The star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1908-1909, 1908-03-03

TRENTON, March 3.-For the reason
that he has been INSTRUCTED, which has
resulted in the people having a false
impression as to his views on the
Public Utilities bill, Gen. Joseph w.
Congdon, president of the State Rail-
road Commission, has ISSUED a very
lengthy statement setting out his
views.
The General discussing the cost of a
commission to the State, has the fol-
lowing to say:
Assembly bill No. A wisely fixes no
limit to the expenditure of money
necessary for the fun and complete OPP
GRAFTON of such a commission as it con-
templates.
"a minimum estimate would be $685.
900 to $100, 000-very likely $1,000 600 might
be required" 8ss
In opening the paper, General Cong
don says:
81 do not wish to be regarded as OPP
posing a general supervision of public
utilities by one or more commissions
established by consistent laws.
Law Is Deficient.
1.-THE law aunder which we are oper-
ating is deficient, defective and really
imperative in some important particu-
lars: yet much has been accomplished
within the limits of the boards re-
stricted authority Especially in tho
line Of bridge inspection some vitality
Important work has been done.
THE number Of bridges found weak
and even dangerous is surprising. Sew
eral have been ordered rebuilt and
many strengthened.
lone single railroad has reported re-
Gently no less than sixty-one bridges
on its lines strengthened and repaired
by orders of our board. 1t is a won
der that certain bridges have not gone
down long before these repairs have
been ordered.
1.-THE subject of greatest moment
and vital importance-the elimination
of grade c~rossings-has not been at ali
handled, as the board possesses nc
power In that direction.
Seventeen Distinct Fields.
st, personally, do not, however. be-
lieve it would be wise. prudent oil
properly ~efficacious TO invest one sin
gle commission. composed of fou on
five members. with the supervision oil
handling of all the public utilities. al
the different public services. These
embrace SOME seventeen different anC
distinct fields of operation.
None of the public utilities bills thu
far introduced in the Legislature in
clude all the several branches. They
are: Steam railroads, electric railroads
trolley lines, subways, automobile pas
senger and freight transportation
wharves, ferries, canals. public pip.
lines or pneumatic tubes; electricit!
for light, power and heat; gas for light
power and heat; water, express bust
ness, telegraph lines, telephone service
telepost service n sewers
General Congdon goes into detail t
criticise A~ssemblyman Martins bill
where under one article a single com
missioner might adjudicate on matter
pertaining to the COMMISSIONS worR
The general says the bill makes n
provision for grade crossing elimina
ton.
Neglected Subjects.
"Furthermore,'' says the general, 81
would seem hat the law should pro
vide clearly that the cost of the elimi
nation Of grade crossings should eithe
be borne wholly by the railroads con
cerned, or it should ordain a consist
ent division of the expenditure involves
between the railroads and trolley com
panies and the State and the benefits
municipalities.
1.-THE law, should, in explicit terms
confer power upon the board to regu
late lighting. heating, the purity @
drinking water and the sanitary condi
lions of closets. stations and carr
There are grevious conditions of thi
nature which requires correction in tn
interest of the public health.
Under the existing law this boar
has no power to deal with he sol
coal question, which is a very impor
tant and, so far as it affects the publ
health, a vital problem
He also mentions many other detail
that need supervision.