Evening Star Newspaper, February 12, 1896, Page 3

— / SPECIAL NOTICES. medical ex- Edward Feeney of Brooklyn, supreme = ‘Widl meet the knights of the District at Carroll Institute Hall, THURSDAY EVENING, Feb. 13, at % o'clock: Full attendance destred. ‘fel2-2t* EGLECT TO ATTEND THE AUCTION Dry Goods at BAUM’S, 416 Seventh street. NT sale of it ONE GRAIN OF SOLID FACT outweighs a ton of notions or prejudices. And one substantial fact, a policy in the Connecticut - Mutual Life Insurance Company of Hartford, is worth a million theories about home for the family and schcoling for the ebildren when father is dead. Consult A. H. GIBBS, 913 F st. n.w., Washington, D. C. Jal5-Im,14 BEER, WHEN PROPERLY MADE. IS AN IDEAL TONIC. It's strengthening and nutritious. Flesh-form- appetizing apd exhilarati Every one ars—we always tell CHEN. It's by all ver handled. We'll “AVE. AND 1% ST. —A TEST SEANCE WILL BE "8 Hall, 721 6th st. n.w., on WED- . by Mrs. Zoller, medium. I views dally, 523 13th st THE PARTNERSHIP OF AUGUST SCHMEDTIR, HENRY SCHMBDTIS and JOHN HANSEN, JEW- SHMED- nw., Was this day Mr. Hansen will assume all obligations of the old firm, and all id firm are payable to him. ‘The bus!- tinue under the name of SOHMED- bess will TIB BRUS., JOHN HANSE A ONRY JOHN H EN. In relation to above notice, and upon our re- tirement from business, we hereby tender the generous publie our sincere thanks for the conti- dence bestowed on us the past 32 years. Mr. TiANSEN, ® bas succeeded us, and bas been ith us for 23 years, will, we fell ce-- tinue the establishment on ‘our same old through which <. He will con- tinue to keep only -xpert workmen for his repair end manufacturing departments, and endeavor to always retain a complete stcck of diamonds, ‘Watehes and fine jewelry. AUGUST SCHMEDTIE. HENRY SCUMEDTIE. fell-3t* FEB. 10, 1896. February 1, 1896. WASHINGTON, D. The firm of Stumph & Brother and the Stu & Brother Company have thls day fled a eral assignment of all thelr property to me for the benefit of creditors. Creditors are requested to present their claims to me as soon as possible. Debtors are notified to settle accounts and make payments at once. SIMON WOLF, Assignee, felo-3t 633, 635 Mass. ave. u.w. SPIRITUALISM. MRS. EFFIE MecNEIL, business and test me- divm, has resumed practice for the fall and win- * ter and will be at home daily until further no- Business examinations a specialty and satis- lon guaranteed. 1914 Pa. ave. fe8-6t* NOU NCEMENT. ‘This will inform my friends and the public that I am now associated with the Home Life Insurance Company, as General Manager. In addition to its superior life policies, this company sells deferred or Immediate Annuity Bonds—a safe investment, paying from seven to eighteen per cent, according to age. For full particulars apply to T. M. TYSSOWSKI, 910 G st. ow., (McGill building.) ETO MANSION Aye Plumbing with « sure and reltable smoke te. A trifing jet of smoke issuing from the drain or vent pipes means a leak, or trouble. I will cure the trouble and make your plumbing secure. WILLIAM KOCH, 724 i3th st. n.w. 805. Ja2i-1m 1VER'S RENT LEDGER. A new edition in preparaticn. Orders solicited fe ver luable to Real Estate Agents. DEEN, 1108-1116 E st.n.w. a1 I ¥ D RLY AND MONTHLY ISTRY installments. DR. T. W. STUBBLEFIELD, ita and F sts., Mertz bldg. RIDEAU STOVE, AN ARTIS- used in any eblmney, with cr el, and combines heating’ qualitics 8 of an open fire, burning hard Lor wood. J. H. CORNING, Tile Shop, | h si Jal is best done on the “Columbia’’— the standard of the world for wheels. Th of the Columbia is the fact that other e to make their wheels ‘ aks of _neztness, INK W x ation. Ink can't . even if turned top i on the outside. the ink ni them filled with Ide. up. Easton & Rupp, 421 uth St., Popnlar-Priced Stationers. ast above ave.) fl LA GRIPPE- Monicipal Control of the Plant Ad- vocated by Citizens. FIGURES 10 SUPFORT THE CONTENTION Officers of the Gas Company De- fend the Present Price. MR. LEACH’S STATEMENT SSS es The House District committee gave a hearing today on the bill known as the “dollar gas bill.” Representatives of the two local gas companies of the city, of the East Washington and the Northeast Wash- ington Citizens’ Associations were in at- tendance to give their views upon the pend- ing measure. Representatives of the Civic Center were also present. Mr. Dodge the First Speaker. Mr. W. C. Dodge of the East) Washing- ton Citizens’ Association was the first speaker. He said the people of this city are in the positions of orphans with a guardian, and the guardian is holding the orphans by the throat, while the gas com- panies despoil them. This situation is brought about by the action-of Congress having jurisdiction of the law regulating fel2-104 = 7 of Printing. The art preservative hb made wonderful Strides ducing the past few and we have kept abreast of all the latest ideas in the print- ing line. All the facilities for doing artistic printing are at your command here. Try us on your next job! Byron S. Adams,512 11th St. fell-14d : “Whe er Disappoit eereres GEE es Have us attend to The Glass. Anything you want in the way of glass— from the smallest plate to the largest. We are “glass experts’’ In every sense of the word—under- stand how to buy it—how to handle it. Buying directly from first hands, we get it cheaper, and can, therefore, afford to sell it cheaper than any- ‘one else. Chas.E.Hodgkin,913 7th St. a pg HANDLER OF PLATE GLASS. oe s 2600090 seeees tOO042960 COAL! COAL! COAL! Pa. Pea Coal at $4.00. Chestnut and Furnace at $5.00 a ton delivered. JOHN MILLER & CO., ja2t-im 10th and F si — INDEX TO ADVERTISEMENTS. AMUSEMENTS . ACCOUNTANTS 4 ATTORNEYS . 4 AUCTION SALES. Page 9 BICYCLES . Page 5 BOARDING Page 4 EU: Page + ciTy revs. Page 12 COMMISSIONERS s Page 4 COUNTRY REAL ESTATE. Page 4 DEATHS Page 7 DENTIS Page 5 EDUCATIONAL Page 5 EXCURSIONS 12 FS 4 4 r 4 RENT (Houscs). 4 FOR RENT (Misceilancous} 4 FOR 4 For 4 FOR 4 FOR RENT (Stores). 4 FOR S 3 FoR 4 FoR 3 FOR - HORSES AND VEHICLES. HOTELS . - Abbansewonrmn ne canoe Bee ND FOUND. MANICURE MARRIAGES MEDICAL . “< MONBY WANTED AND TO LOA ENDSUTAKERS WANTED (Board) WANTED (Heip) WAXT:D (Houses) WANTED (Lats). “Page ANTED Soom "Page the price of gas. Mr. Dodge reviewed the operations of the gas company for many years past, showing the large dividends paid by ‘the company and the increasing value of the plant. ; ‘The question is, What is the remedy? The Proper one is to give the city municipal ownership of gas and electric lighting plants. He read statistics showing the dif- ference between the cost of contract lights and municipal control thereof for a number of cities. These statistics were published at the hearings in the last Congress. He said there are twenty or more cities in the country owning their own gas plants, and in every instance where municfpal ownership has been substituted for private ownership it has been to the benefit of the citizens and the municipality. A conspicu- ous instance was the case of Philadelphia. Even the little city of Alexandria, Va., owns its own lighting plant and puts a profit into the city treasury. Mr. Leach of the Washington Gas Com- pany interrupted Mr. Dodge with the state- ment that Alexandria, with municipal own- ership, charges $1:40 for gas. Mr. Dodge, continuing, cited the city of ‘Toledo, where the contractors get $1 gas for five years and 95-cent gas thereafter, with a small amount to be furnished free to the engine houses. Mr. Dodge said the cost of gas has cheapened in recent years, and modern improvements constantly tend to reduce the cost of making. “There is not a shadow of doubt,” said Mr. Dodge, “that we can make gas at 65 to 76 cents a thousand and lay aside a profit of $100,000 a year for a sinking fund to pay for the plant.” He said Congress should at least reduce the price demanded by the local companies, if it does not want to give municipal own- ership. The candle-power should be in- creased, too. 4 Some Questions Answered. ° “Which gas is better—that made from coal, or water gas?” asked Mr. Huling of West Virginia. “Oh, coal gas is better, nore,” answered Mr. Dodge. Do you think the municipality could con- duct a plant as economically as the pri- vat2 corporation? asked Mr. Richardson. “By all means,” answered Mr. Dodge. “There is no reason why it should not.” To prove his assertion, Mr. Dodge quoted the statistics for the city of Richmond, where a profit of 22 per cent was made on the amount estimated by the city superin- teadent for duplicating the works. “In such cities are the gas companies not controlled by municipal politics?” asked Mr. Richardson. fot at all. There has never been any difficulty about that. The superintendent of the works is usvally continued through changing administrations. In cities like New York, where corruption exists, who is it that perpetrates frauds? It is not the citizens, but the corporations seeking char- but it costs Dodge said the reason for reporting adversely the bills for rival gas companies in the past was because Congress was averse to tearing up the streets. Moreover, it would be absolutely impossible to prevent the new company from combining with the old one, and for that reason alone he would oppose chartering any new company. Mr. Leach asked Mr. Dodge about the Philadelphia statistics, and, in default of answer, stated that the gross profits of the Philadelphia works last year were only $192,310, while the candle power of the gas furnished was 19.47. . Mr. Sands, for the proposed new gas com- pany, controverted Mr. Dodge's assertions about the possible absorption of new com- panies by oid ones. Mr. Mclihenny of the Washington Gas Company said there is not today a com- peting gas company in any city in the United States. Although many have been incorporated, they have all been absorbed and combined. - Mr. Siddons Indorses Mr. Dodge. Mr. F. L. Siddons spoke in behalf of the Civic Center, an organization of citizens, with a membership of fifty or sixty. He indorsed what Mr. Dodge hdd said about municipal ownership of gas and electric Ughting plants. He thought the quality of gas should be improved. The gas now fur- nished has greatly deteriorated of late, and he thought it was due to the use of water gas. He favored ap amendment to the pending bill, which would prevent the pos- sibility of the company avoiding compli- ance with the requirements for maintain- ing the standard. He did not view favora- bly the chartering of a new company, for fear it would combine with the old one. He submitted to the committee the report of the board of trade on gas,recently published in The Star. He said the dividends of the gas company have approached nearer fifty per _cent than the sixteen per cent quoted by Mr. Dodge. ,Mr. Siddons was questioned about the alleged watering of stock of the Washington Gas Company, and insisted that the stock had been watered. Mr. Babeock constrid the term watered stock to mean where increased paper stock had been issued without a true value. The gas company contends that its increased stock represents an increased plant. What Mr. MciIihenny Said. Mr. McItherny said: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen, owing to the shortness of the time left, it will he im- possible for me to go into this as I expect- ed to, an¢ to answer all these arguments that we have heard here over and over again; but I weuld just like to state to the committee that I have been In the gas bust- ness all my life, and am acquainted with nearly every prominent gas man in this country, and I have never known 2 set of men who are so anxious to sell their pro- duct cheaply as the gas people. There is a limit, of course, beyon which the price cannot go to make profitable returns to the stockholders. That limit, by legislation and by public opinion, has been very nearly reached throughout the entire country; and as long as the people of Washington get gas as cheap 2s the people of New York cr the people of Baltimor2, or the people of cther cities where the advantages for pro- ducing it are far greazer than here, or at jeast the cost of producing it is much less, I think there ought to be very little com- plaint. In the city of New York they pay $1.25 per thousand feet; in the city of Bal- timore they pay $1.25; and the average price of gas throughout this country is $1.50. I have been acquainted with the officers of this company for a great many years, and J do know that it has beon their con- stant aim, and their constant interest even —we always consider it to our interest—to sell the gas at the lowest possible price. Thee have reduced it voluntarily several times. It has beer as high as $4 here, and ‘it is now down to $1.25. I have no doubt but that when the time comes ‘when we can reduce it, we will be very glad to do so, be- cause every man in this business knows— and it is so in every other business—that the cheaper the product, the greater the sale of it—it popularizes the product and makes the people better satisfied. ' Some Questions Answere® Mr. Hulick—Did I understand you to say. A GAS HEARING| ‘EVENING STAR, WED NESDAY, FEBRUARY. 19; ith sa EXPLANATORY NOTE: Observations taken at 8 a.m,, 75th meridian time. Si lh silly “THE OFFICIAL WEATHER MAP, e. x rad ° “Oban. renee YF so a ® Partly Cloudp Olacksore”’ & Croude Yo. 2s @ Rain, 60 yp @Snoms ran Solid lines are iso- bars or lines of equal air pressure, drawn for edch tenth of an inch. Dotted lines ‘are isotherms or lines of equal temperature, drawn for each ten degrees. Shaded areas are regiors where rain or mow bas fallen during preceding twelve hours. The words “High” and Small arrows fly with the wind. areas of high and low barometer. ‘Low’ show location of RAIN OR SNOW. Fair Weather Will Not Last After To- night According to Prediction. Forecast till 8 p.m. Thursday: For the District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland, increasing cloudiness to- night; Thursday, rain or snow, possibly be- ginning in the early morning; warmer; veriable winds, becoming southerly. For Virginia and North Carolina, increas- ing cloudiness tonight, with rain in ex- treme westcrn tions; Thursday, rain; Rarmer; northerly winds, becoming south- erly. Weather conditicns and general forecast: The pressure continues very low over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with a barometer reading of 28.76 inches this morning at-St. Johns, Newfoundland. The area of high pressure has drifted eastward to the lower leke region and the middle Atlantic states. A storm has developed on the southern Rccky mountain slope, now | central in scuthern Kansas, which has caused heavy rain or snow in Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas and Illinois. The pressure is high in_the northern Rocky mountain districts. The barometer bas risén in the lake regions, New England ond the Atlantic states, and also through- out the Rocky mountain plateau. It has fallen generally in the Mississippi and Missour! valleys. The temperature is lower in New Eng- land and the lake regions, and it has fallen decidedly in the extreme northwest, the temperature at Edmonton this morning being 30 degrees below zero. It is warmer in the gulf states and Mississippi valley. The weather will be generally fair in New England and along the Atlantic coast till Thursday. : The storm will probably extend into the middle states, the Ohio and lower Missis- sippt valley and gulf states, probably gaus- *| ing heavy rain or snow in the Ohio valley. Clearing and colder weither is indicated for the west gulf states Thursday. Tide Table. Today—Low tide, 1:15 a.m, and 1:33 p.m. bigh tide, 7:10 a.m: and 7:20 p.m. Tomorrow—Low tide, 2:00 a.m. and 2:17 p.m.; high tide, 7:52 a.m. and 8:03 p.m. Z The Sun and Moon, Sun rises, 6:56; sun sets, 5:34. Full moon tomorrow at 11:12 a.m. The City Lights. Gas lamps all Ighted by 6:42 p.m.; ex- tinguishing begun at 5:47 a.m. The light- ing Is begun one hour gbéfore the time ramed. = . Naphtha lamps all lighted by 6:42 p.m.; extinguishing begun at 6:02. The moon schedule docs not apply to these lamps. Public arc lamps lighted at 6:12 p.m. and extinguished at’ Condition of the Water. Temperature and condition of water at 8 am.: Great Falls, temperature, —; condi- tion, —. Receiving reservoir, temperature, 40; condition at ncrth connection, —; condi- ticn at south connection, 2. Distributing 1eservoir, temperature, 38; condition at in- fluent gate house, 2; effluent gate house, 2. Range of the Thermometer. The following were “the readings of the thermometer at the weather bureau today: 8 a.m., 28; 2 p.m., 42; maximum, 45; min- imum, 28. THE WEATHER FORECASTS BY FLAG SIGNALS. Nol No. 2 No. 4. No. 5. Clear or fair Rain or Local rain ‘Tempers ture weather. snow. or snow. signal. Explanation of the Fings. 1 1¢ ‘The flags are holsted each day upon the fesue of the morning weather map afd float until dark. ‘They indicate the weatter that may be expected during tho following thirty-ix bours,!but more par- ticularly the last twenty-four hours of that period. ‘They are to be read from the top of the staff @ownward. If more than one kind of weather is predicted for the period from 8 pm. to 8 p.m. the corditions first named in the forecast will be represented by the wppermost fing. When a warning ‘of < “cold wave” is included in the forecast message, the cold-wave flag will be displayed below the proper weather flag. ‘The temperature flag, when placed above numbers 1, 2 or 8, indicates warmer weather; when placed below numbers 1, 2 or 8, indicates colder weather; when not-displayed, the Andicttions are that the temperature will remain stationary. that the cost of gas in the city of Wasling- ton and the District of Columbia 1s $1.25? Mr. McIlhenny—The price is $1.25. Mr. Sands—To those who pay within the first ten days; otherwise $1.50. Mr. Hulick—There was no qualification in the statement of Mr. McIlhenny. I thought he meant that absolutely. Mr. Mclihenny—The price of gas here in the city of Washington is $1.25. Mr. Hulick—The price you fix is $1.50, but you discount for punctual payment, do you not? Mr. Mclihenny—Yes. Mr. Hulick—I want to understand what that means. Mr. McIihenny—There are very few peo- ple who are delinquents. Mr. Se eee harge them $1.50? ere Mclihenny—That is the penalty. If they are delinquent, they pay $1.50 instead of $1.25. Mr. Hulick—I had a notice of that kind served on me the other day. Mr. McIlhenny—Every one who pays with- in ten days after the rendering of the bill is charged $1.25. It is the custom all over try. tO ulick—You do that to encourage people to be punctual in their payments? Mr. McIIhenny—We consider $1.25 the price of the gas. The Law and Regulations. Mr. Hulick—But could your company not charge $1.50 without making that reduc- tion if it saw fit under the law? Mr. MclIihenny—Not if the people paid within the ten days. Mr. Hulick—Does not the law authorize harge $1.50? 7 On tO ee ienny ie the bill is not paid ithin the limit. “Mr. Hulick—Is not that provision in your ? char Melhenny—No; 1 think it is only in ‘egulations. Ges Frullck—That is a regulation of the company, but does it not say on the face of the charter under which you act that you may charge $1.50 for your gas? Mr. MclIihenny—No, sir. ‘The chairman—The lest law on the stat- ute books fixes it at $2.50. Mr. Richardson—When was the last re- duction made by law in the price of gas in the District? Mr. MclIihenny—I cannot recall that. Mr. Sands—April 12, 1874. Mr. Harmer—What per cent of your consumers pay $1.50 for their gas? Mr. McIihenny—About 2 per cent of them pay $1.50. That, of course, would be a matter of reference to the books. It is a very small proporticn of them. Mr. Dodge Answered. Mr. Dodge, the first speaker, comes here and tells you that Congress is holding the people and the gas company is robbing them. Of course he says he acquits the officers of any such charge as that. I would just like to state to you that there 600 gas coasumers in this city. The Saeeknent and the District pay about $217,000 for all the light they get here, and the people pay about $900,000 altogether. About 1,600, we will say, of these people are large consumers, but the other 25,000 do not pay an average of over eight cents a night for the gas consumed in a year. If that is an extortion, if that is robbing people, I do not understand it. There is hothiifg that they buy in this District as cheaply as they buy gas; 25,000 of these consumers out of 26,600 do rot pay over eight cents a night for gas the year roynd —about $32 a year. ‘The stockholders of this company, too, are nearly all in this District. There are about 750 ‘stockholders in the company. The large majority of them are in the Dis- trict or in the city of Washington, and they are small holders. It is true they have re- ceived their returns for their money, fig- ured upon the face value of the stock; but when you come to consider that nearly all those holders of stock have bought the stock at between 40 and 50, they are not getting over four and a half or four per cent. I bought the stock that I hold at 50, and I realize out of a ten per cent dividend on it four per cent. Aus to Dividends. ‘The Chairman—What was the entire divi- dend paid in 1895 out of the earnings of that year? _¢ . Mr. McIihenny—I cannot tell. I think there was an extra dividend paid, but even at the price at which I bought my stock I would only be getting 10 per cent on it, and it may be many years before there is an- other extra dividend, The Chairman—¥ou say there was an extra dividend paid? 6 delinquent, you Mr. MclIthenny—Yes, sir, The Chairman—When was Mr. Mclinenny—Mr. Leetch gan tel that exactly. ; The Chairm: dend? ‘ Mr. McIIhenny—I have forgotten exactly. What was it, Mr. Leetch? Mr. Leetcn--It was three or four dollars a share. The Chairman—Three or four dollars a share, you say? Mr.’ Leetch—Yes, sir. whether it was $3 or $4. Mr. McIlhenny—I will state to the com- mittee that the stockholders living in this city are a far larger constituency than the an—How much was that divi- I am not sure men who come here to address you. The Chairman—I certainly think that if I haG received a dividend on my stock in a company of this kind I should be able to remember what it was. Mr. MclIthenny—I have forgotten exactly what it was, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Sands—If you will permit me—Mr. Mclhenny having stated that last year about $1,100,000 was paid to the company for gas consumed, if he can tell what pro- portion of that amount was consumed in expenses of producing the gas, etc., we can get at the amount of the dividend. Mr. McIJhenny—Mr. Leetch is prepared to answer all those questions. It is unfortun- ate sometimes for people to have property in this condition. The money of the people who hold the stock of the Washington Gas Light Company is just as important to them as if they had it in a hcuse or lot. A great many of them look forward to it from year to year, and if you reduce the price of gas or introduce a new company you will be sure to destroy the value of this stock. The price of gas has reached the point now, consider- ing the cost of producing it, which necessi- tates reduced dividends. Value of Stock. Mr. Hulick—What is the market value of your stock today? Mr. Mcllhenny—I think it is about 45 to- day, according to the newspapers. Mr. Richardson—$45 for a $20 share? Mr. McIlhenny—For a $20 share; yes, sir. Mr. Hulick—To what extent has the orig- inal stock been increased, if at all? Mr. McIihenny—I think the original stock was about $500,000, and it has been in- creased to $2,000,000, Mr. Sands—The original stéck was $50,000. Mr. Mcilhenny—That was when they first started. Mr. Hulick—Why was it increased? Mr. Mcllhenny—It was increased to keep pace with the growth of the city. In fact, you will find that it takes a great deal of the earnings of any corporation like this, who have to borrow money, to keep pace with a growing city. Mr. Hulick—Was that increase actually in money invested in the plant? Mr. Mclihenny—Yes, sir; all of that stock. Mr. Hulick—Then I am to understand that there was no watered stock put in it? Mr. Mcilhenny—No, sir; not a dollar. That has been stated here very often, but it is not true. There was no watered stock in this gas company. It has been stated here also that the method of making gas was by puting oil into it, and that that could be done very cheaply., The fact is that the ofl gas costs as much, as the coal gas to make, and the reqson, oil was used was that the residuals could not be sold here in Washington. Tat Was the first motive that induced the company to go in- to making coal gas. Coke was not salable here. Tar could not be disposed of, and the ammoniacal liquor could riot bé disposed of. These residuals, and the ability to dispose of them, affects the price'of cdal gas in Eu- rope and in other places; but as there is very litle manufacturing fond’ in Washing- ton, there is slight demafad ot these prod- ucts. If these products‘ would bring as much here as they do in‘ Detfoit or Pitts- burg, or even in Philadelphia, you would not hear any complaints from the gas com- pany about reducing the’pri¢e to $1. We would be glad to do it. If wold be to our advantage, because everything that satis- fies the consumer and makes him feel com- fortable is a great advantage to the com- pany in dealing with him. The Nluminating Quality. The illuminating quality of the gas in the city of Washington is as high as it can be made. That I state from my knowledge of the gas business. The chairman—Let me understand that. The current illuminating power of the gas. is as high, or, in other words, the quality is as good, as can be matie? Mr. Mclihenny—Yes, sir. The chairman—It cannot be improved? Mr. Mcilhenny—No, sir; whenever it is ie. richer, when mére hydro-carbon. in the shape of oil or cannel.coal is put into it, the gas smokes, and when you see the | lic gas you will always understand that it is rich; that there is too much illuminating power. In the city of New York, where they rate the gas at 28 can- dies, they use a flat-flame burner. It has been stated here and repeated that the candle power.in New York is 26 or 28. When Mr. Love, the expert from the city of New York, chime here he found that the gas rated here at 18 candles would be rated by his standard at about 26 4-10. He was the gas inspector for the city of New York. When you have gas here rated at 19 candies, which is about the usual standard of it, the usual quality of it, you will find that the gas, according to the New York rating, is about 27 or 28 candles. Of course there are times when people complain of gas, and times when they justly complain, There are times when the services are stopped up, or when cold weather comes and produces naphthaline in the pipes ,or something of that kind, when the flow cannot be maintained. But 1 have seen on one side of a fixture a poor gas light and on the other side a very fine one. The Chairman—What kind of coal do you use here? Mr. McIThenny—We use Pennsylvania and Virginia bituminous coal, the richest gas coals in the country. Mr. Richardson—Do you use any anthra- cite coal here at all? - Mr. McIlhenny—Anthracite is used in the process of making water gas. It is the fuel for producing water gas, but in making coal gas it is the vich bituminous coals that are used. I would like to impress this upon you—that the cost of producing gas is a great deal more here than it is almost any- where else in the country. Men are paid larger wages here at the gas works. That has grown here trom time to time. Coal costs more, and, above all, the residuals are nearly valueless. These residuals have a certain value in England and in Germany. Germany is the country where the residuals are best taken care cf. The Residuals. Mr. Richardson—Name them, please. I am not an expert and do not know what they are. Mr. McIlhenny—The first is coke, then tar, then ammoniacal liquor. Ammoniacal liquor is converted into the salts of ammonia, and becomes the basis of fertilizers, and that is exhaustively treated all through Europe. We have not got at it yet in this country. If these residuals were worth as much here as they are in the west, for instance, any- where west of the Allegheny mountains, we would gladly reduce the price of gas to $1; and yet we would make a fair return. It was not the quality of the gas in that case that was at fault; it was the quality of the burner. People neglect their burners to a great extent, and suffer for their negiect in that particular. I know, too, that any complaint that !s made by a consumer is diligently and at once attended to by the gas company here. We are exceedingly anx- fous to have an opportunity to do something for the people in that line; but like all peo- ple who are managing any business, we want to make a little profit out of it; we want to make a good profit out of it. One of the troubles in this city is that the value of the plant far exceeds the value of the company’s capital. The charter confines the capital to $2,000,000, but there is a great deal more than ihat spent here. There has been twice that amount spent here, I should think, on the’plant. If we were allowed to capitalize this plant up to its value, as is done nearly everywhere else— Mr. Hulick—You mean its cost value? Mr. Mcilhenny—Yes; the actual cost— there would be no talk about these exces- sive dividends. People would get three or four or five or six per cent a year, and would be contented, because it would bé upon the actual valuation of the plant. If the original money that was put into the gas company here, say five hundred thou- sand dollars, had been put into lands here in Washington, who would have complain- ed of the man who had sold his land for more than he bought it for fifty years ago? If these people had put that money into land, it would have been worth far. more than the stock of this company. Is it fair to say that the people who hold the stock of this company shall not reap some benefit from the presperity of this great city? Mr. Hulick—When is that to end? They Want Time. Mr. McIlhenny—It will end by cutting the price down. The price has been cut down from time to time, as I told you, from $4 un- til it is now $1.25. We, as gas men, know that it has not reached the bottom, but we want time to make these improvements, to meet it. Mr, Hulick—How much time? Mr. McIhenny—That I cannot tell. Mr. Hulick—This is a practical question that we have to meet, whether it shall be done today, or next year, or in ten years. Mr. McIlhcnny—It may be done next year, but it is not likely, on account of the fact that the prices of materials and the cost of making gas have increased in the last year very considerably. The price of oil has gone up from about 3 cents a gallon to 6 cents a gallon. Mr. Huling--How about coal? Is not coal cheaper that it was a year ago? Mr. McIlhenny—] do not know whether it is buying for less or not. I think it is about $4 or 33.95 per ton this year. It has been ranging at abcut $4 for a great many years. I am glad you asked that question. In places like Pittsburg you can get coai from 9% cents to a dollar. All the lake ports, like Detroit, have a great advantage over Washington in getting the coal. They buy coal there at from $2 to $2.15, and some coal as low as $1.95. I got a telegram the other day informing me that a contract had been made for coal at $217 for a western city. Mr. Leetch’s Statement. Mr. John Leetch, general manager of the Washington Gas Light Company, then said: Mr. Chairman and gentlemen of the com- mittee, I have hastily made a short state- ment of actual facts relative to the busi- ness of the year 1895 of the Washington Gas Light Company. Mr. Richardson—What ‘position do you hold? Mr. Leetch—I am the general manager of the Washington Gas Light Company, and have been for the last three years. Mr. Richardson—What is the position of Mr. MclIlhenny; is he president? anc Leetch—No, Mr. McLean is presi- lent. = Mr. MclIlhenny—I am neer of the company. Mr. Leetch—I would refer, before pre- senting this short statement, to some of the statements that have been made as to watered stock. It will save time hereafter. As I urderstand it, Mr. Chairman and gen- tlemen, out of the profits made from the legitimate price of the gas, the money thus made was passed over to the stock- holders then on record as their legitimate right, having been earned from the money advanced by them in the purchase of the stock. The increase of stock, as has been stated time and again, was under the ac- tion of Congress, as the company cannot issue one share of stock without authority from Congress to do so, and it was for the purpose of extending the works of the company, which we claim are today the most extensive of any city of the size, and I thirk nearly as complete as ,any in the country. Has Made Money. The company has made a large amount of money in the years gone by, as you all know, owing to the great increase in the population of Washington, as the seat of government. Commencing as it did with a small beginning, when it could hardly give its stock away, it has grown to its present proportions, and the large properties own- ed by the Washington Gaslight Company were mostly purchased when prices were low. We have endeavored by all means to meet the wants of the citizens of Washing- ton in the extension of our plant out in the suburbs and wherever our good citi- zens were improving the city in the way of buildings and other improvements. I will now read this statement: In 1895 this company manufactured.. We accounted for. consulting engi- 982,289,000 feet of gas. {908,445,000 cubic feet. Leakage and conden- SAtion..................73,844,000,0r 7.52 pr.ct. 905,000,000 cubic feet were sold. It is safe, therefore, to say that for the present we can only count on a consumption of 900,000,000 cubic feet per annum. It costs to produce the above 900,000,000 cubic feet $718,573, or about 80 cents per 1,000. With the ordinary dividends and in- terest on bonds added, it brings the cost to $1.10 per 1,000 feet, namely: Cost of production, distribution, etc. $718,573 Interest. + + 72,000 Dividends. 200,000, Total...: sesesssecagerseenete SB $990,573 Making cost, as stated, $1.10 per 1,000 cubic feet. ‘This above account includes cost of new mains laid, meters, holder, etc. - Of the ebove 905,000,000 cubic feet the pub- about 800,000,000 cubic’ feet Tor private con- sumption. Public Lamps. = The District government pays us $20.50 per lamp per year, each lamp to burn 3,000 hours, 6 cubic feet per hour, or 18,000 cubic feet of gas per year. After deducting cost of maintaining lamps, namely, lighting, clearing, extinguishing and repairing, which is over $4.50 per lamp per annum, it will be seen that the remaining $16 is the net amount for the 18,000 feet of gas burned, or 89 cents per 1,000. The company receives 55-8 cents per night for each lamp, less all expenses. “ Cost of Coal. The average price for gas coals used by us during the year 1895 was $3.94 per ton. Com- pare this with Pittsburg, Pa., where it is sold the companies for less than $1; Cincin- nati, from $1 to $1.25 per ton; Detroit, about $1.75 per ton. In most of northern cities coal is from 50 cents to $1 less than in Washington. Our present contract for gas coals, as made in 1895, comprises about 38,000 tons of gas coal, from 8,000 to 10,000 tons of anthracite, and about §,000 tons of steam coal. We have no assurance that we can duplicate the con- tract for the same price. Bituminous coals used by this company are: Youghiogheny, Pa., cost $3.60, net, per ton; West Virginia, Monangah, $3.50, net, per ton; West Virginia, Despard, $3.50, net, per ton. Anthracite coals delivered at east station, $3.65 per ton; anthracite coals de- livered at west station, $4.25 per ton. The average cost of 18,941 tons of coal now in our bins is $3.94 per ton. Naphtha, Naphtha is the only enricher that can produce the high candle power demanded at the present time. Our contract for this ma- terial expires in July. The price suggested for a limited contract 1s about 40 per cent miore than we now pay, which advance would increase the cost of about two-thirds of our entire production, seven cents per 1,000. cubic feet over 1895. Residuals, Coke, tar and ammoniacal Nquvor find a poor market in Washington. In many cit- ies companies realize from 25 per cent to 5) per cent more than we can get. We re- ceive for coke from 5% to 6 cents per bushel, limited sales. Tar is sold for less than three cents per gelion. Ammoniacal Mquor brought us in less than $3,400 in 1895, Extension of Mains. Owing to the extensive use of asphalt for street pavements in Washington, and the Sreat width of many of the avenues and streets, the cost of laying mains is in- creased from three to five times more than the same work would cost where there is brick or cobblestone used, and the District government reserves the right to make re- pairs to all other brick pavements. By an United States statute we are bound to lay gas mains wherever strects are improved on crder of the Commission- ers, and where streets are of unusual width, a main on each side, at a large ex- penditure of money without reasonable hope of compensation until such improved streets are occupied. It is only necessary to call the attention of business men to the problems presented to the management of the gas company in the near future to understand the difficul- ties in the way of making much rm ction in the present price of gas. Cost of replacing street pavements when cut: Sheet asphalt, $3 per square yard; granite blocks, $1.35 per square yard; cop- blestone, 45 cents per square yard. Effect of Reduction in Price. Taking the above as a basis of expendi- ture for one year in the production and distribution of, say, 900,000,000 cubic feet of gas, it will be readily seen that any con- siderable reduction from the present price of gas, as now charged for private con- | sumption and for street lighting—viz: $1.25 net per 1,000 cubie feet for private con- sumption and $20.50 per lamp per annum for street lightg—would result in serious to thesgas company. As, for example, suppose that your honorable committee, after a full investigation into all matiers pertaining to the price of gas in Washing- | ton as compared to prices charged both for public and private uses, with a careful comparison of all the circumstances and conditions pertaining thereto, should de- cide to report that hereafter, say for the term of five years, the price of gas in Washington city as furnished by the Wash- ington Gas Light Company shall not ex- ceed $1.25 gross, less 10 cents per 1,000 cutic feet discount tf paid within seven days from date of bill. From this you will readily see that 10 cents reduction would reduce the net re- ceipts on the basis of a consumption of 900,000,000 cubic feet $90,000, and the re- duction of the gross charge of $1.5) as now, per 1,000 cubic feet, to $1.25 gross, would make on the aggregate about $100,000. This amount of loss is upon the presumption that the present price, $20.50, for street lighting, remain as now. To reduce the price as suggested in the bill before you to $1 per 1,000 cubic feet would result in a loss to the gas company, on the above basis of output, to $225,000 per annum, thus ab- sorbing the entire amount necessary to pay the dividend on the capital stock, and $: 009 of the sum required to pay interest on the bonded indebtedness. Mr. Leach, in concluding, assured the committee that the gas company would be glad to permit the committee to in- spect its books at any time, but would not throw them open to public inquisition on the part of unauthorized persons. With this the hearing came to a close. SE Trinity Church Dinner. Yesterday evening the second in the series of dinners to the gentlemen of Trin- ity Protestant Episcopal Church was given in the parish hall. This one was rather more elaborate than the first, there being eight courses,beginning with oysters on the shell and ending with coffee and cigars. The numbers on the after-dinner program included talks by Dr. W. J. Hoffman of the bureau of ethnology on “Indians in General;” Chief Engineer Baird of the navy, “The Creatures of the Deep Sea,” and Messrs. William A. Meloy and Henry E. Davis. Among those present were the followin; Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Addison, who presided; Rev. Alexander M. Rich, Corbin Thompson, Assistant Attorney Lewin, Dr. W. P. Young, Dr. Buckley, Lockwood, T. O. Ebaugh, F. J. Heiberger, Acker, Saegmuller, T. K. Sailer, Weeden, D. W. Middleton, E. F. Frost, W. T. Ashby, Jackson, Dr. Merriam, C. G. Hoffman, R. Preston Shealey, Dieudonne, Dr. R. A. Foster, Choate, Emerson, Walker, French, Capt. J. 8. Mille G. N. Acker, Wilson, Olinus Smith, English, G. W. Whitmore, Moses, Daniel P. Hickling, W. M. Stewart, Bean, Watsen Clark, Frederick Webber, French, Dr. D. Perey Hickling, W. H. Kerr, L. B. Williams, Reer and Wilson. At the conclusion of the dinner Rev. Dr. Addiscn asked the opinion of the company as to the advisability of continuing the dinners, and receiving unanimous assent in reply it was decided to hold them hereafter every other month, the next one to take place after Lent in April. ———— Murdered His Sweetheart. Chas. H. Dreher, who killed Bertha Huni- cut at St. Louis on January 31, 1894, has been fcund guilty of murder in the first de- gree by a jury in criminal court No. 2. Dreher affected the insantiy dodge, but it failed to help him. Nicotine Neutralized CHEW AND SMOKE IWCAJOG POUCH TOBACCO. NO NERVES QUAKING. NO HEART PALPITATING. NO DYSPEPTIC ACHING. =NERVOUS. lamps consumed 104,000,000, leaving MERCHANT'S B&% fe10-8m,20 EMG a eA NN FOSS & Trust Co.,1405 GSt Capital—$1,250,000. 4 a —will scon be under way. If you own unincumbered land and desire to build you the necessary money at the pro- valling rate of interest. Why not drop merican Securit Surplus—$225,000, BUILDING yourself a bome this company will loan im end talk the matter over? —— This company bas money*ts loan pee District real estate and acceptable eol- lateral securities in sums to suit. If you desire to improve your present property, or erect new buildings, this com pany will advance the necessary amount. Call fr particulars. OFFICERS. JOHN JOY EDSON. JOHN A. SWOPE. oe H. 8. CUMMINGS... .Becond Vice JOHN R. CARMODY. ANDREW PARKER. Washington Loan & Trust Co., Cor. oth and F Sts. fe5,12,19,26 The National Safe Deposit, Savings and Trust Company. ~ Of the District of Columbia, LETT PTTL CORNER 15TH ST. AND NEW YORK AVE Gbartered by special act of Congress, Jan., 1867, and acts of Oct., 1890, and Feb., 186% Capital: One Million Dollars. Mm ROOMS 9 AND 11 ATLANTIC BUILDING (MEMBER WASHINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE, Reai Estate & Stock Broker, Can execute orders in Investment Securities, Bonds, Cotton Stocks, Grain or On all reputable B States, either Private SILSB BANKI OMPANY & : AND BROKE Office, G13 15th street uv. . = Jetropolitan Bank building. CORSON & MACARTNEY, MEMBERS OF “THE NEW Yori STOCK EX GB, =e ne Oorrespundents of Siess:s. Moore & Schley, ¢ Broadway, nd Deale-s in Government Bonds, ras 5 pos! : Railroad Siocks and aa all’ securities fisted on the exchanges wv York, TLiladeiphia, ton and Baltimore bought apd sdld A specialty made of investinen: securities. Dis- trict ‘bonds and wil lova, Kailvond, Cas, Insurance and Telephone ic dealt to. ‘American Bell Telepaone Stock bought and sol, W. B. Hibbs & Co., BANKERS, Members New York Stock Exchange, 1421 F Street. Bankers Deposii Corresvorfents of LADENBURG, TIIALMANN & ©0., 608-164 New York. FRANK WILSON BROWN BROKER, 1335 F St. N. W. Stocks, Bonds, Grain, Provisions and Cottom. Direct private wires to principal cities, Long-distance telephone 1414. Correspondent of Mess. Theo. W. Myers & Os., No. 4T New st., New York, members of the New ‘York Stock Exchange. se10-28tf The Union Savings Bank, 1222 F Street N. W., Pays four per cent interest on savingsaccounts. Open until 5 p. m. on Govern- ment pay days and Satur- day evenings between 6 and T. J. Hodgen & Co BROKERS AND DEALERS. STOCKS, CUTTON, GRAIN AND PROVISIONS. Booms 10 and 11, Corcoran bidg., cor. 16th and F sts., and 6U5 7th st. nw. OFFICES, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Wasbington. ée10-16r1" WE TAKE AS COLLATERAL ANY LISTED STOOR or bond in ans city of the United States; also old ine lite insurance policies, syndicate ‘certifi: cates, warehouse receipts, real estate snd trusts, YERKES & BABEL 40 to 40 Kew erort building n025-tf HILL & JOHNSTON, 1808 Peoneytvanla avetive, ® PER CE) On a or8-tf the ARE YOU should be, istrict of Columbia. IASUKED AGAINST FIRE? Oy on both your bouses and furniture, t = ae Eee end Sth . Five Men Killed. Two freight and passenger trains on the Illinois Central raflway collided at Dongola, Il, yesterday morning. Five men were killed, as follows: George Huntington, engineer; man Armstrong, Fireman Anderson, a man Adams afid Brakeman McLean. of them lived here. Superintendent Baker and Trainmastet Eeverington are at the wreck.