The Washington times., 1907-12-15

People Must Let Con-
greSs Know What
They Want.
The Visitor Thinks City
Worse Off Than
Other Towns.

Col. John MacNicar, secretary Of the
American League OF Municipalities, left
washington yesterday after three weeks
IN the city in the interest of The Times
hight against the Gas Monopoly. Mr..
MacVicar will go IN a few days to Des
Moines, 10 enter the campaign for selec-
ton as one OF the board of commission
ers, under the new commission plan Of
government in that city.
Mr.. MacVicar's brief stay in Wash
ington was long enough 20 enable him
10 do some excellent work in connection
with the movement for better and cheap
er gas. and proper regulation Of the Gas
Monopoly. He spoke To q large number
OF meetings Of citizens associations,
addressing in the aggregate several
thousands OF people. He demonstrated
complete command OF his subject. and
further proved that command IN his
contributions 10 the columns OF The
Times
Keep Matter Before Congress.
On leaving the city Mr.. MacVicar ex-
pressed his regret that he could not re-
main TIL the end OF the fight. He felt.
however, that everything has now been
done 20 assure success that is possible.
except 70 keep Congress constantly and
sharply in mind OF the fact that the
people OF Washington insist upon ac-
ton IN this matter.
Since Mr.. MacVicar came here the
Commissioners have determined on their
course OF opposing before Congress the
Imitation scheme and have renewed their
recommendation that the price Of gas
be reduced from 81 10 20 cents. The
matter is now In the hands Of the Con
gressional authorities, and Mr.. Mac
Vicar expressed confidence that justice
would be granted TO the city before the
session was many weeks old. Speaking
Of the contest and Of general conditions
in the city, he saids
Calls Rate Too High.
The peculiar plan OF municipal gov
eminent IN Washington gives novelty to
the attempt 20 regulate the rates Of
and requirements from the gas com
panies. While the rate Of Sl.0O for gas
is, owing 10 the particularly favorable
conditions under which il is produced.
much too high. yet that is not the only
onerous exactions the consumer has to
stand. The so deposit necessary be-
fore gas IS turned on Is not a common
custom, nor, IN view OF the fact that
the munlcipauy-owned water plant re-
Quires no such deposit, would Il ap-
pear TO be just.
Tho wide variance Of many OF the
gas bills calls into question both the
fair dealing OF the meters and the pres
sure and quality Of the gas furnished.
The system OF inspection is a farce, and
the law is largely 20 blame TO- this.
Government to Blame.
average in intelligence. and they are
well posted on gas conditions. and they
have no voice in az tempting to correct
the unfair treatment they realize they
are receiving. Much has been said about
the ideal conditions in Washington under
the government furnished by Congress,
but give me government for mine.
It may be that the people of the cities
and towns of America don't always elect
their own officials, but they think they
do. at least
1T Is almost pathetic 10 witness the
utter helplessness Of the people TO cure
the ills they have 10 bear. The cor
porations seem to realize that they are
not responsible TO the people, and they
seem bent on increasing the burdens
that are often hagrantly unjust
Home rule, with all it's faults, for
me- This best governed city n Am
erica is an iridescent dream. I Ger
tainly hope and believe that Congress
VIII correct the great wrong that is be-
ing done a helpless people in this gas
matter. though there are strong ad-
verse influences to be overcome"