A PROGRAMME FOR SOCIAL STUDY 249
3. The general discussion might take the form of a review of the informa- tion contained in the reports conducted by someone who should be specially prepared.
SIXTEENTH MEETING.
1. General topic: Municipal Lighting. References :
Bemis, Municipal Ownership of Gas in the United States (American
Economic Association, Vol. VI).
Argues for municipal ownership. Ely, Problems of Today.
Also strongly in favor of municipal ownership. Finley, Electric Street Lighting in American Cities (Review of Reviews,
February 1893).
Presents returns from numerous American cities, indicating that
municipal ownership is cheapest.
Francesco, Fallacy of Municipal Control (Engineering Magazine, Sep- tember 1893).
Against municipal control, criticises sharply Finley's article and
reports of cities owning plants. Meyers, Electric Street Lighting in Chicago (Political Science Quarterly).
Finds it probable that the electric lights for 1893 cost slightly more
than gas. Mikkelsen, Electric Street Lighting in Chicago (Annals American
Academy, March 1892).
Concludes that electric lights cost but one-third as much as gas
from the companies.
Shaw, Municipal Government in Great Britain. Shaw, Municipal Government in Continental Europe. Shaw's books give the gist of European experience and favor public ownership.
2. Special Report on the Local System of Lighting.
In this and the four following reports a map should be used to show location of plants, power houses, etc.; lines, pipes, wires, etc.; paved and unpaved streets, and all other information that can be shown in this way. Consider each system in its relation and adaptation to need. Study the services rendered in their relation to cost, etc. How is each system managed ? What are the provisions of franchise, etc. eneral discussion, topic: Lighting in Other Cities. References :
(Sec under general topic.)
