A long scandal

After fourteen days of shutdown, electricity has finally been restored to the districts of Paris, which an unfortunate blow of a pickaxe had deprived of it.
But if those responsible believe that the case is closed for them, it is because they exaggerate the dose of indifference and oblivion with which the public is fortunately endowed. It is now, on the contrary, that an investigation must begin into the real causes of this stupid accident, the faults and errors committed and the means of avoiding them in the future.

Like everyone else, I read the silly explanations provided by the Sector on
the accident. I note in passing that these clarifications were given reluctantly, after several days of insistence, and with the worst grace in the world.

Because it is so. Whether it's Gas, Electricity or Transport, when one of these Companies which hold their concession only from our goodwill must render accounts, it is with the most perfect rudeness that it dismisses the investigators, thus renewing these processes of the employer-State that we had wanted to abolish.

Besides, no one will be made to believe that it was a navvy's pick which alone could have caused all this uproar. Or else it is that the specifications imposed on the Company were drawn up so clumsily that no precaution was taken to foresee breakdowns and to ensure the absolute independence of the districts of Paris from each other.

Any large industry which resorts to electricity (light or force) applies itself precisely to ensuring the continuity of its work by taking indispensable measures. And we will be made to believe that these snacks could not be prepared by a large public service which supplies the capital and on which the security, the wealth, the very life of several districts depend. Has anyone calculated what was lost in money during these fourteen days for all the industries, all the businesses concerned? If lawsuits for indemnities were brought against the Company by those who suffered from its lack of embarrassment and its lack of foresight, it would be crushed by condemnations which would exceed it.

But the Municipal Council does not come out, no more shining from the adventure, nor the Administration of the Seine. Mr. Juillard can still invoke that he is new to the Prefecture and that he does not know. As for our city councilors, why are they elected if not to ensure the smooth operation and without surprises of these services essential to the normal life of Paris? Now, it is obvious that they neither studied nor criticized the leonine treaty which they were going to consent to the Company. And the accident once produced found them as inert as if it happened in Madrid or Strasbourg.

Madrid, Strasbourg, they come back precisely, these Gentlemen! At our expense, here and there, they treated themselves to “study trips”. Paris also requires them, because it is Paris that pays for them. But a visit to the Sectors and their technicians is much less fun.

LEON BAILBY