The Young Citizen's Reader (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909. Excerpt: ... most of us are obliged to use the electric cars. Some of these public works have been built and are maintained by the community itself. Most cities own their waterworks and supply water at fixed rates to the people. The cities also construct sewers through which the waste is carried off. Public Franchises.--Private companies or corporations, however, generally supply the public with light, transportation, telephones, etc. They get the right to furnish these things through what is called a charter or franchise. A franchise may be defined as the contract of a city or town with a corporation by which the latter is given the right to use the public streets for railway tracks, electric-light and telephone poles, and similar purposes. Through the franchise the corporation is also authorized to charge a certain price for its service to the public. It will readily be seen that the proper fulfilment of these contracts is very important. It makes a great difference whether the light furnished us is poor and expensive or of good quality and cheap, and it is essential that street-cars should be clean, the service regular and rapid, and the fare reasonable. We are, therefore, greatly interested in the contracts which our city government makes with public corporations. These contracts should be publicly made so that the people may know about them and have the opportunity of criticising them. Franchises are valuable property, and they should not be granted for an indefinite time without a proper return. They should provide for fair rates and good service, as well as for safety appliances by which accidents may be prevented. Public Utilities Commissions.--In some states public utilities commissions have been created. If we are dissatisfied with the service given by a pub...