New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-01-23
ELECTRICAL INVESTIGATION.
MR.. ERWIN BRINGS THE SUBJECT BEFORE
THE STATE SENATE
HE OFFERS A RESOLUTION DIRECTING A STAND
ING COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ELEC-
TRICAL METHODS IN USE IN THIS
STATE.

FROM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNHf
Albany. Jan. Ex-senator Erwin introduced IN the
senate day the following resolution, prefaced by
long preamble. concerning the deaths caused by the
live7 and dead wires Of the electric lighting com
panies:
Resolved, Therefore, that the Committee on General
Laws OF the Senate be and hereby is authorized ana
directed undertake and prosecute investigation OF the
methods employed in furnishing electricity Tor ghhs
and power purposes conducted in the various cities
towns villages STATE other objects and
matters connected with said business ana necessary
investigated for full and proper consideration there
Of and report TO the Senate or before April J. ls'o
such recommendations As said committee may deem proper
for information and guidance Of the Senate In framing
such legislation be deemed necessary Tor puohe
safety That said committee Is authorized TO summon
witnesses and examine them under oath to SEND Tor anu
examine books and papers and to hold meetings al Such
and places to such committee seem requisite
and proper and said committee is hereby authorized 70
employ such experts and senographcrs be requisite
enable them thoroughly to prosecute the inquest hfh
provided for
senator Cantor the Democratic leader opposed the
resolution g. am opposed to this resolution SAID
he. although sympathize with the public desire to
put an end to these terrible deaths by electricity Yet
l think we should not appoint any more investigating
committees Every day now secs some attempt TO
put the hands of the Legislature into the state Treasury
by the appointment of an investigating committee win
power 10 appoint counsel and stenographcr Perhaps
had better authorize all the standing committees u
start any investigation they please with an army OIL
lawyers and stenogapherS7
senator Erwin earnestly pressed his resolution
Every aware Of the reasons for the inVcstga
ton authorized by the resolution. The newspapers
demanding investigation in order that the
people might understand the nature Of the deadly force
which deprivng many people of life 1t
seemed to him il the very city which senator cantor
represented, New 0rk, especially desired such a. IN
yc>tisa,ion. He had not provided f9f counsel IN
the resolution, but merely for the employment oi an
expert electrician. Ny intention said senator
Erwin, It's 70 have an eminent expert ~ order tIal
the Committee on General Laws MAY hc guided arSlt
in making their investigation Perhaps ! overIaie
the necessity for this nvcStigatiOn but IL does seem
to that danger turks wherever electricity Is used
senator sloan expressed d"uttS ~ t. the adNl>a-
hltv Of making The investigation suggested by
senator Erwin. The expense would be consider
able In his opinion il might be better 10 appoint a
state Electrical Commission. al the danger OF electric
lighting being well known and the factor needed
being control Of the lighting 30 as 10 prevent II
destroying life
senator Erwin said that In view OF the difference
Of opinion disclosed regarding the resolution he would
have il laid the table for day TINS was done