New-York tribune., 1905-11-16
CHEAP ELECTRICITY IN LONDON.

Consumers Of electricity in London regarded
with lively interest the contest waged months
ago before committees Of Parliament over
project which was designed to afford larger and
cheaper supplies of current a bill which author
lied private company to establish an enormous
plant for this purpose encountered prolonged OPP
position from various quarters; but it was SO
amended that all rational objections had appar-
emily been overcome. If one may judge from ap-
pearances, only the adjournment of Parliament
before final action could be taken defeated the
measure That it would be presented again at
the approaching session fOregone cOnclu-
sion. Until few days ago, however, it was i'm
possible to determine how serious fight would
be made against it A preliminary demonstra-
tion now gives hint OF the renewed activity of
at least one old enemy.
1t was understood that the County Council Of
London objected last winter because 1t wanted
to conduct the business itself, and that body has
now formally approved such policy. The High
ways Committee of the Council recently filed an
elaborate report on the subject, and favorable
action on its suggestions has just been an
nounced. The committee recognizes the need of
new facilities for the generation Of electricity,
but 1t declares that to allow a private corpora
ton TO furnish them would be creating burden
some monopoly. 1t recommends municipal own
ership, therefore, and regards the County Coun-
the work could be carried out. Inasmuch the
committee has not yet formulated a specific plan
of its own, it is uncertain whether or not one
can be matured soon enough to be submitted to
Parliament at the next session but a
iority of the Council are in favor of the general
policy that fact alone can be urged as q reason
for postponing the grant of concession to any
one else.
1t is safe to say that something besides
nicpal ownership is involved in this struggle.
Even if the SoundneSS of the principle were
conceded, it might not be deemed expedient TO
authorize the London County Council to apply it.
1t is asserted. for instance, that the county is
already heavily loaded with debt Perhaps this
would be unduly increased if new enterprises
were undertaken. Other reasons also have
doubtless been advanced for not pursuing the
policy recommended by the Highways Commit
tee. But, though the Council evidently has not
been dissuaded by these considerations, it is pos
sible that any application which it may make to
Parliament may be denied
In New York City the generation of electricity
under municipal auspices was begun on per
manent basis a few weeks ago, after an inter
esting experiment with rubbish for fuel. which
had extended over year or two. Between this
venture and the one under consideration in Lon
don, however, there several points of differ
ence. 'The English proposition contemplates the
establishment of q plant OF great proportions,
its capacity vastly exceeding that of Major
Woodbury's under the Williamsburg Bridge
Again. the only service which the latter per-
forms is lighting municipal highway. The scope
of the London project is much broader. 1t is
designed to provide not only for lighting. but
also for the opera ton Of electric uamways and