The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-05-10
THE ELECTRIC FRANCHISE.
The Continuation Of the Hearing at
State House.

OtolC IlOuSOs
|. The continuation of the hearing at the
State House yesterday afternoon on the
Narragansett Electric Lighting Com
pany's bill included the following matter;
Col. Van Slyck said that IL there was
found to be another system as good rs the
present the city could not compel the
company to adopt it unless IL would make
money FOR the company, which is radi-
cally different from the Union Railroad
act.
The matter of rate he was not prepared
to discuss at this time. but thought that
the rate paid by city or town per light
should cover the entire expenditure, The
act does not provide for an exclusive
franchise except on the streets already
occupied, but this practically amounts
to an exclusive franchise. The city could
not erect poles and wires for the City
Hall IL it so chose, the individual coula
not cross the street with wires from pri-
vate plant and in short the act is SO hur-
riedly drawn that more time should be
given on this matter.
Mr.. Wilson, chairman Of the commit
tee on judiciary, said that TO wait would
put the committee in an awkward posi-
tion, as the days of the General Assembly
are numbered.
Alderman Burrows protested against
any action being taken till the City Coun-
Gil had acted.
b. N. Iapham was opposed to the 90
years franchise and thought five years was
long enough, and the rate ought not TO be
fixed at per cent. as IL might be worth
much more IN few years. lie Also OPP
posed immediate action because it was the
close OF the session and the committee
was crowded with work.
Mr.. Lapham said he objected to over
five years time.
f. ID. McGuinness objected to twenty
years.
p. J, Mccarthy argued for more time to
consider the matter.
Councilman Clarke objected to the BILL
1t was like compelling people to buy
goods at n certain store.
j. III. Kendrick thought the city should
have sufficient compensation for the use
of the streets. He objected to the 3O-vear
franchise, and said the city should either
light its own streets or share in the
profits OF the company.
Marsden j. Perry stated that the COM
pany had last year earned % per cent,
paid dividend of per cent. on capital
stock OF $500, 900 and put by $4,000.
Mr.. kendrick said that IL the company
five years from now should make 80 per
cent, the CITY should participate in the
profits. At present the city was paying
Sl60 per light. 1t was shown that these
lights are produced for much less sum
elsewhere. The future would doubtles
show much cheaper light. The city has
the City Council desired that the people
should be treated fairly The city should
have a fair chance to consider this bill,
and see that its interests are carefully
looked out for.
Mr.. Angel said it seemed to him the
position taken now was entirely different
that taken by the same gentlemen to-
:, ards the Union Railroad Company.
What did we find after the passage Of that
actl We found the members saying they
were nerfectly- satisfied, Ra-eveH prae--
tically holding out an invitation to the
Narragansett Electric Lighting Company
to present similar act. Was it not to
be supposed that the presentation of an
act similar to that relating to the Union
Railroad Company will be satisfactory to
the city council Have we got to wait
until these discordant branches agree be-
fore we can make our desired improve
ments? We are willing to confer with
the gentlemen, and we do think it unfair
that they should come to this legislature
and ask delay until they can agree upon
some course.
Mr.. NJ. j. Perry said the Lighting Com
pany is obliged to abandon the system Of
incandescents and put in a new system.
Already the company has expended $50,-
100, and has contracts out today for the
building OF machinery.
Mr.. Angel, continuing said: 1t is not
likely that. electrical science will reach
perfection by next winter. Mr.. Lapham
also proposes q five-year limit, yet he
would be unable to find any institution
that would advance US money upon five
years franchise. 1t is for the advantage
OF the public as well as for the company
that this money should be secured at the
lowest possible rate of interest. / am
much surprised at the statement that
absolutely nothing is given by the com
pany to the city. Here the company and
the other corporations have been practi-
cally enjoying an exclusive right, and
now 1t proposes to pay something for 1t.
This is no parallel with the case of the
water works. The company is following
out the theory exactly which was ad-
vanced by the City Council when it
agreed to the Union Railroad Company
act, namely that IL is time the corpora
tions which used the streets OF the city
were taxed. We are ready to meet any
committee of the City Council for the pur-
pose of arranging any details which they
may not thiuk are right. but we do pro-
test against any delay In the matter.
Mr.. Kendrick thought if the company
in time got 20 per cent it would be un-
fair for the city to get only per cent.
James NJ. Ripley suggested that the
company proposed to make 8 per cent.
If coal became cheaper or other things
make the cost less, the charge for lights
would be reduced.
Arthur III. Watson said the gas com
pany proposed TO the franchise committee
TO pay per cent. dividends, keep the
plant In good order and reduce the price
OF gas.
ment to the present bill, limiting the divi-
dends to Sper cent. Mr.. Perry did not
think 1t would be fair.