Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1890-08-15
The City Fathers Meet in Solemn
COnclave and Attempt to
Solve It.
Representatives Of the Electric and
Gas Systems Each Submit
a Solution.
A Special Committee Appointed to
Investigate the Merits Of
Each Proposition.
Electricity or Gas

Some time ago the Bismarck electric
light plant shut down. 1t was claimed by
tile company that the support was not suf-
fcient to maintain the plant, but the gen.
eral impression-and it is probably true
} tlat the management, rather than the pat
ronage, was at fault. It is an old saying
that there's no great loss without some
small gain. That's the situation in Bis
@marck to-day, after being without light for
three months. The city is now offered a
better prOposition-or rather two PROPOSE
tions-than it ever had before and if either
proposition is accepted Bismarck
Will nave light at a minimum
cost as compared with other cities.
Judge Palmer represents a new3patent
gas, while MIR. DeCelle represents the
Thompson-Houston electric light company.
Both gentlemen appeared before the SDe-
cial meeting of the city council last evening
and made propositions IN writing except
appear in the council proceedings in an
othern colum. There is difference of
opinion among the citizens OH this light
question, out before an intelligent conclu-
sion can be reached as to the superior
merits OF either system, a further investi-
CATION of the gas question must be had.
For this reason the motion of alderman
Kihm that a special committee of two be
appointed to 20 to Minneapolis to investi-
gate the new gas vas timely and pat.
We know what electricity is, for
we have tried. Before deciding upon a
change to gas it is we'll to investigate thor
ooughly., What we want is the best light
cheapest light, but the best light for the
money paid, all things being considered
efficiency, heat, effect upon insurance,
safety, etc. Let the light question be
closely studied before a conclusion is
reached. The mayor and council and city
attorney listened to the arguments and
propositions of both gentlemen who desire
to obtain a light franchise. They have but
one object in view and that is to do what
is best. Their Judgment will be accepted
by the people. One thing is certain-the
propositions are both good. Let us have
The proposition of Judge Palmer for gas
was as follows:
For city lights-tifty lamps, not less than
fifteen to the mile, 1876 per annum.
For private individuals 1000 TO 10000
cubic feet lconsmmption, SLIP per 1000
Sl.25; over $4,000, 81.
The proposition of Mr.. DeCelle for cleo
trio lighting was as follows:
Arc lights, 1900 candle power, Philadel-
phia all night moonlight schedule, $3.50
per light per month-ten lights.
MiuIlSlC, IIllauclpnld schedule SlU.Go
per light per month.
All night service $500 per light per
month.
Maximum price for ten candle power in
candescent lights for private use ~ cents
per light per hour.
Judge Palmer for gas wants a twenty
year franchise.
Mr.. DeCelle, for the electric light, wants
ten year franchise and offers a reduction
of 10 per cent. On the price for the second
5-year period.
For the city's use the fifty gas lights will
cost 81, 750 per n and for ten arc cleo
trio lights $1,250 per annum. The ques-
ton to be decided is which, is the best?
The relative merits OF the two systems of
lighting was discussed by the two repre-
sentatives of the lighting companies and
the council is left 70 judge.