New-York tribune., 1899-10-02
STATEN ISLAND LIGHTS OUT.
RICHMOND BOROUGH STREETS AND
PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN DARKNESS.

The New-York and Staten Island Electric
Company made good its threat yesterday and cut
out the public lights. leaving the streets all over
the island in total darkness Not only will the
street lighting service be discontinued, for
time at least but the lights in the public build
ings and schools will be cut off. The company
has taken this step in order, II possible TO bring
the question of street lighting to an issue, and to
collect the $1SoOoD due for services.
Notice was first served on the Staten Island
public on March II last that the company was
not receiving remuneration for its service, and
that II the city persisted in its refusal 10 pay
the bills for such service the lights would be
stopped. The incandescent lights were cut out
in the old village Of Edgewater on June ~ but
no change made at that time In any other
section Of the island Manager Swinarton Of
the electric company states that IT had re-
ceived no pay whatever from New-York City
for street lighting. and that the contracts made
with the village officers before consolidation had
not been honored. He said that the company
could not stand the enormous expense Of light
ing the island without receiving pay. and that
his present stand was taken in the hope Of
having the question definitely settled.
Yesterday afternoon a gang OF workmen was
sent out from the power house with instructions
to cut the wires in all places where they were
connected with the commercial system. In order
that the latter would not be impaired when the
street lights were turned off. The following let
ter. under date Of September II. addressed to
Commissioner Kearny. fully explains the situ-
alton:
Hon. Henry S Ke1rny Commissioner OF Public
Buildings. Lighting and Supplies. New-fork
Dear Sir We beg to again call your attention to
the fact that We have been lighting the streets,
public buildings, engiie houses, etc III me 9unrE
and Borough of Richmond for upward o, ,po' 1wo
years. without having received any payment there-
for The lighting has been furnished IN accordance
with the terms stipulated I'm certain contracts as
sumed by New-York city on January l. lsS ana on
orders issued for additional lights since that date
by your Department: Detailed hNis nave ne"i I"n I1
approved by the Richmond Borough officials. as 10
lion Of the CITY officials to recognize these just
obligations point has finally been reached where
W. ara unable to continue the expense for furnish
ing lighting for the streets and public buildings
without remunerat ton, we are now doing .
We have been waiting pauerty an unreasonan e
time for payment. and have continued the HgnunS
contracts and In the orders issued rom your ue-
partment largely upon the solicitation Of many OF
vcniences and dangers necessarily arls ns INN r
thOrOughfaies. We are willing now 70 sun reh"s
whereby Will be paid TOR iutuIe serNlce U lUri
this date leaving the rights or the Guy ana V i %
selves under our present contracts 10 thr , AUJIl
ton Of the courts and. unless some arrahgtih'h -
made. We Will bee obliged 10 discontinue IN" 81, ,
lighting service ar the close OF me present m9n,
Whether the Borough Of Richmond shall be llghted
after October not. therefore. rests enureN WIN
the authorities OF tho city. Please consider thlS
note due notice of our intentions. rendered neces-
sarv bv the position which has been forced upon
this company Awaiting your pleasure We are re-
new YORK AND STATEN ISLAND ELECTRIC
J. r. sWiNARTON. vice-President