The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1899-07-01
SOUTH PORTLAND.
uii
The Electric Light
Question Again.
Hearing on Petition Cumberland
iii. Co.
C,,n~oe4;< D14h 49,
Suggestion Both Co.'s
Use Same Poles.
I. A. W. Has g Asked For
p Street Signs.


The adjourned meeting Of the South
Portland aldermen was held last evening
with all present.
Mayor Reynolds called attention TO the
fact that the L. A. W. had asked for the
placing Of guide boards ct the street
corners In compliance with the law. The
matter was referred to the committee on
streets.
License to sell, fire works were granted
TO George W. Cash. Main strest; Fred
Brooks, Stanford street.
A petition signed by Mrs. W. II. John
son, Mrs. Susan II. Buzzeli, N. II. Ire
fethen, DR.. J. II. Sypher. DIR. J, W.
Lowell and WIN. Gardiner. for sewer on
jefferson street. beginning At or near
Preble street, and extending westerly to
the old sewer, distance Of 300 feet, was
referred.
The council then resolved itself into the
board of municipal officers.
HEARING 10 CUMBERLAND II.LU-
MINATINa co.
The advertised hearing on the petition
Of the Scum berland Illuminating compa-
ny for pole rights In the city, was then
held.
Levi Turner. ESQ.,, responded as at
torney for the company.
Engineer o. W. Neal presented plan
showing the proposed location Of the
poles, which was placed ON fls.
Mr.. Turner then made the following
argument:
MR.. IURNER'S REMARKS.
We must recognize the fact that two
petitions for the Same rights are pending,
and 1t IL impossible to intelligentiy and
fairly urge the claims of the Cumberland
Illuminating company without references
TO the rival petition and the company
presenting 1t. You must Of necessity
decide between the two companies, the
presence OF both on your streets is not
necessary nor practical Which shall come
The one that voluntarily comes and offers
reasonable and fair prices guaranteed for
term of years. or one that has for years
been taking from the citizens of this
municipality and Portland practically
twice as much as 1t now offers to fur
nish the same service for In the face of
competition
The motive Of the Consolidated In ask
ing for these pole rights Is to shut out a
rival and squeloh competitor and not to
do a bona fide business. This is apparent
for the following reasons; Ever since
the Consolidated was organized In 1888
10 years ago. this municipality Of South
Portland has lain free and open before
its eyes as present or prospective field
for electric lighting. and that at prices
practically twice as large rs those they
now promise. Yet during all that time
they have never asked and have never
obtained the legal right TO set q pole
withintthe limits Of this city and haven't
a solitary pole of their own here today.
What Is the natural. logical, inference
from this conduct We will guarantee
the prices We offer for term Of five
years, If required. Our competitor does
not do this.
We now come to the consideration Of
the differences In effect between the two
companies upon the welfare of the citi-
zens. Why, every argument Is In favor OF
the Cumberland Illuminating company.
You cannot effect the welfare Of the In
dividuaI more potentially and ssnsitivsly
than by touching his pocket book. Elec-
trioity at the prices we offer will minister
to the comforts and prosperity Of the peo-
pie and will develop and maintain In
your midst enumerabls small industries
that are impossible AZ tine higher prices.
1t Is very amusing. for the reason that
the ridiculous Is often amusing. to find
the Representatives of this company
glorying in and singing the praises Of