Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1896-04-17
INTERNATIONAL.
LONDON, ENGLAND.

Th e DEVELOPMENT and Practicability
of Municipal Ownership In
Grent Britain.
London Justice, organ of the Social
Democratic Party, publishes the follow
ing interesting item under the caption
s.What Can be Done by Town Coun-
cilss' Usually, Justice says, when
Social Democrat advocates the acquisi-
ton and direct control by the municipality
of all public services, such as tramways,
gasworls, etc., he is met by two kinds OF
opposition-either he is told that like all
his theories and suggestions it is impractic-
able, or that these schemes, never having
been tried before, we should be very care
full how we 20 to work, otherwise we may
by our rash experiments further distress
the already heavily laden ratepayers by
large increase in the rates.
Now, purpose showing that in the first
place our proposals are practicable, in the
sense that some municipalities have already
adopted them, and in the second. so far
from the acquisition of public services in
creasing the rates, the profits accruing from
the municipal ownership have been used to
subside the rates.
If we turn to Birmingham we find thai
the Town Council in 1874 municipalized its
gas supply. Under the terms proposed,
and eventually embodied in the act of Par
lament, the corporation were to pay the
sum of f450, 600 for the property of the
Birmingham Gas Light and Coke Company,
and annuities of 10 per cent to the share
holders of the Birmingham and Stafford
Gas Light Company on 9320, 600 of its cap
ital and Z per cent on 1850, 200 making in
all an annual charge Of e5s, 600. These an
nuities represent the maximum dividends
which had been paid on the two classes OF
stock. In spite of this heavy charge profit
of g94, 1872 was made the first year. In 1889
the surplus amounted to 970, 397 on the
year. working Besides this the price has
been reduced, the average net price charged
by the two companies in 1873 was IS. Id. and
next year it was reduced to IS. 10d. and in
1887 to 2s. I'd. In 1889 an eight-hour day
was conferred on the workmen employed
by the Gas Committee numbering from
/ 500 in summer to over Q, 900 in winter.
In 1874 Birmingham also municipalized
its water, and in 1878 ''the improvement
scheme, was initiated. This was a direct
outcome of the Artisans Dwellings Act
of 1875. A large area Of slum property in
the heart of Birmingham was condemned,
bought by the Corporation, pulled down,
and artisans dwellings erected, which
were let at IS 3d. per week. Side by side
with these important improvements, baths
have been established, markets acquired,
art galleries built, and large areas OF open
spaces have been obtained. Notwithstand-
ing these improvements, the rate to-day
| is fraction lower than in 1853. 1t was
then 3s. Sd. in the pound, in 1878 it was
IS. 3d., and in 1898 it was 3s. said.
In Manchester, also, the water, gas,
tramways, electrical light and markets are
owned by tho corporation seven municipal
baths have been erected in different parts
of the city, two of which can be turned into
gymnasia for the winter.
In Glasgow, as a consequence of the
municipalization of the tramways, the men
employed have obtained shorter hours and
and better wages; they have also been pro-
vided with uniform; better cars and
cheaper fare have resulted. Passengers
can now travel mile for a halfpenny; in
longer distances the fares are proper
tionately cheaper, ride Of three miles
costing only penny.
The municipal laundries are also very
successful. It was intimated that in 1890
81 the linen of 8, 200 families was washed in
them, besides large amount washed by
the Corporation employees. At present,
however, it is cramped for room, and the
Council contemplate wide extension.
Bradford, Leeds, and Huddersfield might
also be mentioned as having taken over
their tramway systems.
The contention that the acquisition Of
public services by the municipality is prac'
ticable is borne out by the evidence, since
the best proof of any scheme is to see it
in operation OF its desirability there can
be no question. Surely it is far better fol-
the public to have in its own hands these
important services than to leave them in
the ha dis of few monopolists who may,
il they choose, use their monopoly to i'm
pose on the public without giving an
| adequate return. From working class
point of view, it is most important That
the working class should obtain control Of
all public services, and having done 80,