city around
It's good move and would do Us good just at
present"
gentleman well posted on the subject made
the following statement: CAL the electric-light
companies looking this matter up The
American, the Jenny. the Thompson s. Hous-
ton companies are especially active There is
no question but the electric is the light of the
future. In number OF cities the tower system
Is in use in others the pole, in some the lights
suspended by wire. The latter method has
proved most satisfactory the tower system is
regarded with least favor of all. The main
question in electric lights is to utilize all OF it.
In q great many cities great part of the light
produced is lost This is the chief objection to
the tower system. Natural gas will not cut as
big a figure IN lighting streets by electricity
as some think 1t would be good thing to
light the business part of town, it would make
the city attractive, but the question of going
into the outer part of town is a debatable one"
'fThe city will be little difficult Co light
said citizen-s'more so than many other places,
because our streets wide and we have a great
many shade trees. Still that difficulty is not
great one. but all these things must be consid-
cred when we decide this matter. Albany N
Y. is one of the best lighted cities in the coun-
try, and it is lighted by electricity. The reason
for its fine showing there is because of the mar
rowness of the streets. Still the proper amount
of lights would make good a showing here"
Gen. Fred Knefier said that electricity
the coming light and that Indianapolis ought 70
have it. Elk Mayor Caven was of the opinion
that 1t was only question of time when gas
must be superseded There Is absolutely no
comparison between the system of lighting by
gas that have and what might have
BY electricity. Everybody will soon see it, and
there will be change.