The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-14
TO PLAY BALL At NIGHT
JENNEY COMPANY PERFECTS AN
ELECTRIC-LIGHT SCHEME.
May BE Put On Mt the state Fair
GrOunds-Lights from the
Ground.

An elaborate scheme has been perfected
in this city for the lighting of large tracts
of land by electricity to so perfect de-
gree that ball game will now be possible
after dark. To fully understand what an
achievement this is it is only necessary for
a person to toss a ball into the air within
the radius of the circle of light thrown
from one of the ordinary electric lights and
then notice what a hard task it is to catch
the ball.
For some time past it has been possible to
hold race meets by electric light, and the
success of the ventures has demonstrated
that the people will attend sporting events
which do not interfere with their business.
This situation has been well illustrated by
a comparison of the attendance at the diff
ferent sessions of the bicycle meet in this
city. The afternoon races have been only
fairly patronized, while those at night have
been run to big houses. The reason for it
is that the men Of business and the work.
ingmen have little time during the day TO
attend ball games or races, while, could
these games be played or raced at night,
after the fashion of the theater, many more
would attend Astute baseball managers
throughout the country have been working
with this problem, and it has always re-
solved itself into the question of how to
get enough light to play ball at night. The
present system of lighting race tracks has
been proved to be useless for baseball, and
of course, other means had to be found.
Acting in consultation with outside par
ties, the Jenney Electric Company, of this
city, has at last solved the riddle and will
probably this year put plant in operation.
The device for furnishing the light, while
perfected, has not as yet been patented
and the officers of the company refuse to
give out any comprehensive description of
1t. That it is a success they admit and
that the plant will be constructed is also
assured.
From the meager details furnished it is
learned that the scheme is built up along
entirely original IDEAS Ordinarily, when it
is desired to illuminate to high attitudes
towers with large clusters of arc lights
nave peen used, with what has been con-
Sluered comparative success in the way of
street lighting. This idea has been proved
to be impracticable in accomplishing what
was needed in arranging for lighting ball
Held The light sought for is one as closely
resembling natural daylight as possible.
Contrary to expectations, it was found that
the desired result could be attained by an
tofore considered. The lights for the new
scheme will be placed close to the ground.
ffere, however, the information stops, and
the public is left to guess as to what the
rest of the plan involves.
William Z. HaueiSen, one of the officers
or the company, was asked last night what
the new arrangement consisted of. Said he:
The lights will be placed close to the
ground, rather than in the air.
will it be possible for a player to ac-
curately gauge a ball knocked high into the
ARP he was asked.
I'VE feel assured that it will he re-
sponded. I'VE have not sought any noto-
riety for the plan, as we first desire to Sc
cure some protection for it,
Has 1T been patented yet, Mr.. Haueisen?"
was asked?
No, said he. "but we are arranging for
that now
Continuing. he said: 1--WE have been con-
Quoting negotiations with the State Board
or Agriculture with a view to putting up
such a plant at the fair grounds, but have
not as yet had decision from the MEM
bers."
Baseball men who have been asked for
their opinions as to the reception such an
invention would meet with say that if it
is a success there is a bright future ahead
of the inventors, as it would tend to give
baseball big boom in the way of attend
ance. Charles d. Jenney, who is the in
Ventor of the scheme, received his inspira-
ton for the idea when he arranged the
lighting for the spectacle THE Fall of
Babylon" at Cincinnati in 1889. Since that
time he has been at work on the present
problem.