The Portland daily press., 1901-02-07

MES are now doing lighting and power
business In Portland and Deering with
an investment of between 50 1000 ana
SiOO. 900 and n further investment in pro-
gress. MIR. Libby gave history of their
enterprise.
The companies are now living amioably
with their former opponents and under
the CT arter OF the Cumberland Iliumi-
mating company, which viii ultimately
bs the absorbent company, has the right
TO extend its business through Cumber-
land county. MIR. Libby said that he did
not want to make any unreasonable
objection TO the enterprise of his West
brock friends, but he did not think that
their powers should be limited to what
they mighs reasonably expect to do.
A part OF hts objection l., 4 been removed
by tine amendment TO the bill offered by
Mr. Gage excluding the company from
Portland and South Portland. In the
case of Gorhsm, MIR Libby said his COM
pauy had intended to go there as soon
as their plant was ready ana he did M
think that this company should be given
a rowing commission without reference
to the older existing companies.
Speaking not only for mis- companies,
MIR. Libby said that it seemed to him a
serious provision to give to company
such as this rowing commission to take
land by the right OF eminent domain,
taking the property of private parties
without their consent. II such extraor-
binary powers were to be granted, MIR.
Libby thought that they should be CIV
en- to all such companies a like by an
amendment TO the general law He ex.
pressed some doubt as to whether IL
would be found that these compa mes
rendered o public service which would
give them the right of eminent domain
under the constitution. MIR. Libby said
further that from his own experience
hs could sympathizs with the petitioners
In their desire to cut across country,
but still he was Impressed with the gravi-
ty of the question.
The gentlemen Interested In this bill
say that they want first to supply power
for manufacturing purposes, How
much lighting do you think they can
do, gentlemen, with their surplus pow
the cream from our pan of milk? We
cannot Atfori to maintain long lines II
others are to use their surplus power to
light only thickly settled regions, 1t
is = question OF fairness.
Looking az these matters simply ss q
question Of public policy have always
felt that the taking of private proper
ty for what Is private purpose is
something which should be regarded
most seriously, but II the advancement
OF tina arts is such that this is a nscsssi-
ty, we ask that all may be treat ID alike.
1 understand that this broad power has
been given but once before and In that
cass the company died, Still am told
that this is live question before this
legislature and one which you will
consider.
Coming back to tie question of the re-
lations of his comp Ianies to the new
company, Mr.. Libby said that he thought
1t only fair that tine Madison company
should be limited to the Held which they
could reasonably till.
In reply to question, Mr.. Libby said
that none of the charters OF his compa.
MES granted the right OF eminent do
main.
Wm. NJ. Bradlsy, Esq, followed MIR.
Libby. He said he represented 5. ID.
Warren s. Co., and the Consolidated
Electric Light company, but spoke more
particularly for the Warren company.
Mr.. Bradley told how S. ID Warren &
Co. had gone into the business of light
ing Westhrook and Desring, using their
surplus power for the purpase. They had
strung 90 miles Of wire and the business
Is an expensive one, but they have done
It In a satisfactory manner to the towns