Middletown transcript., 1893-02-11

what is paid in Middletown, aud
auguars that should we reduce our
rates to about these figures we would
have increased applications for lights.
Newark has population of at
least 500 less than Middletown.
| DR.. I. HI .Gilpin President of the Town
Board ratified Mr.. Letherbury's State
ment, aud gave some valuable informa-
tion.
He was followed by 5. M. Reynolds,
who drew a comparison between the
rates here aud :he rates charged in
Newark.
w. A. Comegys made forcitle I'd
dress in favor of the lights and re-
sented series of resolutions for cOn-
sideration and adoption, which we give
in full as follows:
WHEREAS, The experience of towns that
have established and operate their own
systems OF water and light supplies, and
WHEREAS, The recessarys authority has
been given TO bond this Town Ior The sum
OF ten thousand dollars, provided the
consent thereto OF the tax payers first
being had, and
WHEREAS, The Town Commissioners
have been unable to continue the lighting
Of the streets by electric lamps, except at
such cost as is not warranted, and the
town is thus deprived of the police advan-
tages of lighted streets and the citizens
Of the comfort, safety and econmoy of the
desirable lights afforded to other towns by
the ownership of good electric systems,
and
WHEREAS, The methods Of street light
ing formerly used in this town of kerosene
and gasolene were not satisfactory and as
costly as electricity, and
WHEREAS, 1t is stated that the cost of
supplying water and light can be material
ly reduced by combining these supply
agencies under one management and opera
tion, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That it is the sense OF this
citizens meeting that the best interests of
the town will be served by the issue of
bonds not to exceed the amount authorized
and to appropriate that amount, or SO
much thereof as may be necessary to pro
cure an electric system that shall give
street and domestic lights and be operated
by and with the water supply system,
RESOLVED, that we commend this, our
opinion to the consideration of the tax pay
els as the most satisfactory and reliable
method of reducing the current expenses
of this town and for retiring the bonded
Indebtedness at maturity.
Their adoption was seco nded, but
President Vallandigham stated that
they were open for discussion, where
upon Ex-Governor Biggs, who had
hitherto been silent listener to what
had been going on, quietly arose and
spoke in opposition to the bill.
He was repl ed to by 5. M. Reynolds,
after which vote was taken and the
resolutions passed by an almost unani-
nous vote, the recorded vote being 30
for and l against adoption.
At this juncture, a discussion arose
as to the qualifications of voters, and
it would not be amiss if those who
have doubts on the question to care
fully peruse the act of the legislature
in reference to the lighting by elec-
tlicity, and authorizing the bonding of
our town in the sum of $4,000, which
act was passed May 14th, 1891, and il
as follows:
AN ACT TO PROvI DE FOR LIGHTING THE
TOWN OF MIDDLELowN.
Section l. That "The Town Commits
sioners Of the Town Of Middletown" shall
have power and authority under and by
virtue of ordinance to be passed by said
commissioners, to borrow on the faith and
credit of said town a sum of money not
exceeding ten thousand dollars, and which
shall be applied, appropriated, and .ex-
pended for lighting said town; the said
commissioners shall also have authority to
issue bonds therefor, of such denomina-
tions as they shall deem best. bearing in
terest at rate not exceeding five per
cent. per annum, payable semi-annually
the principal of such bonds shall be made;
payable at such time, or times, not less
than ten, nor more than twenty years from
the date thereof, and in such manner as
shall be prescribed by said commissioners.
The form of said bonds shall be prescribed
by said commissioners, and shall be signed
by the president of the said ''Town Com
missionersr and the treasurer Of said town,
and sealed with the corporate seal of said
town, and shall be exempt from all taxa
ton.
Section 2. That the treasurer of said
town shall, in addition to the security now
required by law, give security for the pro-
ceeds of the aforesaid bonds, which pro-
ceeds shall be kept separate from the other
funds of said town.
Section 3. That the commissioners OF
said town are hereby authorized and en-
powered to establish an electric plant and
conductors, or to erect gas works and lay
pipes, for the purpose Of lighting said
town, and whenever it shall be necessary
or expedient for the said commissioners t.