New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-09-15
HOW NOT TO DEAL WITH FRANCHISES.

.
Current negotiations in the city of Phadel-
pha give fresh interest to the question of the
proper administration of public franchises. 1t
IS an important and widely discussed question.
Each State and municipality has its answer 10
it. generally unsatisfactory. Each political
party has its views. Each political economist
and social reformer has his individual notion
There is even an attempt to involve the queS'
ton with that of Socialism. though obviously
the two have little If anything in common.
Whether street railroads. for example, shall be
owned and operated by the city or by private
corporations is matter which makes neither
for nor against Socialism any more than it
makes for or against the binomal thcorem.
For all public franchises belong, as matter
of course. to the public. and the only question
is whether they shall III administered by the
representatives of the public or leased or other
wise transferred to private or corporate con.
troll
\ mere recaptulation Of the measures taken
for the administration or disposal of public
franchises would forn an Interesting study. In
most countries the common highways are now
under public control. though in some parts prl-
vatc turnpicS and tollgates still exist. In Con
tinenal Europe railroads largely belong 10 the
State while here they are owned by corpora
lions. London is supplied with water chiefly
10y private companies. while Ncw-Iork and
/ most American cities own their own water
works. Throughout the world the mails are
carried by governments; but while in some
countries telegraphs ana telephones are also
under government control. in OILERS. as here
they belong 10 private corporations. Some
British cities have tried the scheme of munich
pal tramways and gas and clccric-light works
with much success, while in most American cit
les all these are committed To private enter
prise.
Perhaps the most conspicuous exception 10
the lasl-namcd rule is that which is just now 50
much in evidence. The city of Philadelphia
OWNS and has long operated It's own gaswork..
land thereby hangs ii tale" II would bc tedious
and not TO the present point TO rchearse IN"
full story of Philadelphia gas. There have
been scandals connected with the department
and a widespread belief that il was manipu-
lated by politicians for personal and partisan
advantage. But its present status is more 10
the purpose. The city government has decided
10 lease the works for a term Of thirty years
10 some private corporation This action
seems 10 have been taken al the instance Of
politicians and Spectators, rather than AT the
wish Of the people. the latter being apparently
/ somewhat lEulUcleEt 10 me whole BUSINESS.
But now there is scramble 10 secure the
lease. Several powerful competitors are in
the field. bidding against each other They are
backed with much capital, and with much ''po.
ltical influence " And II is stated that the in.
cident and IT'S determination will prove q power
full factor hereafter in local ami State politics
I The character of the state Government and
of the States representation in the National
Government may BE- decided by the result Of
this contest Nothing could he more scanda-
lous II these men can afford 10 make bids OF
many millions of dollars for the lease Of the
gasworks for thirty years one of TWO things
is evident. Either they expect 10 make manV
millions Of dollars profits or they expect to Use
the public lighting system for improper political
purposes. II the former bc the case il is a
grave question whether il would not be- 10 ,h,
advantage Of the city 10 retain control of 81
prohtable n concern; for W. may he sure the
bidders confidently hop. to mako for themselves
greater profits than tn" rental they will nav the
city. But If the latter be- the ease il Is dHictu,
10 conceive anything worse than that a munici-
patty should deliberately farm out one of ifs
greatest franchises 10 a corporation in order
That the latter may use il as political ma
chine" Philadclphians and all Pennsylvanians
Will do well TO keep close watch upon the
negotiations for the gasworks of the City Of
Brothery Love