The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1890-12-17
BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS.
Lengthy Report by Major Rinehar
on Electric Lighting.

At the meeting Of the board of public works
yesterday, Major Rinehart read an exhaustive
report on the experience of the other cities with
regard to electric lighting. He read extracts
from reports with view TO showing that cities
which owned their own lighting plant effected
al immense saving in the cost. lie proposed
that the city should supply light for a revenue
to commercial houses. He declared that the in
candescent lights were inadequate and yet the
cost was very great, there being almost 700 at a
monthly cost of $225; and ~ arc lights at sl44
year. The cost of a plant would be $4,000 to
$4,000. An arc light costs $50 to SIS year, or say
$50 year. The average of cost where cities own
their own plant is $53; in cities under contract Ii
| is sl03 The reason the companies only show
per cent profit Is that they are continually buy
| ing and extending plants, but charging to OPP
Grating expenses
He said further that the electric companies
refused TO give him information, one saying
| that they did not intend to be led into a share
| He related that the gas company complained of
| oppressive discrimination against them. They
| had not had friend in the council for years,
| and they had been told that they were in bad
| odor. He cited several instances were the cleo
| trio companies had been especially favored by
| the city. officials. He said the electric com
| panies also had their grievances, and talked as
| though they would be better of if the city got
| up and left the country. Ii was certain that
| for some reason the city government is in very
| bad odor with both electric and gas corpora
/ tions. He added that the cost of lighting by
| electricity would not be one-half that OF gas at
/ So cents
| Mr. Heilbron moved that the report be trans
| mitted to the city council.
A letter was received from A. Feek, stating
| that he had contract with the city to build a
| bridge on Weller, from Fifth to Ninth, and
asked extension of time for so long as the city
| impeded the work. Petition granted.
| Mr.. H. Brannigan invited Major Rinehart and
| the corporation counsel TO go out and inspect
| Division street They respectfully declined.
John keenan, offered to move the big rock on
| Madison street for $500. Placed on file.
Communication was received from the council
| directing the attention OF the board TO the ne
cessity for acting upon the application of Chief
| Monroe for improvements to the Jail. Referred
| to Superintendent of buildings
| A communication was read from corporation
| counsel as to the claim of Mr.. E. Shepard for
500 for opening new books for the ater-works.
He thought there might be claim as an order
| had been given by the old council He said he
! had always regarded Mr.. Twichell as an honest
| man. and therefore he supposed the work was
! required He advised the board to inquire
| whether Mr. shepard himself had done more
! than wave his hand over the work with becom-
| ing dignity.
| Mr.. Hebron moved that as the work had been
/ ordered the city should pay the claim.
! Hebron committee OF one.
/ Major Rineharts ms II committee of one, re-
ported as to the condition OF the ordinance for
/ widening Main street: the matter had been an
! tieipated by the action Of the council filed.