The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1911-12-30
MUNICIPAL. OWNERSHIP
- n BUNCH OF FACTS, Ss..i

The WONDERFUL progress IN the :Qe.
velopment Of municipal enterprise, In
the operation of public utilities,
throughout the world, indicates that
he evil of private ownership of pub
III: services Is universally recognized.
To the north, our neighbors in Can
ada are giving us a splendid example.
A steam railway Of about 5000 miles
in length is operated by that govern
nent. In the Province Of Ontario
SO Of the cities and towns we're oper-
ating utilities, and "a Swere not doing
So. In the west, In British Columbia,
Alberta and Saskatchewan and the
cther provinces, the cities have taken
over municipal utilities to a remark
able degree.
Telephones In Canada.
The telephone lines in all western
>.inada are operated by the provinces
the Bell company having been paid
100000 for it's lines. The rates
nave been reduced for private serv-
ice and particular attention given to
extending the formers lines. Winni-
peg is spending $3,25O,OO0 for the de-
Velopment of an enormous water
= power electric plant. BY this means
1t has forced the company to sell to
it the private electric lines and equip
ment. Prices for current have been
1educed one-third. Winnipeg will al
so operate municipal slaughter
house.
Cities Own All.
Edmonton owns and operates it's
street railways, water, electric light
and other utilities. Calgary is similar
ly progressive. Victoria will spend
large sum improving and extending
its water supply. The same activi-
ties prevail in the other Cities.
In the United States, all of the cities
CT over 100000 in popula ton, except
water supply. OF the IS cities ex-
ceeding 100000 in population, only
seven do not operate such utilities.
OF the 1853 cities over 10000 in popu-
lation. III have municipal supplies,
and Al company. The population of
these cities having municipal water
is 2l,317,177, and those supplied by
the company water system, 2,74S,362.
There are 13 cities exceeding 10000
population having municipal electric
or gas plants, principally for street
lighting. Among the largest are Chi
cago, Cleveland, Seattle and Rich
mond. which latter sells gas to pri-
Vate consumers
High Value, Low Bonds.
At the close of 1908, the value of
the municipal water works was $780,
1S4,199, and their total funded debt,
S312,216,4 44. The gas and electric
plants were valued at $14;511,497,
and their funded debt was $6,S93,5OO.
The gross receipts of the public serv-
ice enterprises Of these American
cites were $67,552,366, and their ex-
pense was $30,0SS,0O1. The per cap
tia expense was $1.28, and the reyen-
ue, 1921. These include markets,
docks, wharves and cemeteries.
None of the cities operate street
railways. San Francisco voted bonds
~ months ago for the construction
of the Geary street road, and the
work of construction, Of the tracks
has commenced, although the,
cars have not been ordered, or the
power plant plans completed.
Seattle Is Progressive.
Seattle is also moving in the direc-
ton of municipal street railways.
Los Angeles has determined to build
an electric road to ASH Pedro.
Detroit, Cleveland and Toledo have
tried to acquire their street railways,
but the corruption of the Wall street
railway spectators seems to obstruct
and hamper all American cities from
making progress in this. direction.
+. In no city have the funds of the
municipal undertaking been used to
!. bribe public officials to grant privi-
leges to any one. There is no cor
ruption, disgrace or scandal for those
cities. Most cities have had their al
dermen, stae legislators, courts, Jurors
and every other branch of their gov
eminent debauched by boodlers for
public service corporations.
Public ownership means good serv-
ice, peace in the community life, and
progress fol- the city.