Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1895-07-04
Electric Lights-Last Call.

On Friday evening West Randolph viii
lage will probably decide definitely
whether or not it will adopt electric light
ink at present. II the decision is adverse
it will quite likely postpone any action in
the matter for two years, at least
The HERALD hopes that the decision
will not be adverse. This village needs
better lights for its streets, stores church
es, halls and homes-especially its streets.
They are dark and lonesome-in sad con-
trast to those Of towns lit by electricity.
Electric lights are worth every cent they
cost. In no place where they run success
fully are people turning back to oil. 9th
err towns all about us have come TO this
idea and it is fact that this village is too
far in the rear OF the procession. No 9TH
or place in Vermont OF the size and i'm
portance OF Randolph is without the
lights. Many villages of less consequence
have them In every case the municipal :
iry that adopted them has been heavy
gamer in Importance and reputation. That
IS something not to be lightly cast aside.
People are quick to note signs OF progress
in any community. The drift of business
and population is always toward progress
siye places. The adoption Of electric lights
here would be a long step forward. 1t
would benefit the town far more than the
mere cost. Such has been the experience
OF every municipality that has installed
the lights.
With kerosene oil costing eighteen cents
a gallon and the prospect almost certain
that the price will be higher, rather than
lower, we can well afford to try system
that promises to be both cheaper and bet
ter. We expect that the cost OF lighting
our streets will be somewhat higher than
at present, but they will be lighted. For
inside use electric lights will be at least as
cheap as oil lamps and far less trouble
some.
We hardly expect any plan will be pro-
posed at the meeting whereby the village
can undertake the work con its own
hook" 1t appears as II the only way to
secure the lights before two years is to ac-
cept Mr.. Princes proposition. We be-
lieve the village can safely do this. He
asks nothing unreasonable. Instead OF
having the village at his mercy he will be
at the mercy OF the village, as he mnst
give good service at reasonable rates in
order to make the business successful.
The lights are not necessity, and there
is no such thing as getting an absolute
monopoly OF all lighting.
The prices will be $50 per arc light OF
1000 G. o., and Sl2 per incandescent OF 80
c. D., both for street lighting. The cost OF
private lighting has not yet been fixed.
At Swanton, Mortified, Morrisville and
Johnson the rates are $3 per year for the
first incandescent OF 16 c. p. and $1.50 for
Others in the same room. Mr.. Prince ex-
poets to get about "a for the first incan-
descent and proportionately for addition
al lights.
Some have expressed doubt as to Mr.
| Princes financial ability to do what he
proposes. We are sure be has good back
| ing and is able to command plenty OF
money for the enterprise. AS to power
the men who are behind him are men who
do not risk big money on uncertainties
II Mr.. Prince puts the lights in, they viii
be as good as the best.
Let us have full attendance and frank
discussion at the Friday evening meeting