The copper era and Morenci leader., 1915-12-10
SHERIFF CASH MUST ACCOUNT ID THE
 COMMISSION
GreenIee Official Askc
 Action in Taking Possession of Lighting Plant at Clifton, Firing Experienced Men, Giving Strikers Places.
PUBLIC UTILITY LAW
 IS GROSSLY VIOLATED
Corporation Commission Upholds Mine Manager for Refusing to Pay Men Employed By Cash; Authori- ties ignored.


 PHOENIX, Dec. S.-The Arizona corporation commission requested Sheriff Cash, of Greenlee county, to explain his action in taking control of the electric light plant of the Arizona Copper company at Clifton. The con- mission charges that the sheriff violated the public utility law without obtaining the commissions consent. The commissions letter follows:
 We are greatly surprised at the contents of your telegram of Nov. 22nd, to the effect that you as an off cer of the county had been operating a public utility plant for nearly two months without having advised this commission of same or the facts and circumstances leading up to your hay ing taken possession of the plant.
 AS we read the public utility laws of the state, this commission alone is authorized by law to permit changes in the operation, management or con trol of public utility companies. It seems to us that you are assuming a great deal of responsibility for your self personally, and your bondsmen, in taking over private property and operating it,and especially when such property is public utility, the gen eral supervision and regulation of which is vested with this commission. The state owes to public utility plants not only full protection in the oper- ation and management of its plant but owes, as the law clearly designs, the obligation of seeing that the plant earns reasonable rates upon the in- vestment and such protection as may be necessary in preserving the pro perty to its full value and working condition
 Tn the light of our interchange of advice and telegrams with you and the companies in your district, where. in we advised you and the companies severally and jointly that this com mission would require public service lcorporations to render adequate and continuous service, we are at a loss to understand your position in assum ing control and the operation of this plant without even advising us that service was imminent
 | Cash's Telegram.
 | We have report from the com pany in the premises and in order that we may be in full possession of the facts, we ask that you advise us, al your earliest convenience, all of the facts, circumstances and condition: concerning the matter.
 Your telegram November 22nd reads as follows: October first Ari zona Copper Go. quit operating cleo tric light plant, took their employe! off and refused absolutely to have anything more to do with same.
 was compelled to put on men and ru1 1.-the plant, since which time plant hai been operated by men under m. orders, furnishing lights to towns o Clifton, Morenci and Metcalf Com pany has furnished oil and supplie and the men have been working for month and more without wages Wire were sent to N Carmichael, Fl Paso but elicited no reply. Men demand their wages. Is there anything vol may do to assist me in securing pa, for men so employed? Company ha and is now collecting light bills frol
 consumers for period since October l
 Please wire answer. This question
 is quite vital and must have results
 CASH, Sheriff.
 Company Upheld