The morning times., 1895-12-11
CHEAPER LIGHT.

There is not q little significance in the
amplification of the permit granted by the
Commissioners to the Potomac Power and
Light Company. In effect it enables that
concern to enter the field as an active
competitor of the United States Electric
Lighting Company for local patronage.
The last named corporation has, OF course,
begun without delay legal proceedings TO
prevent this, for it, decidedly undesirable
consummation, but it is hard TO believe THAT
the courts will sustain the nionopoIy's con-
tention.
The Potomac Power and Light Company
may not be that ideal corporation-to be
evolved some day, we know not when or
how-which takes account of tie public in
terest before or coincident with its own.
So far as the people of the District are
concerned, however, it is an greeable new
conner if viewed as an entering wedge
into the electric light and gas monopoiies
The District of Columbia pays eXorbitant
prices for lighting the streets. and its
people pay from twenty-five TO fifty Fer
cent more for lighting their stores and dwell
ings than by rights they should.
Looked at from this standpoint the per
NIT granted the Potomac Company must be
regarded by Washngtonians as u bless
ing in disguise, especially if it will have
the effect of bringing down the Washington
Gas Light Company from its high perch.
At the same time il VII! be just US well
not to rely altogether on this alone. 1t
W ill never do fer the people 10 let up in their
fight upon the gas monopoly before Con
gress, and they should hasten to send to
The Times the gas coupons which will
constitute their petition 10 the legislative
body for equitable dealing.
FIRST FLAPDOODLE SPEECH.
The attack of Representative barrett
on Ambassador Bayard demonstrates that
he will develop into a talkatiye and posi-
bly, a popular newspaper statesman. But
before Congress adjourns he will have
learned that it takes something besides
flapdcodle oratory and political bumfoozle
10 make = reputation as conservative, con-
scientious Congressman. His debut yes
tcrday was u little like the envious crow
OF a rooster a the rising sun and il his at
tempt to pull down Ambassador Bayard
was sincere effort he win have to bay a
long time before even his yeIp Will reach
OF that high hfunctionary.
Meantime. the apology OF ex-Speaker
Crisp will not excuse Mr. Ea yard from as
sun!ng the responsibility OF his mistake
in making political speeches while acting
as our representative in England. or
the many able men who have been honored
with that position he was the first to for
get the dignity OF his office in a jealous de-
sire to serve the Democratic party. As
our ambassador, Mr.. Hayard belongs to no
particular party; nor do bis official
duties require the discharge OF any special
political obiigat tions. He is supposed to up
hold the dignity and look after the interests
Of the United States at the sea t OF the British
government, and it was a grave mistake
for him to sully his honorable station by
discussing party politics.
Ambassador Bayard Will not, however,
resign to avoid the consequences rimpea ch-
nent proceedings. Nor will Representative
Barrett find garlands of congratulate tions,
bcdccking the several letters or his name.