The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1889-03-14

nation he desired. If he wishes person.
Il explanation will gladly accommodate
lim, but in print it would only lead to more
feeling. Mr.. Holcomb says that Mr.. Sey-
mour cloudy declared that the Gas Co.
would and did sell more gas than ever
statement was made before the electric
lights were started, therefore we did not
sell more. If he will leave out the ''did"
will say those were my views. In my in
vestiSations of the electric light business it |
was universally conceded that the con-
sumption of gas was increased for the rea
sons given by Mr.. Holcomb. This has been
discussed by the company, the only ques-
ton to be decided is, will Ravenna prove
an exception to the rule? Time will tell
how our expectations will be realized.
1t seems to me that the opinion looming
from a worthy business man" to the effect
that he does not favor '.freeztng out the
Gas CO.., has great deal of force. Ad-
mitting the increased demand for light, if
the council enter the lighting field and
obtain the number of consumers that the
Mayor thought they could, it would take
all the Gas Co. have and large number of
new ones. Our street lamps used about 35
per cent of the output. With this taken
from us the only hope to make it profitable
| to furnish gas for private use was that the
increased demand for light would in the
course of time bring our output up to what
it had been when the street lamps We're
used. We hoped by joining the two lights
we could make fair investment on our
money. The two can be worked together
at much less expense than independently.
A better and cheaper service to the public
will be the result.
| Mr.. HOlcomb dwells at length on the
fact that propositions were not presented
to him and states how fairly he wished to
treat us. This last fact never dawned on
us until now. From conversations with
him thought it case of ''Shylock and his
Pound of Flesh" Had dreamed that he
felt so kindly to us would most certainly have
asked the directors to ratify two PROPOSE
| tions that / drew. One on the electric part
and the other for an all-night service for
part of the lamps.
In regard to the position in which the
city will be placed in case the vote is
against the ordinance, would say the direc-
tors will place in the hands of the lighting
committee scale of prices at which they
would light the city for one or five years,
either midnight or all night. Then if the
decision is to have the light,a legal contract
can be executed. We have a list of the
prices charged in quite number of cities
of our size and larger, which is at the ser
vice of the council.
| Mr.. HolcOmb suggests a lecture to the
Gas Co. "Honorably Stand by your Agree
ments." Would it not be well TO add
Making of Agreements" and invite His
Honor to be present, as a good discourse
ON the subject might be useful in futu i,
years. In regard to the business transac-
tions connected with the whole matter, am
ready to submit my share to the decision of
any three business men, when all the facts
1 oAO uhuClStOOu ShOuIu ildNO LO ICdI a.
to their verdict. Being a member of the
| Gas Co., have refrained from giving my
| views on the subject of buying. Argu-
mentS on that point should be made by
those who are interested only as citizens
and taxpayers. They can look at both
sides and determine what will be best for
the general interests of the city. With the
case presented fairly to the people, am will
ing to abide by their decision.
If any of our fellow citizens wish infor-
nation as to the cost of gas and electric
| light in cities the size of Ravenna and lar
ger, shall be pleased to furnish list that
| they may be fully informed on this subject.
Let both sides of the subject be discussed,
that when decided it will be for the best
future welfare of the city.
Mr.. Editor, in conclusion will say when
| this controversy is settled as far as the in
| tereStS of the city and Gas Co. are con-
| cerned, shall meet Mr.. Holcomb on perso-
nal grounds. If through a misunderstand-
ing l have done him any injustice, will
frankly admit it. AS he is a gentleman.
shall expect the honorable treatment from
him. We are personally liable for our acts
and the fact that we have acted in official
| capacities should not and will not shield
either of us, if we Intentionally injure the
other.
Thanking you for your courtesy i'm allow
ing us space in your valuable paper to
state our side of the case, will close
ii. ID. SEYMOUR.