The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1908-11-14
BROAD MOVE
INTENDED
Public Service Commission is
Recommended
FOR STATE OF VERMONT
Administration Measure Was introduced
Into the Legislature To-day, To-
gether With a Grist Of
Others.

State House, Nov H.
The so.caIled administration" bill
providing for public service commits
sion, came into the House to-day. II
was drafted by Mr. Barber Of Brattle-
boro along the liens laid down by Gov
ernor Prouty in bis message, II simply
changes the name OF the railroad COM
mission to the public service commission
and increases the scope Of the present
commission TO include supervision over
all public service corporations or com
panies.
The startling feature of the bin is its
provision to lay the expense OF the com
mission on the companies, over which it
has superyisions, TO be apportioned ae.
cording TO gross earnings within the
state. At the present time the bank
commissioner Is paid by the several saw
ines banks and trust companies and this
is about the only state officer 10 receive
his pay except directly from the state.
Ii is believed that ii the bill becomes
law il will result in saving OF thou
sands Of dollars to the state.
Features of the Bill.
The commission shall have general su-
peryision Of all companies individuals,
partnerships and corporations) engaged
in the manufacture, distribution and sale
Of gas or electricity for lighting or heat
ing, OF all express companies and all
companies owning or operating telegraph
or telephone lines. stations or exchanges,
within the state, and OF all plants, lines,
exchanges, and equipment Of such com.
panies used in or about the business
carried on By them in this state, and
power 10 examine plants equipment,
lines, etc, when ii deems public good
requires, and TO examine books, accounts
and papers Of such companies, subpoena
witnesses and examine them and compel
their Attendance BY proceedings for con-
tempt.
A company is required to produce in
formation as to rates, expense of main.
tcnance and operation. contracts and
financial obligations, when required by
the commissioA but the commission
shall not give publicity to such informa.
tion unless required by the law. A
company which refuses to give desired
or hinders the commission
by delaying to comply with the orders
shall be subject to a fine Of not less than
$500 nor more than $4,000. Complaints
alleged unlawful action or
neglect Of companies may be made and
shall be had in the same
manner as in the case of railroads under
the present law.
The commission shall have jurisdiction
L.. l..
make orders and dccrees in all matters
provided for in the charter of any cor
poration owing or operating any plant
line or property subject to supervision
in this act, and shall have like juris-
iiction in all matters respecting:
/, The purity, quality and quantity
Of any product furnished or sold.
2. The price, rate OF rental charged
by any company.
g. The location, sufiiciency and main
tenance OF proper system, plants, apph
anccs, wires and exchanges. when the
public safety and welfare require.
4. Manner of operating and conduct
ing any such business so as to be rea-
sonable and expedient and to promote
The safety convenience and accommo-
lation Of the public.
s. TO restrain companies from un-
just determinations and usurpation or
sxtortion
6. The issue of stocks, mortgages,
bonds or other securities in order to pre-
rent over-capitalization.
Z. The organization Of corporations
10 engage in any business subject to the
sstt,e..x-s -sstn nj
s. May prescribe suitable standard |
commercial units or product or service,
Proceedings under the above section !
nay be commenced by petition of attor
ley general or states attorneys.
A Right to Appeal.
Parties to cause who feel aggrieved |
~ the final order, judgment or decree
i commission shall have the right to
AXE the cause to the supreme court by |
appeal for correction of any errors ex-
epted to in its proceedings.
No corporation shall be established |
II organized to engage in any business
ubject to the provisions of this act /
without getting certificate from the
commission authorizing such organiza
ion. Persons permitted to form cor
,oration may petition commission for
public hearing in the county where
uch business is to be carried on to de-
ermine whether it wilbpromote the gem
raj good of the state to permit such
orporation to organize. A public hear
ne must be given before a corporation
an organize to engage in a business in
which municipality there is similar
BUSINESS already located.
A corporation orgaized under the laws
+ this state shall not increase its capt.
al stock nor issue bonds or other secuu-
les without getting permission from the
Every company subject
o the provisions Of this act shall file
nd Keep on file schedules which shall
e open to public inspection.
The commission Is designed 10 be self
It may employ a sufficient
umber Of clerks to perform the duties
reseribed and all necessary expenses,
acluding the salary Of the commission
rs; their expenses, etc. shall be paid
s the companies coming under the pro-
isions Of the act, the apportionment Of
he expenses being made hy the state
ressurer according to gross earnings
ollected on business transacted within
be state. This money shall be collected
} the same manner as tax
The salary Of the commission viii be