Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1909-09-02
A WORD or CAUTION.

While it is extremely gratifying to Us
to know the satisfactory progress being
made with reference to the electric light
ing proposition for Thurmont, we feel
| that we should advise just word or two
of caution with reference to the PROPOSE
ton in general before any action is taken
that will bind the town or that will tie
up any certain amount of money.
! Every detail as far as possible with
reference to first COST maintenance, re-
pairs, renewals, ETC., should be definitely
ascertained. We think the sentiment is
overwhelmingly in favor of an electric
proposition; it only remains that the mat
ter be carefully worked out and that no
pitfalls be encountered in its consumma-
ton.
While we have no knowledge on the
subject of cost, ETC., of plant such as
proposed, yet the figures given in the
CLARION of two weeks ago show practi-
cally maximum of earnings with min
mum of cost of operation. There must
be taken into consideration renewal of
lamps, general repairs, and certain
amount allowed for depreciation of ma
chinery proper. All this ispurely mat
ter of business, and it is not worth while
saying that this kind of plant would not
require such business precautions.
1t has come to US from an indirect
source, although good authority, that if
action is deferred until the Legislature
meets with reference to authorizing a
bond issue, that the town will have an
other opportunity of obtaining electricity
from different source, whether more
favorable than this proposition it cannot
now be stated, but certainly with condi-
lions Just as favorable for the benefit of
the town. This being so, it would be well
to have the opportunity of looking at two
propositions instead of one. In the mean
time everything possible could be learn
ed as to the cost of maintenance, repairs,
etc. of the plant proposed. There could
also be ascertained the amount of cur
rent that would be consumed by various
persons in Thurmont, and with all of this
data worked out to the best possible adj
vantage, we believe that the delay of six
months will be time well spent in gath
ering information for such an important
proposition as this is.
The CLARION has no selfish purpose in
pointing out these matters. 1t is as
much interested in the better lighting of
Thurmont as any one person living in the
town. We have constantly advocated
better lights for the town and we have
insisted that we must have them. We
are still going to insist upon this being
done, but we feel, where a matter of as
much as SIS, 600 of bonded indebtedness
is going to be involved, that the greatest
amount of precaution should be taken
that no mstak es are made in dealing with
this matter. The town has been in dark
ness for many years; it can afford to sit
in darkness for six months or even year
longer rather than make any mistake
which will cost the taxpayers money each
year for a period of from fifteen to TWEEN
tyfve years to come.
We trust that those having the matter
in charge will get as much expert advice
on the subject as it is possible to get,
and lay the matter before public meet
ings to be held from time to time so that
the people in general will have an intel
ligent idea of what they are about to do.