Law

The questions in this case are before this court as the result of an order to show cause in response to a petition for a writ directing a review of an order of the Railroad Commission alleged to be violative of certain constitutional rights of petitioner.

In May, 1910, the petitioner and one Frederick G. Cartwright entered into a written contract, for a period of twenty years, whereby said Cartwright agreed to furnish steam and electricity for purposes of heating, power, and illumination in a building in the city of San Francisco owned by petitioner. The commodities furnished were to be paid for by petitioner at certain rates set forth in the contract and, in addition, Cartwright was granted the right to use free of charge parts of said building and premises belonging to petitioner. The right thus granted included the privilege of using certain wells, a smokestack, a steam and water circuit extending from said building under the streets of the city to another building, and the right of constructing and maintaining tanks on the roof of the building and of installing and maintaining motors, pumps, and pipes in the basement of the building. Cartwright assigned this contract to the…