But while the day has gone by when any one of us fears the electric
light as a possible rival, we are not insensible to the fact that
paraffin oil, from its present low-price, is a rival which we cannot
afford to despise. And more especially is this the case in many of the
smaller towns and villages, where the charge for gas is of necessity
higher than in the larger towns.
Doubtless, with oil there is not the same cleanliness as with gas; while
there is also more trouble, attention, and considerable danger attending
its use. Still, in these "hard times," most people are inclined to adopt
the cheapest article, even at the cost of these drawbacks, so as to make
their money go as far as possible.
But not only as an illuminant is it being brought into direct
competition with gas, but also as a fuel and for cooking purposes, as
well as for motive power. And I am inclined to think that the sooner we
set about trying to solve the problem of how to meet this new
competitor, the better.