New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-02-25

Gunmen have had their posslDIe
scope Of operations much extended In
Harlem and Washington Heights by
the removal Of 1000 gas lamps from
the streets, In accordance with Com
missioner William Williams's plan for
economy in the Department Of Water
Supply, Gas and Electricity.
The lights, resident pointed out
yesterday, have been taken from places
where they are most needed, and oppor-
tunity is now given unemployed men
to waylay persons in the dark spots
"You must remember that there are
now thousands Of men out Of work."
this taxpayer explained. MANY OF
them are driven TO desperation, and
although they are not criminals at
heart, they are goaded by the pangs
Of hunger, and will resort to any
means TO get money"
Residents OF tho uptown districts
are now at work on q petition pro-
testing against the removal Of the
lights, which will be presented to the
Board OF Aldermen. The plan now in OPP
Grafton, they assert, works success
fully in some cases, but ultimately will
/ prove failure.
Commissioner Williams abolished
the gas lights nearest the avenues,
leaving that part Of the street lighted
only by the arc at the corner. As the
gas lamps are fifty feet apart,
this means that q distance OF one hun
dred feet Is now illuminated by only a
| single gas lamp and an arc light.
The trainers Of the protest explained
that when summer sets in, the branches
OF the trees will shut Oft the lights,
afrording hold-up men a new oppor-
tunity to commit crimes. The trunks
Of many of the trees are so large that
they will shut off part of the light
supplied by the system.
Reginald Pelham Bolton, secretary OF
the Washington Heights Taxpayers
Association, has received word from
the aldermen that they will grant a
hearing late this month.
"Some of the streets are so bad"
he said yesterday, that the citizens
of Harlem are taking their lives in
their hands when out late at night, and
more especially if they display any
jewclry.
~ am an engineer myself, and
know that the cost of each gas light
wear is s.. By eliminating 1000,
$4,000 is saved, but if person meets
with an accident, due TO the poorly
lighted streets, the city will have to
pay heavy damages. ] fail TO see
where there Is any economy"
John II. Boschen, alderman from the
23d District, has taken up the fight
in the interests of his constituents, and
also doubts the economy.
81 understand that Commissioner
Williams put the plan into operation
upon his own initiative" he stated.
"he did not consult with President
McAneny or Commissioner Woods. II
he had, they would have told him Of
the danger. 1t seems to me that the
aldermen, who act as trustees Of city
property, are the persons 70 take some
action"
One street which will be used as an
example in the taxpayers protest Is
upper Seventh Avenue, from 10th 10
155th Street. Here there are a row
of trees, and in many places there is
only a space of two or three feet be-
tween the arc light and the trees. The
branches cover the light when the
trees are in bloom. This is also true
Of Lenox Avenue and Broadway. They
will also point out the danger Of both
arc and gas lights being out of COM
mission, when there are often delays
of two and three hours