Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-19


he made full inquiry into the question of
electric lighting, and he had been perfectly
satisfied that the local company cannot fur
Hish public Illumination cheaper with any
Pront. NO human being IN the DistIlc. Oh
Columbia, he declared who uses electric
lights has ever complained of the cost. T..
Mr.. Gallinger called attention to the fact
that at the national electrical convention
held In New York few days ago ten thou
sand electric companies were represented,
and 1t was shown that the average price for
arc lights with overhead wires was All
cents per light per night
MIR. Kyle Breaks In.
THAT is the same sort of argument that
you used yesterday on the gas BILL" ex-
claimed Mr. Kyle, Showing that so many
cities had certain average, when 1t is a
certain fact that in great many cities both
gas and electric lights are furnished more
cheaply."
iii take care of my own arguments" re-
torted Mr.. Gallinger, sharply.
But the argument must not be made to
apply to every situation, for it is not valid "
answered Mr.. Kyle
Nevertheless the fact remains Mr..
Gallinger proceeded. that the average
of 1O.c0O companies is At cents, while here
the price is now 10 cents, and this bill will
reduce it to IS cents"
Il don't care whether 10000 companies
have that average or not" protested Mr..
Kyle. NOR whether they form combinations
to keep up the price l do know that in
131 cities IN this country the average price
per light per year is $50 as against S13S
here, and that the cities that own their
plants get their streets lighted by electric
ity for $26 year per lamp"
This closed the debate on the amendment,
which was then adopted without a divi-
sion.
For New Fire Engines.
Last nights fire came in for more atten-
ton a few minutes later. when the items
for the fire department were reached. Mr..
Hawley offered an amendment appropriate
ing $1,000 for the purchase of two new fire
engines. to be located at the discretion of
the Commissioners
He said it was rather late to get them for
last nights fire. which surely taxed the ca
pacity of the local fire department, but he
thought it was better late than never.
Mr.. German agreed with Mr.. Hawley that
the fire department was insufficient for
city of this great area. Mr. Teller called
attention to the fact that in providing new
fire engines it would be necessary to pro-
vide also for an increase of the force In Or
der to give crews to the engines and at his
suggestion Mr.. Hawiey withdrew the
amendment temporarily so as to perfect it
in this regard.
The school Schedule.
The school schedule went through with
but one change. Mr.. Teller, for the COM
mittee, moved an increase in the amount
appropriated for new two-room building
and site on the line of Connecticut avenue
extended, from 5000 to 10000.
Ffremen's and Police Relief Funds.
When the provision relating to the de-
ficiencies in the police and firemen's relief
fund was reached, Mr.. German offered the
following amendment, to take the place OF
the committees amendment: Provided,
that hereafter the Commissioners of the
District of Columbia are authorized and
y. Eel ha rrnn
the United States out of receipts from fines
in the Police Court a sufficient amount 10
meet any deficiencies in the police and fire
mems relief funds
Last Nights Catastrophe.
THE sad and terrible catastrophe of last
night" said Mr.. German feelngly, 'makes
IT absolutely necessary that provision
should be made at once for the permanent
maintenance Of these funds, as such funds
are kept up in all other cities that are well
governed The brave men who lost their
lives in the fire of yesterday and those who
were crippled must be remembered.
Their families must be cared for by the
risked their lives. 1 hope that this amend
ment will be adopted. and that the Senate
will stand by it, even at the risk Of the loss
of this BILL
The amendment was adopted without di-
vision.
The Charity Schedule.
When the charity schedule was reached
a debate occurred which had been expected
by the members of the committee. Mr..
PIatt objected to the committee amend
meuts and said they would be much better
to leave the matter as the House had fixed
it.
Mr. Teller said that the committee found
great difficulty in dealing with the subject
as IT came from the House. The House
provision was exceedingly sweeping, and
it certainly could not be carried without in
jury TO some of the institutions.
Mr. PETER had the floor arguing against
the committee amendment when The Stars
report closed.