The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-09-27
THEY WANT A
CITY ELECTRICIAN
Subcommittee on Water Recon-
mends Such an Office.
TO DISCOVER ELECTR0L0SIS.
The CITY Ordinance In Respect 10 the
Proper Adjustment Of Trolley
Tracks TO be strictly In
forced in Future.
TO DISCOVER ELECTROLOSIS.

The subcommittee on water met IN the
City Uau last night with Mcsars. Mills'
chairman. and Culchins present. Mf.
Montgomery being the absentee.
This committee was appointed for inc
purpose Of inquiring into and reporting
upon Tho effects of olcctroIoais on the
water mains Of the city. arising from the
spread Of the electric huid from disloint-
cd connection wires OF the city railways.
Superintendent Boiling stated that he
had asked the city Attorney and super
intendcni Thompson OF the electrical de,
partmont 90 attend tho meeting in order
10 give their Views OF the matter lie
insianccd several cases Of tho injury 10
water pipes arising from tho electric huif
that goes ont from the wires and tracks.
Ic SAID that the only remedy SO far dis
covered was where the double trolley was
in use.
case was mentioned in which four
months time occasioucd repairs 90 new
pipes that had been affected by electric
sty. The electric companies have paid for
these repairs and the city Attorney
stated 80 AS his opinion that the COM
panies were liable for the damaso ocoa-
stoned.
CURRENT on MULE CAR TRACKS.
Mr Boiling had made an examination
On Broad street above Jefferson and
found that there was a strong current or
electricity on tho mule car tracks. and
the current on The Traction tracks was
stronger between Seventh and Broad
streets and Hancock and Broad than az
any other point which he attributed 10
the fact that the Clay street line made
G circuit by crossing Broad and Seventh
end again az Hancock.
Letters from various cities were read
n rIa.s. .f. ~
responsibility. and not one Of them failed
20 state that the trolley companies were
held responsible.
IN reply 90 a question superintendent
Thompson stated that a thorough insula-
ton of the double trolley system would
prevent electrOl0sis. He cited the danger
that had been threatened tho Brooklyn
Bridge by the use of the overhead trolley
and electricians came TO The rescue. with
the result that the double trolley system
superseded the single wire.
THE CITY ORDINANCE.
MT Boiling read the city ordinance on
The subject. passed IN 1896. prescribing the
manner I'm which the rails shall be con-
nected an such manner as 90 conduct the
current along the track u1 "a perfect mani
ner. and putting "a penalty Of not less
than sos nor more than $500 for each
days Violation of the ordinance lie said
that neither company had complied with
the ordinance ana 10 do SO would entail
considerable expense az this time.
Mr. Pollard Thought ~ that were the
fact the companies should be amcnable
20 the ordnance.
AR. Boiling suggested that the sub-com-
mitteo ask the committee % get q volt
meter costing SIS and authorize Mr.
Thompson go investigate the matter. This
meter would enable the electrician 20 dis
cover where tire leakage took place, and
70 have tho defect renclicd
Mr. Cutchins moved that the committee
De recommended 10 purchase meter
that am ordinance Doe adopted creating a
city electrcian. and that the existing or
dlnance be strictly enforced.
The committee then adjourned