The Struggle for Streetlights

The board of delegates devoted a considerable portion of the session last night to consideration of the contract with the Union Electric Company for lighting the streets of the city for the ensuing year. Corporation Counsel Dorworth attended by invitation to supervise the legal details. An ordinance was read outlining a contract for street lighting beginning October 1, 1893, specifying various candle-power lights at monthly rents. Delegate Braw suggested that the price had declined, and that the city should have the option to renew. Delegate Fosh agreed, noting the city owned a sufficient number of lamps already. Delegate Braw also argued the company should pay for the repair of roads, but Dr. Kilbourne, for the company, resisted, stating that even at the current rates, the company makes little on the arc lights. President Kilbourne suggested that if lights are reported as out, the company should be subjected to a penalty, noting frequent complaints of lights being out for long periods. Delegate Fosh shared his experience with lights that had to be knocked with a stick because the lamps were not in good order. A suitable amendment was agreed to, and the bill was referred to the engrossing committee.