The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-02-14
The ?. & p. Proposition.

The P. & P. Proposition.
,vss There seems to be an impression
that tho Dabney ordinance to erect
municipal electrical plant was killed.
nv the anti salnry-increase commune.
The fact is, however. that The com
,,,ne, did not vote solidly against the
Dohnev ordinance. On tho contrary,
Messrs Gunst. Mann. Masurler, Satter-
fold and Turpin voted for 1t.
But now that the Dabney ordinance
has been defeated, there is another
& proposition which should be carefully
considered by the Council and Board
8of Aldermen.
When the Dabney plan was first pro-
posed, The Tlmes-Dispatch believed. as
Others believed, that 1t would be good
business for the city to uso the water
t,,ower at the Old Pump-louse to gen
crate electricity for municipal pGr-
noses. We We're SO impressed that
after carefully considering the wl.ole
matter we stated that If Mr.. Trafford's
estimate OF cost Ind of saving TO the
city WAS correct lllc piopo7Atioii '''"'i'N,
carry. But the situation WAS entire
w chan ged when the Passenger and
Fower Company made a direct offer to
The Council to furnish power as cheap
ly as it could be made at city pant
thereby saving the city the cost of
erecting d plant
with ahnt change Of situation, The
Times-Dispatch changed its opinion.
II we had decided in this office to put
imam electric plant at heavy expense,
aud to borrow money to erect IT, and
3 IL tho Passenger and Power Company
or any other responsible company
should como along after our plans We're
,natured and make flnt-footed offer
to stonter into contract from one to
ten years to sell US power rs cheaply
as we could make It. our mind would
undergo sudden change we should
tear up our plans, and enter into agree
ment with the company.
we do not believe that there is a
business man or corporation in Rich
nlond that would act otherwise in a
similar situation; and what is good
good business for municipal corpora
ton.
The proposal Of the Passenger and
Power Company is still before the
Council. and 1t should now be tahon
+ up and given due consideration Tho
proposition Is that three experts be
Employed to investigate and ascertain
precisely what It would cost the city
to generate electricity at its own
plant; then to enter into bonded con-
tract with the city to furnish 1t with
all tho electrical current it might need
for pumping and lighting purposes a,
( the cost thus determined; the con
tract to run for any number OF wears
UP to ten.
This investigation should now be made
and II the price ascertained should be
favorable to the city's interests, a con.
tract on that basis should be made.
why not? Under the Dabncy ordi
nance the city was TO erect an electrical
plant and light the streets on its owl
account using the plant In the daytime
8 for pumping water al the New Reservoir
Mr.. Trafford makes It appear from est
mates which he has furnished that b,
this operation the city would save
great deal OF money. II MIR. Trafford'
figures are correct and can be verified
The city would save just as much none,
by purchasing electrical current from til
IS Passenger and Power Company undc
tho terms proposed If Mr.. Trafford'
figures are accurate, the city has tn
opportunity TO make most advantage
Gus contract with the Passenger and Pow
er Company, and the chance should nc
be allowed TO slip without the fulles
investigation.
II the Passenger and Power compan
should show any disposition 10 dodg
decker, delay or breuk faith, Tho Time!
Dispatch would be heartily IN favor (
erecting q municipal plant
Come. gentlemen OF the Council, this
rot a question of sentiment or moral
ii is purely O. business question ana y
should all consult the ci,yia Interest "
have the Passenger and Power compai
committed, and II NE can drive a got
barya1n with the management we shpu