Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-07-20
Proposition to Buy Electric Light Plant.

Inc REGISTER ldsI "eeh Puoit0H0
the written offer OF U. S. Martin II
buy the electric light plant owne'
and operated by the corporation o
Shepberdstown, and the condition
upon which he agreed to continue tn
enterprise. Mr.. Martin last fal
bought the -four mill owned by J
Walter Barnes and which is operated
by water power ful nished by the tow
run. He moved the big forty-too
water wheel to new location ant
changed the arrangement Of the wa
ter so that the power has been very
largely increased-he says at leas
doubled and perhaps trebled. d.
believes that he now has sufficient
water power to run his mill during
the day and the electric dynamo a
night, and go makes the offer to buy
out the towns plant, except the en-
glne and boiler, remove the machln
cry to connection with his big wa
ter wheel, and operate the plant as
private enterprise.
At meeting of the town councl
last week the matter was discussed
and Mr.. Martin increased his offer tC
So, 800 and also agreed to some Other
notifications. Monday evening an
other meeting was held, when num-
Der of citizens of the town were pres
ent, and the matter was further dis
cussed. The revised proposition was
read, and at the suggestion of some OF
those present it was agreed to hold
another meeting next Monday even
ing, July oath, in the council room,
to which are invited all Taxpayers
and citizens of the town. A general
expression Of the views of the people
upon the proposition is asked for, as
well as discussion of the terms Of
the contract, at that time. The re-
vised offer of Mr.. Martin is as follows
PURCHASE The undersigned proposes
to purchase, at once, upon the accept
ance of this offer, the electric light
equipment of said town, dynamo and
machinery, fixtures and appliances,
poles and wire, including tools, supplies
and materials on hand, all complete as
it now stands, except only the boiler
and engine belonging thereto. The por-
table part to be removed from present
plant TO my own site in said town.
PRICE-At the price of three thou
sand five hundred dollars, payable at
any time at option Of said town on or
before the lst day of October, 1911 (date
of maturity of the electric light bonds,
with interest at the rate of 8 per cent,
payable annually until the principal is
paid.
LIeHTs-To furnish, maintain and
supply the demands of said town, for
its streets and all individual consumers,
for residences and business places, prop
er electric lights, at least equal N qua
ity TO the present lights, and 10 improve
if possible.
RATEs-At the following prices to
said town: II cents per candle power
per month, the town TO pay Tor the
lamps and | to keep them IN good repair
and working orCer. from dark until
midnight; and if all night, , cents per
candle power per month and TO ind
vidual consumers at price not to eN-
coed that now paid by them for the
present service, and to start with will
allow a discount Of D per cent on that
price.
PRIvILEGEs-I to have the right OF
erecting additional poles Subject to SUI
perintendence Of the street committee
whenever by me deemed necessary, and
of stringlng wires on them or on any
existing or replaced poles at my option,
or that of my lessees, for not only light
ing but also for purpose Of furnishing
heat and power, and TO have exclusive
right and privilege thereof in said town
for the period of thirty years from the
date OF beginning.
INCREAsE-Also to furnish any addi'
tionai lights that may be required or TO
extend time for lights to later hour or
all night, provided the demand for same
yields a proportionally increased reve'
nue. per hour for said additional lights
or time.
SECURITY-The whole equipment SO
purchased and to be installed by me to
be properly and legally pledged as in
demnity and security for the payment
of said purchase money, together with
the additional security OF 900, Tor the
faithful compliance on my part of my
undertakings and proposal above set
forth and a further forfeiture Of 81
per night, when not lighted, except
when caused by an unavoidable acci-
dent.
Respectfully submitted,
L. ). MARTIN.
There seems to be disposition on
the part OF the council and Of the cit
liens of the town to sell the plant.
1t is run at a loss to the town, though
it must be remembered that the peo-
pie are getting lights very cheaply,
and what they lose as taxpayers they
make up as users of the lights. With,
perhaps, some further notifications,
it may be wise thing for the town
to sell out, provided that the matter
of prices to be charged hereafter is
thoroughly safeguarded. Mr.. Mar
tn intends to put in a gasoline en-
CINE as a supplementary power to be
used when the low water may reduce
the force of the stream. The people
Of the town are asked to consider the
matter fully and express their opin-
ions next Monday evening,