Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-03-22

Rock Island, March 22,-EditOr The
Argus: In the issue of Monday, March
20, the local papers contained a re-
missioners, directing that steps be
taken to secure ruling by the state
public utilities commission, reducing
the present rates for gas and cleo
tricity in this city. This is an ex-
tremely important matter and one in
which almost every citizen is inter-
ested financially not only at present
but in the years to come, and when
such worthy movement is started by
our public officials. it strikes me that
some concerted effort should be put
flied to show to the commissioners that
the people of the city are behind them
in their efforts.
Nothing is more disconcerting and
discouraging to a public official who
has inaugurated a meritorious move
ment than to have the people, whom
he is endeavoring to assist, either
question his motives or evidence no in
terest in his efforts, and nothing is
more encouraging to him than to have
the people evidence in no unmistak-
able terms that they heartily and en-
Enthusiastically support him in his eff
forts. Without the hearty and united
endorsement of the people this move
ment is likely to be abortive or result
in a compromise which will be unfair
With the united support of the people
it cannot fail.
Gas and electricity are no longer
Injuries. They are necessities not
only to the affiuent, but also to the
large and increasing majority of our
citizens whose constant battle is to
make their earnings reach their ex-
penses. An overwhelming majority OF
our men and women voters are con-
slant users of these necessities. The
corporation furnishing gas and cleo
tricity is a semi-public corporation
commonly known as a public utility
1t has been given the right to use the
public streets and property to carry
on it's business. In return for these
valuable privileges it is required to
furnish its product at reasonable
rate. If it does not do this voluntar-
lily then the people should compel il
to do so.
Ample means are afforded, under the
law, to compel or coerce this public
utility to furnish its product at rea-
sonable rate. The public utilities
commission is commission with am.
pie power to investigate the affairs OF
the company, its rate, etc, and to de-
termine what is fair charge for its
product and to compel it to furnish II
at that rate. The city commissioners
have initiated the movement. Ordi-
nary prudence on the part Of the peo-
pie would seem to demand that the
subject and in no unmistakable terms
tndorse the action of the commission,
| ers.
The people as whole are fair. They
do not seek nor want something fol
nothing. They do not seek nor demand
rate that would be confiscatory OF
one so low that it would cripple the
efficiency of the present Light anG
Power company, but they do demand
and are lawfully entitled to, rigid
examination of the books and records
| of this company, and an adjudication
OF what would be fair and equitable
rate Of charge.
The charges for service by public
utility supplying necessities to the
people is in reality a tax and nothing
is more obnoxious or humiliating to 9
citizen than to be compelled to pay ar
| unreasonable and unjust tax Taxa
ton without representation is an out
rage under our system Of government
and the Boston tea party initiated 6
protest which later led to the founda
ton Of government opposed to such