The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-08
QUESTION OF CITY LIGHT.

The fact that the present rate at which gas is
furnished by the city is ground of increasing
dissatisfaction to very large number of our
people would go to show that the gas works,
as operated by the municipal corporation, are
not now fulfilling as they should the only pur-
pose for which they were established, name
ly, the public advantage.
The mere suggestion that the city should have
an electric plant of its own when it already
has gas works in active operation. is prac-
teal acknowledgment that under existing cir
cumstances, the gas works are unsuccessful
1t is an admission that gas as furnished by the
city cannot compete with electricity as fur
nished by private companies as a means Of
illumination ON account of the greater cheap
ness Of the latter agency. 1t is entirely prop
er therefore that our municipal authorities
should be seriously considering the question
as to what shall be done, whether to establish
an electric plant to belong TO the city or TO
yield the field 10 private corporations.
We have on previous occasions mentioned
the general grounds of objection to the estab-
lishment by the city of an electric plant of
its own; namely, the interference with the
competitive rights of private companies and
individuals, the enlargement of the cir
Gle of unnecessary officeholders, the diver
sion Of a large amount of public money
which can be expended to more advantage in
other public improvements, and the imposition
upon the people of an additional form Of pa
ternal government.
In opposition to this. il has been alleged
that it has always been found that the city
can furnish means of lighting more sati-fac-
torily than private company. Because this
was the case in the instance of gas, il does
not follow tina. ii will also be the case in the
instance Of electricity. There are for obvious
reasons much wider field in this city for
competing electric light companies than there
is for competing gas companies. Electric
light companies are organized not only for
the purpose of illumination. but also for the
motive power which they supply. The sphere
OF utility for gas never extensive at any time,
is rapidly contracting. while the sphere Of
utility for electricity is with far more rapidity
expanding.
As Richmond grows in population its peo-
pie will have an increasing number Of electric
light and power companies seeking their
patronage, and the rates at which these CON-
panies will supply both light aud propulsive
force will in consequence. be brought to the
lowest point by the operation Of competition.
II would seem that the right policy for the
city under the circumstances now exist
ing to pursue is % throw open the field
TO competing electric light companies. The
more numerous they are the more II is to be
desired. The gas works, as they now
stand can never become wholly useless
unless illumination by electricity grows more
reliable than II is at present. Even If the city
were to establish an electric plant of it's own
the gas-works property would decline in value
almost TO the same degree that ii would II out
side parties were competitors with the city
fu that line instead Of the city itself in its
electric plant. The eaA-works, therefore,
must become dead property in certain mea-
sure under any circumstances. but that they /.
viii fall even IL the city should continue TO
hold them. into complete disuse. Is, a. we have
stated, altogether improbable.
Shall the city to retain the income which Il
has been deriving from this source, 20 to the
expense Of establishing an electric
'lars Of It's own. o. shall Il give up this in