Evening star., 1898-11-19
STILL TALKIN G
Gossip About Affairs of U. S. Elec-
trio Lighting Go.
some OF THE CURRENT RUMORS
Mystery as to the Identity Of the
New Stockholders.
l. A T E T H E O r Y

1t was supposed that after the annual
election of directors of the United States
Electric Lighting Company had been held
and the contest over the presidency set
tied that company and it's affairs would
drop out of notice as live topic of gossip.
The election, as every one knows, was held
the 9th instant, and as result board of
directors was chosen that subsequently
elected Mr.. James l.. Norris president in
place CT Mr. A A. Thomas. The former
was the choice of ten of the directors, in
Guiding the two directors repre- sentinS the
stock purchased recently in the interests
of unknown parties
1t appears that while the internal dissen
siCns have been for the time at least al
layed and the cause of the friction re-
moved. there is great deal of specula-
ton being indulged in both by those now
in control well as outsiders as to ex-
actiy who are represented by the new ele-
ment on the board of directors, and what
are their plans in thus acquiring hold
ing of the stock which is said to amount
to about 2.Jn shares. 1t is, of course,
known that Mr.. W. A. Mearns and Mr..
Walter Hciston are the representatives on
the board of this new holding, but that
knowledge gives no clue to the ldentty
CT the principals. and what is CT some in
pCrtanCe, their piaans. Neither Mr. Mearns
nor Mr. HeistOn is communicative on the
subject, and SGme are inclined to believe
that they are as much in the dark as to
the identity of the real principal or prlnc.-
pals as any one else.
Increased the Gossip.
However that may be, the apparent mys-
terry gives stimulus to the gossip, and it
may be said that the electric light company
is being discussed to Il greater extent at
present than was the case during the rath-
er exciting times. at least to the stock
holders, just prior to the election. Yet
there seems to be no great activity in the
stock or any new development which would
warrant the attention which is being given
to the affairs of this company. 1t is
thought that the 2,59 shares purchased
just prior to the election re,Tesents about
al. the sO-ca!led floating stock and all that
may be said to be on the market, and SO
just at present there Is but little being
offered. The few sales that have been made
We're at figures which represented an ad
vance in the quoted prices for some time
prior TO the election. The last recorded sale
was at S1lJ while it is understood that $l20
was the price given for the stock bought
by Mr.. Mearns 1t is also understood that
the new owners of the stock are willing to
add to their holding. and some of the stock
holders, while not inclined to block the am
bltiOn of these parties in this particular,
Think they get even better prices, and
The Latest Theory.
The latest theory in regard to the new
holdings is that they represent Philadelphia
capital, and, further. that which is at pres
ent so largely invested in gas and electric
interests in Philadelphia and in other east
ern cities.
1t is believed by those who hold this view
that Widener and Elkins, who represent
these interests, are trying to get control of
the United States Electric Lighting Com
rany. and also of the gas company. These
gentlemen some years ago made an invest
ment in street railroad property in this
city by buying a control of the lexington
ard Belt railroads, with the intention of
equipping these roads with the overhead
Iolley. AS is well known, they failed to
realize this latter phase of their plans, and
it is understood that they sold out their
interests entirely, and that those now in
control of these properties have no con-
nection with the former owners. Those
who have adopted the theory that the
Widener-Elkins syndicate have recently be-
come interested in electric light stock also
believe that the same parties ara still in
control of the railroad properties.
Consolidation of Interests.
Outside of these details, the general opin-
ion seems TO be that a consolidation a
community of interests is to be effected be-
tween the electric light and gas companies
in this city. and that also the power used
by the street railroad companies will be
ultimately furnished from some one plant.
II is believed that the .fforts now being
made to get control of the stock of the
various companies here is only a Part of a
scheme for Capitalization of capital to do
what is now being done by a number of
companies
1t may also be said in this connection that
Ia in ID
has died down, and it is said that no fur
ther purchases are being made just now. 1t
is not thought, however. that the general
plan, as stated in The Star, has been ahan-
doned.
No. 1 Cypress Shingles. 50 Thousand.
Clear bright and uniform. This low price
Ii / inheN a. CO ii n anl \ \ =