The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-07-14
THE PUBLIC UTILITIES QUES-
 TION.


 Now that the Scate Business Mems Association is receiving and publishes replies from prospective candidates to its letters asking for their views upon its public utilities bill. it may be well to again publish a summary of the pro- visions of that measure. Following is the summary issued by the associa- ton:
 The Act provides for the abolishment of the existing Board of Railroad Com missioners and of the Inspector Gen. eraI of Gas and Gas Meters. and creates in place of these a new, per- manent commission. having general supervision of all classes of public ser vice corporations; that is, railroads, street railways. gas electric. water, telephone, and express companies.
 This commission Is to consist of five men, to be appointed by the Governor, and to be paid the same salaries as judges of the Superior Court. The regular term of office for each mem Der is to be five years: one members term to expire each year. Members may be removed for cause upon judg- participation in politics. as well as misconduct, neglect. and incompetency. is to constitute cause for removal.
 The bill provides for the fullest pos sible publicity to be given to all acts of the commission. Its decisions are to be in writing, stating the reaons for such decisions. It is to hold hear ings at convenient places after giving public notice thereof. before deciding matters of public interest. It is 70 report all it's acts ot the Governor an- nually, and to make special reports as occasion may require. A minority may also make such reports if need should require.
 Powers of Proposed Commission. The bill gives this new commission the fol- lowing powers:
 1. Power to fix rates and to re- quire adeouate service: this includes authority to investigate complaints that trolley service is inadequate, or that street railway fares. charges for gas, etc. are too large, and to deter mine. when necessary. the proper fares or charge: also authority to require gas, electric, water, and telephone com panies having existing rights in any place to furnish everybody in that place who desires it with gas, electric ity, etc., at such price. and under such conditions, as, after hearing. the com- mission may find to be just.
 2. Power to protect the safety of the public and of employees by requir- ing such repairs or alterations in the plant, equipment, or manner of oper- ation of any public service company as may be necessary for that purpose. The bill also requires the commission to investigate accidents, and to suggest means. If possible. for preventing their future recurrence.
 8. Power to prevent watering of securities issued by public service com- panies by prohibiting their issue ex- cept for actual value.
 4. Power tos grant necessary spec ta1 privileges to public service corpor- ations; that is, to determine the terri torial limits within which gas. electric, water, and telephone companies may extend their business, and the new routes over which railroads and street railways may build lines.
 All unused charter rights are to ter minate: but the bill does not permit the commission to compel any company to cease doing bus ness where such company is now actually furnishing service. The bill provides also for the incorporation of future public service companies without special charters.
 The bill does not in any manner les sen the present powers of local author fties.
 5. Power to require reports from all classes of public service corporations, together with adequate powers of audit and examination.
 6. Power to require gas companies to furnish gas of proper quality and at proper pressure. and to examine and correct gas. electric, and water meters on request of the consumer
 T. All powers now possessed by the Railroad Commissioners and by the Inspector General of Gas and Gas Me- ters
 The bill provides for an appeal to the Superior Court from any order of the commission which is claimed to be illegal.
 Careful reading of the bill will show that its enactment will encourage the growth and develoDement of existing public service corporations. and the formation of new ones where public need demands them: and that it will not injure any corporation which is conducting its business in a fair and honorable way, and giving the public proper service at reasonable prices in return for it's franchise rights.
 The association has commenced the publication of replies to its letter, and those of Messrs. Mclean, Goodwin, Lake and Rogers have already appear ed in this paper.
 That of Ex-Gov. Mclean, candidate for U. S. Senator. states that he fa- vor "wise and progressive legislation for the regulation and supervision of public service corporations, and that if the bill proposed by the Business Mems Association 'fs the best that can be devised. I shall certainly fa- vor it.' As MT. Mclean is probably in communication with influential men in the several towns. it is within his power to advance the cause The answer of Ex-Lieut Gov. Lake, candidate for the Republican Guber- material nomination, states he stands definitely. positively and without equivocation for a public utilities measure that will embody all the prin- ciples'' of the associations bill.
 Executive Secretary Goodwin, can didate for the Republican nomination for Governor. expresses the belief that | the bill gives sufficient power to prop | erly test the principle of supervision of | public utilities. and that he shall be | glad to give the bill his unqualified i support" But he favors three instead | of five commissioners. nominated by | the Governor and confirmed by the | Legislature. instead of being appointed 1 by the Governor alone. and the com ] misSoners should be linen of signal