The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1892-06-29

Inv eAAoahhiSy "Ath WhASh tAO SOhi-
mon council passed the bill granting the
PROVIDENCE Gas Co. an exclusive
twenty-year franchise is an eloquent
comment upon the educational value of
the past years discussions on franchise
matters in general. The idle talk which
has been so extensively INDUCED in by
the opponents of the franchise has only
served to prove the weakness Of their
position and confirm the opinion of the
citizens that exclusive franchises, If
properly drawn, are not only expedient
bat equitable to all parties concerned.
In regard to the Providence Gas Com
pany Mr.. John E. Kendrick made some
points last evening which sum up the
arguments briefly and are worthy of
careful thought by the Board Of Alder
men, who now have to pass upon the
measure.
First-In regard to the price of gas
Mr.. Kendrick showed that of forty-three
cities in Massachusetts, in only one,
Lowell, was the price less than here,
while the average price of gas in these
cities is $2.1e per thousand. The price
in Lowell is less because of the
close grouping of large mill con-
sumers, requiring but small plant
for an enormous output Of gas. OF 1872
cities in 36 States only IA cities pay less
than PROVIDENCE for gas, and of those IA
cities 13 are situated in the coal mining
district. The average price of gas in
those 192 cities per thousand is $1.92. In
PROVIDENCE it is $1.3O. When in addi-
ton to this it is remembered that by the
terms of the franchise the gas company
cannot increase its price above the pres
ent figure, regardless of the cost of coal,
labor, or other items of cost of produc-
ton, it seems plain that the company
will not be able to charge exorbitant
rates for gas.
Second-As to the record of the COM
pany and the need of limiting its sur
plus, the franchise provides for no more
than an 8 per cent. dividend, and a rea-
sonable surplus. All the rest of the
earnings are to be devoted to lessening
the price of gas. The gas company was
recently compelled to expend 100000
for repairs when the city's water main
system was changed. Last year over
$3.50, 900 was expended for improve
ments, both facts showing that the
company is progressive and willing to
do what is right.
Third-Our gas company's service Is
above the average, as proved by the
fact that the construction is of such
quality as TO prevent leakage, and hence
causes very little tearing up of streets.
The leakage in only IA of the 43 cities
mentioned above is less than in Provi-
dence, and in 20 il is greater. In the
old Citizens Gas Company, which many
have cause to remember, the leakage
was 80 per cent. and the streets were
constantly torn mp because of need of
repairs.
The candle power of the lights in nine
of the forty-three cities of Massachusetts,
was greater last year than in PRovI-
DENcE and in thirty-two Of those cities
it was less. The present candle power
of PROVIDENCE lights is twenty, while
the general average is about sixteen.
Fourth--No charge is made here for
meter rent as in many cities elsewhere.
If this charge were made at about the
averge rental II would have cost the con-
suners nearly sl7, 500 last year for this
item alone.
Little need be added TO the above ont
line. 1t is at once good evidence that
the common council has members who
look at all sides Of matter in question
and that the conclusion arrived at last
night seems to have been warranted by
existing conditions.
e