Evening journal., 1919-02-04
WOULD FORM STATE
BOARD OF UTILITIES
Laurel Citizens Lea gu e
Urges Enactment OF
Such Measure
WANT STATE HIGHWAY
BUILT THROUGH TOWN
.necIal 70 The rYenIns JournaI.

4
DOVER, Del, Feb. 1.-Legislatlon
providing for the establishment Of a
state Board OF Public Utility Commis-
sioners for Delaware and for the extern
sion Of the State highway through the
town OF Laurel, has been requested by
the Citizens League Of Laurel. sena-
tor Asa Bennett and Representative
Harvey w. Hastings, OF Sussex county,
have been requested by the league 10
take action at once so that this legis-
lation may receive consideration at an
early date.
In seeking the establishment OF a
State Board Of Public Utility Commits
sioners, the Citizens League points out
that Delaware at this time, outside OF
Wilmington, has absolutely no public
body 10 whom appeal may be made In
the matter OF any public service ad-
iustment
Laurel residents and members OF the
league experienced during the sum
mer a general complaint regarding al
leged overcharges made by a gas and
electric company that supplies the town
with light and power, as well as nu-
merous other peninsula communities.
After futile efforts 10 secure indlvid-
ual satisfaction, the league took the
matter up with the Philadelphia rep |
resentatives OF the company and q
basis OF adjustment was reached.
At the time more than one hundred
citizens Of Laurel united In the league |
work. They agreed 10 seek legisla-
tion at the earliest opportunity for the
establishment OF a State Board OF Pub
lie Utility Commissioners so that such |
matters might be handled IN regular
form and by the. State. The league
asked their representative at that time,
Samuel N. Culver, 10 propose the leg
islahon at the special session Of the
Legislature, but as only war measures
were being taken up, the Issue was
not considered.
The league is now determined TO
have the matter put before the legis-
lature. Following Is a copy OF the let
ter sent TO Senator-Bennett. pointing
out the reasons for the demand. The
State highway project Is also made
clear In the letters.
Laurel. Del, Feb. 3, 1919.
To the Honorable Asa Bennett, Sena-
tor from the Third Senatorial Dis
lrict, Sussex County.
Dover. Delaware.
Sir: The Citizens League Of Laurel,
Delaware, comprised OF a large and rep
resentative body Of citizens, has adopt
ed a resolution requesting that action
be taken at once TO secure legislation
that viii result In the establishment
Of a Board OF Public Utility Commits
eloners.
The Citizens League OF Laurel re-
Bpectfully requests you. as our repre-
sentative In the State Senate, to take
immediate steps 10 have a bill covering
this request drafted and presented be-
fore the Senate now assembled.
We beg 10 offer the following reasons
for such request;
The State Of Delaware Is at this time {
without a public body 10 which ap- y
peal may be taken by individual or
body Of citizens In the matter Of any I
'lsims that may appear unjust In the 5
to public welfare by
public service corporations or con- O
serns IN our State. {
There Is no body existent empower Q
ID TO act as mediator In the matter OF d
any such complaint and no public body 4
that Is empowered TO regulate the mat q
ter OF rates, charges or other highly c
Important features In connection with a
the operation OF any public utility
concerns OF corporation.
At the present time the public util-
aty corporation or concerns outside OF !
the city OF Wilmington are not gov
erned or controlled In any manner by
State jurisdiction, and naturally the
public has absolutely no source OF re-
dress IN matters OF most vital Import
anoe In their dealing with such public
voncerns, aside from the community
franchises, which are at best lax.
To Illustrate the great need OF o
State Board Of Public Utility Com
missioners we point out that during /
the last year our community entered /
"a strong protest against certain oven !
charges made against consumers sup 4
piled with electric light and power by |
the Eastern Shore Gas and Electric /
Company, which supplies Laurel and |
other communities with light |
and power, but found that we could |
obtain no redress other than that sf- !
forded by the Eastern Shore Gas and |
Company, and not then until |
the Citizens League OF Laurel met with |
Of this concern and dis |
,ussed In detail the Objectionable con-
iitions. While certain adjustments |
we're obtained. the result was not en-
irely satisfactory, but nothing further
ould be done because OF there being |
% State body that might be ap-
called to.
With this condition existing It is easy
J, understand that our State Is prac-
cally at the mercy Of every public
tility concern. The need Of a board
TO adjust matters Of differ
ace between the public and such or
is eminent.
We desire to make prominent the
eed OF legislation that will result In
State Board OF Public Utility Com :
aissioners being established in Della
ware. and sincerely request that you