But even after we have been able to produce and send out gas of the
greatest purity, our troubles are frequently only beginning, as, very
often, consumers do not use, but simply waste and destroy the gas by bad
burners and fittings. Nothing, however, will convince them that they are
in any way to blame for the light being poor. I am certainly of opinion
that gas companies would do the public a service in supplying them with
suitable burners for the quality of gas that is being sent out for
consumption. I have myself for some years adopted this policy, and
almost invariably find that complaints cease and consumers are pleased
with the results.
We have now also so large a number of really good regenerative lamps
which give excellent results, and can be made in a great variety of very
neat and ornamental designs, that we ought to endeavor to the utmost of
our power to introduce them to the public, and, if possible, induce them
to use them not only in halls and similar places, but in their dwelling
houses, as with these lamps a most thorough and efficient system of
ventilation can be carried out, by which the heat that is so much
complained of in gas-lighted apartments is reduced to a minimum, and the
atmosphere of such apartments is rendered healthy and agreeable.
With such improved lamps at our command, I think we have nothing to fear
from the competition of the electric light, which during the past year
has not made any very startling advance--generally attributed by
electricians to the restrictive legislation under which they have been
placed. Let us hope this is now about to be removed. I am sure we all
rejoice that such is the case, as all we want is a "fair field and no
favor." We can with confidence await the result.