The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1892-02-14
ELECTRICAL STREET CARS.

Electricians tell US it is mistake to
speak OF electricity as the modern force.
1t Is probable we shall never know what it
is; but it is not force and it does not
generate power. 1t is a peculiar agent or
form OF energy, by which any quantity of
| mechanical power can be instantly trans
ferred from prime motor s1ch as an
engine, waterfall or a revolving wheel.
to secondary motor at long distance or
short one. In most cases it acts like
shafting or bslting which conveys the
power but does not generate it. When ap-
| piled to the wheels of railroad car the
power sets them turning, or, when applied
in smaller quantities to electric lights
makes a flame, which of itself is only
form of force.
! The problem Of electric lighting is now
so near satisfactory solution that the
other and greater problem of electrical pro-
pulsion Is engaging the earnest efforts of
experimenters and inventors. The task is
a fascinating one-so fascinating in the
new achievements it is constantly bringing
forth, and the promises it holds out, that
they do not hesitate to declare not only
that II will be successful, but that it will
yield measure of success far surprising
general expectation.
OF electrical propulsion there are now
three systems III use-the overhead, or
trolley system, in which the current is
supplied by wire above the track; the
underground, in which supply con-
ductor is placed in a conduit under
the track, the current being reached
by an arm projecting downward
through slot in the conduit; and the stor-
| age battery, or electrical receiver placed
under the seat of the car and charged at
the terminal stations. All these possess
the common features of q stationary motor
called field magnet" and moving part
called the "armaturen-the current caus-
ing the armature to revolve rapidly and
transmit it TO the wheel axles that move
the car.
With electricians the last named method
is the favorite; indeed they regard it as the
IDEA OF electrical propulsion, although GER
tain objections that have not yet been
overcome have prevented the adoption of
it by railroad men and capitalists. 1t dis
penses with costly conduits and obstructive
| OEeTueau gear, anu makes 0ach Cur an indie
pendent unit, like arallroad laborers' hand
car, exempt from arrangements and acct
dents at the terminus and on the connect
ing wires, and capable of running over
any route without being restricted to the
wired track. The storage battery for
street cars was first introduced in Paris
about ten years ago. The objections that
now prevent its universal adoption are the
great weight of the batteries-about two
tons-and lack of reserve power in an
emergency. If the battery becomes dis
sDled through arrangement. or by accident.
in the middle Of run, the car is brought
to a stand-still and must await the arrival
of help.
All three systems have to contend with
certain difficulties that are not met with on
steam, cable and horse lines. They are
very expensive, aud they work at dis
advantage on up grades, particularly in
bad weather when the rails are covered
with snow and ice. Nevertheless, cleo
tr clans confidently expect to overcome all
these difficulties in time, and supply all the
conditions OF speed, comfort and safety.