Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-03-12
ELECTRIC LIGHTING
A Hearing Before the House Dis
triot 0onpittee Today.
CLAIMS OF TEE POTOMAC COMPANY
Will Be Able to Compete With
Cheap Gas.
MR.. CRosBY's STATEMENTS

MIR. CROSBY'S STATEMENTS
The fight between the rival electric light
companies for the privilege of operating in
this city, which has been waged In the
courts and before the Commissioners, has
been carried to Congress. The Potomac
Light and Power Company appeared before
the House District committee today at
public hearing to ask the passage of bill
authorizing 1t to extend its lines in the city,
The provisions of the bill have already
been published in The Star.
Mr.. CrOsby's Argument.
Mr.. o. T. Crosby of the Potomac Company
addressed the committee in behalf OF the
bill. He said his company had obtained the
rights it now possesses through permits
issued by the Commissioners. His company
Is a consolidation of two companies, and
both were previously in possession of these
rights. He reviewed the history OF the
suits brought against his company, with
which the readers of The Star are familiar.
He said the decision of Judge Bingham, late
ly rendered, operated to discharge the Com
missioners from the power to issue permits
for extending the lines. The charter of his
company was obtained in Virginia two
months ago, and was taken out In Virginia
because the requirements OF the law there
over, the company is doing business in Vir-
GINA, as we'll in the District.
What rights did you obtain in your pur-
chase of Col. Truesdells electric light prop
erty?" asked Mr.. Hulick.
We got the physical property. amount
Ing to about two and quarter miles of
pole lines They were not located within
the limits OF the city proper
Are you operating the lights nOw?'
Abandoned the Street Lamps.
NJ w
There is no appropriation for their support,
and the role of public benefactors weighed
upon US after a months trial"
Mr.. Richardson aided Mr. Crosby's expla-
nation by the suggestion that Col. Trues-
dell had probably operated lights on ac-
count OF his interest in lexington. This
company Is not interested in that real es
tate, and. therefore, did not feel itself
bound to maintain the lights Mr. Crosby
assented to this suggestion.
Passing to the practical features of his
companys plans Mr. Crosby said the ma
chinery for the station house is now being
built at Cramps in Philadelphia, and by
May l the station Is expected to be COM
pleted. Judge Bingham's decision does not
prompt the company using the privileges
II now possesses, but under existing condi-
tions the company is not permitted to sup
ply householder with light from wire
already strung in front of the house.
IN other words. the company is not per
mltted TO enter into any new construction
at all, since that decision was rendered
Mr.. Crosby said his company had no
thought OF stringing overhead wires with
In the city. 1t is recognized that the con-
au,. sS stem Is the only advisable one for
municipal electric lighting. Outside of the
city proper. the bill still authorizes the
commissioners to use their discretion in re-
curing underground conduits.
In order, however, to meet certain de-
mands, the company is willing to accept
requirement that no overhead wires with
IN the nre limits of the city shall be al
iowed. Ihis concession, he said, would be
Association. S
Mr.. Crosby called attention to the feature
Of the bill Which deprived the company of
exclusive ownership of the conduits and
laid them open to the free use of The CITY
or OF any other electric light, telephone
or telegraph company, at a rental approx
mating u per cent Of the cost of the con-
QUITS. He would give the Commissioners
Tree use OF ten square inches, or more, of
the conduits. 1t is also provided that the
city may at later date assume public
ownership of the conduits upon moderate
terms.
Can Compete With Cheap Gas.
IF Congress charters the gas company
that proposes to furnish 75-cent gas, can
you compete with them?" asked Mr.. Bab-
cock.
Yes; the Improvements in station work
In the past few years have put electric
lighting upon different basis and the
plant we are now putting in is far different
pom those built eight years ago." Con-
tlnu1ng, Mr.. Crosby said, for instance the
engine nc W building for his company would
use 40 pounds of coal per horse power
per hour, as against eight pounds Of coal
&C mpany is using.
What benefit Is the public to gain from
our granting you this charter?" asked Mr.
Hulick. All
First, that they will get an extension of
service over an area where 1t is not now
ohtainable," replied Mr.. Crosby. Next
the Commissioners have a call upon us to-
furnish fur l arc lights at 500 year. see that
mr.; Ihomas OF the United States Electric
ment but it is true. He has in the past
told Congress that his COMPANY cannot
furnish arc lights at less than the present
price, but am sure that we can do It. and
bake money"
DO you mean that his ideas are not as
progressive as yours?' asked Mr.. Hulick.
h,,, us IDEAS 1a may oe as good as the angels
Mr.. Crosby said the citizens win get at
least 10 per cent reduction in the cost of
light, and that further reduction is likely 70
follow, through competition.
MIR. Ballinger's Amendment.
Mr.. M. A. Balinger of the Columbia
Heights and Mount Pleasan Citizens, Asso-
cation said he was not opposing this bill.
but desired an amendment to it which will
operate equally in the case of the Tinted
States Electric Lighting Company. The
limits and within the fire limits no over.
head wires shall be allowed except where
| the owners of a majority in assessed values
| Of property in each square fronting ON the
street shall consent in writing.
I'VE will accept that amendment" said
Mr. Crosby.
At this point the hearing came to an end.
It will be resumed next Monday morning at
Electric Light a. Company will present its
side of the case.
-a--i-0
Suit for Property.
Willie m Simmons who held commission
from Presiden ptor, oa ..a....A-..