Evening star., 1896-12-22
The Electric Lighting Middle.

There appears to be a lack of harmonious
understanding between Congress and the
Commissioners with regard to the electric
lighting question, as evidenced by two
events OF yesterday. While the Senate was
debating a proposition directing the Com
missioners to postpone the granting Of
conduit permits the Commissioners were
signing the document that allowed one of
the rival electrical companies to open the
streets for cables. The Senate District
Committee is under orders TO inquire into
the exact status of the electric lighting con-
tracts but nothing has been accomplished
In that line. Meanwhile the Court of APP
peaIs has refused to enjoin the Commits
sioners from entering into contract with
the Potomac Company, the Commissioners
have signed the document and. as stated.
have granted the permit necessary for car
rying out the terms of that contract. Yes
tcrday somewhat unusual proposition was
advanced in the Senate. and, after a brief
hut breezy debate, was referred to the
District Committee. In effect that resolu-
tion containing the only definite proposition
low before the Senate. requests" the COM
missioneIs to refrain from issuing permits
to the Potomac Company until some action
is taken by Congress regarding the con-
struction Of general subway system; and,
taking cognizance of the probable crowding
of the city at Inauguration time and con-
templating the need for extra lights in
streets and parks. requests the Commits
sioEers 20 issue permits for this service to
the United States Company. provided that
company will undertake to furnish this
special lighting free CT charge, as part
compensation for previously granted privi-
leges.
h taI-a ;v,f1 ,,i.v
ton the rivalry existing between these two
companies, and seeks not only to prevent
one OF them from securing foothold east
of Rock Creek, but to recognize the other
as the legal occupant of that field. 1t IS
questionable whether Congress can equita-
bly, require either company to go to the eX-
pense of providing special service gratui-
tously during the inauguration, lin part
compensation for privileges heretofore con-
ieFre1 upon II by Congress-" And to ac-
cept such service would, perhaps, place
Congress and the District practically under
embarrassing obligations to this company
Notwithstanding the reference to 'compen-
sation" for prior grants.
There are three possible courses to be
followed in regard TO this matter of light
ing the city by electricity: Divide the ser
vice geographically between rivals in order
to prevent unnecessary and disturbing par
aIleis; grant to one company the exclusive
right TO the use of the streets for wires
and thus create a monopoly: or take the
service out of private hands and light the
city by a municipality controlled plant.
leaving the rivals to fight for the COM
mercial business under severe but sensible
restrictions on the use of the streets for
subway purposes. To the end that one or
ar other of these plans may be definitely
adopted, Congress and the Commissioners
should be sure this winter to reach a plane
OF harmonious cooperation that will bring
these misunderstanding and cross-pur-
poses 10 a close