Clarke courier. [volume] (Berryville, Va.) 1869-1997, 1906-10-03
For HeW Lighting Contract.

pany will be in a position to fur
nish lights and power to Berry
vile patrons. it seems a good idea
for the Town Council to advertise
for bids for lighting the town after
the expiration of the present con-
tract with the acetylene gas com
pany.
The present contract was for a
period of five years, and expires
on February -, 1907.
In advertising for bids at this
time two things should be borne
in mind: First, that if the con-
tract should be awarded to any
other company than the present
contractor, it would be necessary
to install the necessary equipment:
second, if the matter is allowed to
stand until the expiration of the
present contract before bids are
called for new contract, and then
awarded to 4 new company. q /
short-time contract will have TO be /
made with the Gas company for
the length OF time consumed hy
the new contractor in getting his
system in readiness.
There are two things we hope To- /
see Incorporated in the new con
tract, no matter who Is the fortu-
nate bidder: An increased number
Of street lights, and an all-night- .
very-night service.
OF all the dark places on this
earth. Berryville-on a cloudy
night-draws the palm.
Recently one of our citizens told
the writer that he arose about ! q.
m, short time ago, in order 70
board the o'clock train here, and .
that it was so dark on the Main
street that he had to actually F.
feel his way along the fences
and fronts Of houses TO the depot. .
And then this moonlight" night
matter. The last two or three
nights have been fair samples.
The moon was shining 1--WE pre-
sume), but there was such a thick .
wall of clouds over Berryville that
the moon 5 rays could not penetrate F.
to the earth, and the darkness was
50 thick it could almost have been
''cut out with a knife"
Berryvillc is q town of consider
able importance. Its freight, ex-
press and passenger business over
the Norfolk x Western amounts
to 4 large sum annually
Our population Is rapidlyincreas-
ing, and our town Is being rapidly
built up in substantial and costly
residence and business houses.
Our taxation receipts arc grow
ing every day.
1t Is high time that we took on
the appearance ola healthy. grow
ing town, with all-night street
lights; and put off and away that
appearance of 4 little Country cross
roads which is apparent to every
person who alights from the late
night trains at this station or even
looks from the window ola passing
railway coach.
Appearances are often deceptive.
we know; but q good front" and
attractiveappearanceh has often won
decisive business battles.
As mere suggestion from
mere taxpayer. we would ask that
the Town Council take up the light
matter at its next meeting and adj
vertise for bids for lighting the
town all night every night for the
next five or ten years.
The CoURIER Is not boosting"
the present company, the electric
company, or any other company.
particularly, for the lighting con-
tract; neither are We opposing any
of them.
But we believe a better contract
can be made at this time than by
waiting until the present contract
expires.
At any rate, it will bear looking
into 10y the Council, and Whatever
action they may take will be
followed with interest by the pco-
pie who help to maintain the cor
poration by their taxes.
Now, gentlemen, it Syour move.
For the OpeQuOl Bridge.