The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1919-12-31
THE EXTENSION OF PUBLIC SERVICE

A recent issue Of Golfers Magazine asks If we must not begin to consider
a great many forms Of business IN terms Of service rather than in terms "
competitive price. The question implies a new attitude o"aroS
many business operations, a new conception OF the re-
,,+.r, ,v r. nnbnc and the large organizations which serve it Only
within the last few years have W e begun to realize dimly the true character u
public service corporations. We have learned from experience mi unrestnc'-
I'd competition and uregulated activity IN the public service field UGH a the
carrying Of passengers over street o steam railways the furnishing Of electric
light Of water and Of telephone service, do not in the long run make for 'e
hest service and for economy. On the contrary we have been forced to the
conclusion that some industries m naturally monopohstc' that IN heir mes
large and well organized unns will render better service than many small
competitive units. and that the only method OF handling tnese orPorSt0 Is
no ,rb,o ,svr,s,,o, We have also been forced Ito realize that the steady and
continuous operation of many industrial concerns is absolutely necessary lot
only for public health, for the carrying IN of business bit yer fol the e1se
ence of society.
Golfers asks whether Dr. not the field Of public regulation should be e1-
tended? Why for instance, is water regarded as such a necessity nj the
public in all important cities regulates its price and controls its use while Ice
milk coal and other necessities of life re left to the mercy OF tn prohteera II
10 the fortuitouss service rendered by competitive and irresponsible asences'
Might It not be better for the great cities. at least il the privilege OF dealing
in ,cessarie Of life Of this kind a limited to chartered corporations whose
service would be strictly regulated and controlled by the public? Might II not
be better. in fact il the same principle were extended seneraN' 10 N"e"
dealing everywhere with the operations that arr essential 10 the neaih '"
1a,re numbers Of people? The question suggests a line OF thought which ia
moi been seriously considered in this, or any other country u I'M e conof
lions arising in our great cities and spinstng o n the one hand ron large de-
mand. and N the other from the development II oreSni1ation whose SERVICE
earnest thought.
We have sec the peril which threatened the whole people rom Inc acu0n
II great labor union. which deliberately planned to cut OF the production or
coal in order to force the American people to meet its demands we ha'
seer at other times tn. great danger threatened through an eno' 10 s'p INC
railways OF the country for Alike purpose. We ave seen through 'e per
....s =, ~ rocsins conpanies to what extent millions Of people are depend
.ept for their daily food upon the service rendered by a relatively small nue.
~, cornorats interests. 1t is not we'll for the whole people that any few men
mr. n organizations, may have in their power to tax and to exact proht' enner
by the control of production, or by manipulating the processes OF uSDiOu'oH
Inc thing &c cear That is the recognition Of public interest in I'll great
industrial activities is more general today than ever before ne nSum
xho nav re bill, in the long run. ART beginning to make themselves heard
not, in rice optrovers and in labor disputes. The consumer Is Interested In
service as we'll as in price. in regularity and quality Of service rather nal IN
,ho nrosS NJ bose who serve, or the wages o those "a are mpoyeu' au
49, u.ru ,s coin, IN learn how to insure to himself reasonable service at
reasonable prices This is n Of the big problems before the American pub
lie n concenng it, the suggestions OF Golfers opens UP a line Of thought
fraurht with revolutionary possibilities.