The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-03-26
CITIZENS AFRAID
OF HIGH VOLTAGE
Chesterfield People Would Have
Power Transmission Line
Taken Away.
CLAIM 1T is DANGEROUS
Virginia Railway and Power
Company Says Construction
Is Safe and Scientific.
CLAIM 1T is DANGEROUS

Sundry citizens OF Chesterfield Coun-
y live in dire dread OF harm from the
electric current that surges through
the transmission wires built between
Richmond and Petersburg by the VIZ
ginia Railway and Power Company.
They told their fears at the hearing
before the State Corporation Commits
sion yesterday on the petition to have
the wires removed from the right of
way of the Seaboard Air Line Railway
Evidence for the petitioners was con-
cluded. and the defendant compa MES
put their first witness on the stand.
The hearing was continued to 10
o'clock this morning
Fear Danger From Current.
James Bellwood a. W. Bensley. w.
s. Davie and r. &. Warwick. Jr, arc
the petitioners. who claim their lives
and property are endangered by the
force of the electricity sent over the
power wires. They told on the stand
yesterday how they feared the current
winch might reach them through the
Hwaying branches OF trees along the
right of way or through telegraph or
telephone wires across which the powell
wires might fall If torn away by a
storm j. w. Snellings. another wit
ness. was afraid the wires might fall
athwart fence surrounding his. home
elcctrocuting him.
Edwin Workman. Jr.. an electrical
engineer. vas an expert witness for
the petitioners. He said that the usual
custom in the profession was to build
power transmission lines on "A separate
right of way. 100 feet wide. so as to
AVOID accidents. But in this case the
Virginia Railway and Power Company
has erected the lire on the right Of
way of the Seaboard Air Line, under
a contract. Mr.. WORKMAN said if power
wires were torn from their fastenings
and touched telephone wires. the lives
endangered.
Could XIII Man or COW.
lie had noted places where the
branches OF trees were near the trans
mission "ires-as close as eighteen
'hches. In such case. he said if in
me entire current would enter the
tree. causing a short circuit within two
seconds The shock would Kill = man
or a COW leaning against the tree
seeking TO show that this was mere
possibility through Il combination OF
circumstances. Henry W Anderson.
cross examining the witness, said that
IN mat event an ambulance could also
ne Kept In waiting 10 care for the in
jured.
II was evident, from the tenor Of the
questions that the npwer company will
endeavor to show that It has removed
branches Of trees near the line since
mat at the time he visited the scene.
when photographs submitted in evil
dence were taken. tho connections had
not been completed and the current
had not been turned on.
Voltage is $4,000.
When James w Gordon. examining
Mr.. WORKMAN for the petitioners. sought
TO show the effect of diversion Of
10000 volts OF electric current. arzu
ment between opposing counsel was
prccipitated Mr Anderson objected.
Mr.. Gordon said that, as in the case
OF passing on the constitutionality of
an act of Legislature. il was permits
siola To show what could happen under
the terms OF a contract. 1t seems the
agreement between the Seaboard Air
Line and the Virginia Railway ana
rover Company permits the transmits
sion OF 10000 volts OF current Mr.
Anderson. taking the opposite position.
said that the line as constructed would
carry only $4,000 volts. and that the
questioning should be directed to such
a condition.
After consultation. the Corporation