The evening world. Newspaper, March 5, 1903, Page 5

EXTORTION IN Ghd “WILL GE GURBED BY LEBIOLATURE Civic Clubs anc: €ommittees Join the Fight Against. the Hold-Up and Bills Are to Be Pusked Clothing Commissioner Monroe with Power to Curb the Trust. Combine Official Thoroughly Frightened by|: Protests of Public Against the Hold-Up— Revelations About Overworked Gas Meters. The crusade of The Evening World against impure gas and exor- bitant bills is taking up the attention of the Senate and Assembly Cities Committees in Albany. The question of relief has resolved itself into the proposition that it is the duty of the Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity to see that the purity of gas is maintained, and the duty of the State Gas Inspector to see that meters are properly cared for and indexed. A communication in The Evening World of yesterday, sent by a citizen of wide prominence, whose name was withheld at his own request, asserts that the Commissioner has authority under the city ordinances and the charters of the gas companies to inspect the gas furnished at least once a week, TO GIVE HIM GREATER POWER. Under the proposed amendments, suggested by The Evening World, the Commissioner will have power to inspect the quality of gas wherever Evening World complaining of the quality of the gas. , Civic clubs and committees are taking up the matter, It appears to he up to Mr. Robert Grier Monroe, Commissioner of Water Supply, Gas and Electricity, to send his men out as frequently as the law allows to make analysis of the gas supply. If he should send them out to-day he by law. METERS CLOGGED WITH OIL, The Evening Worid has learned that since the Gas Trust began sending cheap gas through the mains the meters are clogged with oil refuse and other substances which increase the registering power of a meter while diminishing the quantity of gas that can pass through it. Persons having complaints to make of faulty meters should send them without delay to the office of Inspector Alexander. His staff is small, but the power of public opinion can force a larger appropriation, secure him a large force of inspectors and do away with the greatest evil next to bad gas—bad meters, GAS TRUST FRIGHTENED BY EVENING WORLD’S CRUSADE, . Alarmed by the situation Harrison E. Gawtrey, President of the Consoli-+ fated Gas Compan, has gone to Albany to see “somebody.” He was not to be seen as a consequence when an Evening World reporter called at the ones, No. 4 Irvin: place, to lay a few propositions before him. { “The President is not here,” said his secretary, “but you might see the Vice-President.” ¢ Lewis B, Gawtry, the man referred to, was not pleased to be seen, He betrayed by his manner that The Evning World crusade was not a'source of joy either to him or his brother officials, “There are a few little reforms that would work much good and that would not be expensive,” began the reporter after he had introduced himself. “I cannot listen to anything you have to say,” interrupted the Vice- President, raising his hands deprecatingly. “I am instructed not to say any- thing. You understand, I am not even to listen to you.” “But Secretary Carter talked a few days ago, Is this change of attitude something new?’ “I don't know anything about what Mr. Carter did, our press agent, who will do our talking. “The Evening World,” he went on by way of explanation, “has begun this attack on us, and it can get no information here. We will entertain no Suggestions. We are doing the best we can,” “If our suggestions ere put in writing will they be considered by the Consolidated officials?” “We have un Executive Board. I do not know what it would do with such a communication,” answered the Vice-President. “Does President Gawtry feel the same way toward The Evening World?” “I don't believe the President would see you if he were here,” HERE’S THE RECORD JUMP OF A POOR MAN'S GAS BILL. I must refer you to « rabfelder, pressman, of No, iundred and Seventh street, ed horns with Supt, John of the Standard Gas Company, p exorbitant bill of $14 for gas, nul Feb. 9 from two burners, Grabfelder's experience is inter- veitng. That the irate cohsumer and the Gas Combine representative did not come to sumer, who was accompanied by an Evening World resorter. The converaa- Yon which ensued is a fair sample of Just what ia happening every day and the hopelessness of seeking redress at the hands of the officers of the Gas Combine. “I want to see you privately,’ said Mr, Doyle, Indicating an inner office Not only had Mr. Grabfelder written to Mr. Inspector Alexander Makes Astounding}: and whenever he pleases. Thousands of letters have been sent to The} » would find that the quality of gas is dway below the standard required i THE WORLD: THURSDAY EVENING, MAKCH 5, 1903. IRT IN THE METER PUTS A GREAT PRESSURE ON THE GAS. SPOSESOHOVGHGHOHHHHHH HH HTSQOS’ HOW D. 3 ee ee redhat aah cP aNd hhc at cai eR noite i an ee a5 is ide AAO a ROE AD SU RS ia NL ‘ - PI eee { DIFAT \ t BIAS NN | \ t assistant, the credit clerk and a ste- hographer, A shorthand report of the conversation with Grabfelder was taken down, “Before you start in,” said Mr. Doyle, “I want to say that had you gone about this thing in the proper manner we could haye compromised matters. You will now have to take results in thelr natural course, and your meter will be tested by the State Inspector.” “Rather than get the worst of the bargain,” was Grabfelder's retort, 1 $800 odd dollars that 1 have saved. If I do not get satisfaction I shall sue the company, and, if nesessary, 1 will ap- pear before the Stute Commiselon.”” “Now, you will not do that if you are “said Mr. Doyle. ‘The com- assuredly win the fight.” se pany will Wants an Explanation. “What explanation can you offer for the jum in my bills in one month trom Lay then asked, have been the mete: ‘They are not always cor- they are wrong the test of te Inspector will settle every- was my gas turned off on last ere ecatiso you refused to pay your bill,” was the quick answer. “Then, why was the gas turned on again, as I still refuse?” “Well, Mr, Carter, of the Consolidated Gas Company, requested me to do so. He thought it best for reasons.” “What proof have I that the meter was not changed?” ‘ | |,“\We would not do such a thing.” was |the complacent answer of the superin- tendent. When Mr, Grabfelder asked whether he did not have any redress in the mat- ter Mr. Doyle instructed his stenog- rapher to call up Mr. Alexander by tele- phone a e an appointment. He continued: ‘You will find him all right —a perfect gentleman.” “But under this plan the State Inspsc- tor does not remove the meter for the te protested Mr. Grabfelder. “That is true," said Mr. Doy! calls on us for the meters and them and turn them over to him went on to explain the nothing irregular in this course. A Pei “My dear sir, his blandest voice, **y: celving yourself. ‘It may ‘our highest previous bill was $2.60 for November. But the inspector who charged you with $1.10 for December din not pi read the Index. | You caught force o: tin Janu Gry when your bill was $1¢, That le not so Very high—I know of many who pay more." “Do you want to drive my wife and six children out of New York?” asked Grabfelder, “I make $24 a week and pay $18 a month rent, which is only #4 more than my gas bil! is ail right," sald Mr. Doyle, I will have some one call and see you at your house, Some mistake has been made, If you would call over and see me Saturday between 5.30 and f o'clock, after you have seen the State Inspector, Iam sure that we could fix up an amicable settiement. Methat 18 not necessary,” sald Grab- felder in reply. “All 1 am looking for 1s @ fair adjustment of my account. T am Willing to settle to-day on a basis of cent. more than the biggest. bill ve ever received from the com- | y full i} % 1 an ni te Inspector Jastrow Alexander to- ane mised Mir, Grabtelder that he woul e the meter his earilest atten- thon. ntime the family is using one and the way the . 9 until the end jrabfelders will have the Mareh payment stead of tw meter reads from of last month the another $14 bill fo} GAS TRUST VICTIMS APPEAL FOR RELIEF §5 From every quarter of the city ap- peals for relief from Gas Trust extor- tions continue to pour into The Evening World oftice. Some of the latest specific Instances of robbery are given below : ‘Trust Discovers a Phenomenon, To the Editor of The Evening Worl ‘Phe electric ght companies are 60ak- ing us over here in Brooklyn. have charged me practically the same a: last year, notwithstanding the that T have shut oq ten sixteen-candie lamps at 9.9, instead of 11.80, as last, year. They claim that people have turned on thelr lights earlier this year DR. KOCH PERSUADED ‘blows was due alone to the blandness of| ‘The Hyventn sats Neg avening World, but he had ad- ire Tasien, Which wae applied. | dressed several communications to both| Te Remain Here Two Days More, in honest indignation, Grabfelder's bill d Bupt, Doyle, It) In response to the many letters of request Was apparent that his name was known to the latter when he invited a private } conference, for the previous month was $1.40. \When Mr, Grabfelder called at the endard Company's branch, 5 t One Hundred and Twenty;ftth clerks behind wicket windows Public Talk tor Him, “Not a bit of It." declared Mr, Grab- felder. ‘I will see you right here. This ti friend who \# hove at my request as a witness, My wife has tried in vain to see you. and 1 am losing #4 by laying off to-day for the purpose of geiting at the gas business,” Doyle mental, force the uperintendent was located by elder in the former's private _emaeees We, received asking him to remain a short while loager for further consultation, the Doctor has finally consented to remain here two days more, and be can now be seen in cou- sultation at his offices at 48 Wert 22d st, Consultation and his examination are free. Dr, Koch I known throughout the whole world as the inventor of the Koch Iubala tion Apparatus, wifich enables the sufferer from consumption, asthma, bronchitis or leatarrh to breathe the vapors of the heavy healing olls and Tuberculine directly into the lunge and alr tubes, making It possible We cure these am willing to spend every cent of the |} than last; in ovher words, the days are shorter now than they were the corre- «ponding period last year. Ien't {t funny that scientists have not noticed this phenomenon? Give It good and hard to the rascals and earn the esteem of the plundered public HROOKLYN, Of Courne He Wan Robbed. To the Editor of The Evening World Here are some of my gas bills, which I send for comparison: Nov. AAO cers caer Nov. 13, 190: 1901. 900. ¥ ‘certainly feel that Th been | a robbed. E, KUPESENEL, No. 128 Alden street. Easy to Pump In Afr, oS To the Editor of The Evening World: I think it ought to be made clear to the gas consumers that any legislation for 7-cent gas, or better system of meter inspection, will not help matters at all, for the simple reason that air Tuns through @ meter as well as raa If a rate of $1 a 1,000 impresses the company @s being too tow, it Is a very simple matter to mix with thelr prod 1 a uct enough alr to even things up, and, by taking advantage of some cold snap. JAMES N BUTLER CHOICE GROCERIES, throughout-the entire list you fruit. 3-Ib can Codfish-Pure cod—fine and white, in tablets, Ib,........+4 Salmon—Monument Erand, fine red Alaska, 3 cans, 25c.; can,.... Codfish Threads—E xcelsior Brand —full package,... 7c) Codfish Threads —Peerless Brand finest packed, package....... Domestic, in oil, large Sardines—-Underwood Brand, in mayonnaise can, Cromarty Bioate: fish; 7 tor, ' | Pet 5c) ts —Fine weqg +Uc Liberty Pickles—Extra quality, all kinds; octagon bottle.....+ 12c they | ‘ Blue Ribbon Jelly Powder. 9, All flayors, packakenseres.cc0e AFC 6c} Gelatine—E xcelsior Brand, pack- ABC. seeeereeeeeene Lemon or Vaunila Extract, Our, Own Brand, bottle. CHOICE GROCERIES newspaper is demanding.” due to the Now, if a rate of 7 cents t c. Hehed, {t will only be necessary to di- | The gas company cannot be “roasted lute the gas with a little 1 air than | too severely, and 1 hope yqu will con- usual the next time we have a cold | tinue your Aght for pudile good until eeip. and ina few days the company | We can ace some favorable change in will make back all that it loses by| the sit _, W. G. KIRBY, 685 Central West. will be told very calmly that Ut le the establish a lower rate alone, nor to es- ore tablish and alse it m tions that are kno’ toable, and th robbed. * lotr gas is miserable, both for heating ticular notice that while the company ‘To the Editor of The Evening World the complaints of the fleeced gas con- | sumers {s indeed an admirable move. ferlor light we get in consequence. bringing this matter before the public | that i€ bill was not paid within five through your paper, in my opinion, is’ days the supply of gas would be cut off. the most satisfactory way to deal with ' Exceptional Values. For the balance of this week we have remarkable. The regular everyday prices at the which should command the interest and attention of every hou Tomatoes. Fine Maryland Standards, solid, red ripe © baits Carers. hai . \Blood Was Poisoned. A Happy Cure After Use “| | SEND YOUR COMPLAINTS OF GAS EXTORTION TO THE EVENING WORLD. Two Bottles of Paine’s Celery Compound The Spring System Cleanser. Health is that natural state of the j whole body in which the entire nervous {system is so perfectly regulated that it can, without undue effort, perform. its ‘almost numberiess and all-important duties. The blood as it courses through the body must bear nourishment and life or poisons and death. In the spring season thousands around us suffer from various forms of blood The Gas Trust says there are no complaints of over- charge from its victims. To refute this statement The Evening World will print all complaints sent to this office. Each communication must have name and address of the writer, not for publication uniess desired. Write only on one side of the paper. ( | it What a medicine for tired} ™ nerves is music! How anxiey r| melts away into peace, an sadness takes on the rose tints” of joy under the spell of its ie harmony! When music comes }) ¥ Hf ws TAMMANY CLUB PROTESTS | AGAINST GAS SWINDLES. At one of the largest meetings ever held at the club-rooms of the Tammany Club, No. 94 Second avenue, Counsellor Joseph B. Solo- mon in the chair, Leader Julius Harburger presented resolutions con- gratulating The Evening World upon the fight it is waging against the United Gas Trust. “The public has been swindled tor years Mr. Harburger, “and when I represented my district for four rs in the Legislature 1 battled incessantly against their nefarious iniquitous measures, and always had the ing of the Daily and Evening World behind me. The lobbyists swarmed in every corner of the Legislature to defeat the bills lowering the price of gas. Through the efforts of The World our members in both branches of the Legislature will now make a determinea fight to get such remedial measures as this great into the home discord out. When discord goes out: joy reigns. Where.joy reigns |} health lingers. If you want a] peace-maker, a joy-bringéi (fond a family physician all inf ‘Fone, get_an Apolloette—The yf 't Feop.e’s Prano-Player. Bi! | Price $150. Apollo, - $250) i| Apollo Grand, - $350) The APOLLO Comp; fot Fifth Ave. N. Y.. betwéen 471 and 18th Sts. ANDERSON & CO.. 470 Fultom Brooklyn. atead . as complaints at the offices companies never bring re- in fact seem to make things worse. oan make the change appear to be her hey ¢ cold Is eatab- he reduced rate, while the consumer How win hey Explain Thint JUDGE P. P. DESVERNINE, One of the First Citizens of Cuba. makes the difference. t this issue is not to xtreme cold tha or of The Evening World The way to system of competent Inspe to establish the proper rate. system of inspectors who MW make frequent analyses of the gas well aw examinations of the ra, In this w ‘ould not elude t diseases and many are unexpectedly cut; down by death. Your blood is surely filled with waste and poisonous matters when you suffer | but Gets No Redress. (from boils, pimples, blackheads, eczema, | of The Evening World | salt rheum, erysipelas or itch. When nother of the victims of the netve force is low, when you suffer Gae Trust, My bills haye doubled since from insomnia, jassitude or neuralgia, be last September. The g: 0 bad that assured your blood demands purifying four burners do not give much light|and cleansing. i as one formerly did. 1 hi never used) Paine’s Celery Compound quickly ban- | gas for heating or cooking, and having, ishes from the blood all poisons; it lived for thirty-five years in one house 1 Supplies the proper elements for enrich- know exactly what the bills honestly! ing the vital fluid, building tissue and ought to be. 1 have made numerous'for the general repair of the whole tye comolainta to the Consolidated ofice,|tem. Try its renovating and life-giving | suelaaliae meareent virtues at once if you would be made | JAMES J. FREDMAN, bal Srong and happy. Judge P. P, %, We esvernine, of Havana, Says: besdigat ler ta ancges “While twas. in New York 1 rea Pay Up, the Stern Demand. about Paine’s Celery Compound and To the Editor of The Evening World: pees thought Twoe ites get rhea 4 ls we .|took only one of that wonderful say eieeweer eats ee vious | discovery and found myself with better 4 vigor and energy.” eraser atest T am sure we did) ‘Mr, Thomas Nicer, Elmora, Pa., says: wes, In fact, wel arnt daa in Feb: hea 4a 'l suffered very much from blood poi- ls oH sie) ebavery rin&/ soning, and after foring for two anuary, but the bill is much higher.) months with my physician and not re- With the February bill I got a notice y ceiving any good results, I tried Paine’s Celery Compound. The use of two bot- tles completely cured me. All my thanks. are due to Paine’s Celery Compound,” turning one 4-foot ight for three houre a night Jone, by No. 10 Franklin street. Robbed, M FR Winds Are Apt Out All Is Bad With = my sce thorough treatments tes safely remove eae ea es, liver spots and al isfigut humiliating discolorations “oF b ishes that cloud the cot destroy the bere of “the © Thirty years’ practical experience: | hares for consultation;=“ande strictest privacy assured. write personally to id John H. Woodbury he manufacturer law by adultera- to be easily prac- ould not be ONE OV THE VICTIMS (Who happens to be a chemist). A Wall from Brooklyn, Evening World Kindly add my complaint to the others. nd Ngoting purposes, but we take par- orgets to supply good gas, yet It does ot forget to charge a good price. Mrs. 8. E. C., Brooklyn. Keep Up the Fight. The step you have taken to publish BEFORE. DR rey lat ¥. y ate Hospital, A fat, : Ce farmed up tose ‘yell ae otherwise dsome face. can itee withcct pala few nina cutting, soare. or deteny tion from business r fie new plastle am sure every one has noticed the in- rease in gas bills of late and the In- In T.C. H. JAMES BUTLER CHOICE GROCERIES Bread made under the most sanitary and cleanly methods in a bak- ery where even the ovens are exposed to the sunshine and air, Domestic Loaf Cottaye Loal.. New England Loaf. Split Loaf Quaker Lo: Vienna Loa Oranges. Extra fancy California Navels—new shipment, just received— Large size, dozen,..,.. 17¢ Extra large, dozen,,., 25¢ Lemons, ‘Maas decsa..-.. FOC UTLER. CHOICE GROCERIES prepared a host of grocery items of sterling character and offer them at price reductions that re” Butler stores are always below those of other stores, but in this announcement there ate values sewife. In Potatoes, Canned Goods, Oranges, Codfish, Peas, and, indeed, Canned Peas. | Diamond Brand—Standard early June Peas. q cl 9c) | Ferina—Blue Ribbon brand, for this week, can. | heart of the wheat; package. East View Cherries—Choice Califor-| Yellow or White Meal—3-lb, 9 - nay heavy syrupy regularly 4 |. linen sack 22¢.; for this week, can. ic M will find exceptional values. Potatoes. The very choicest stock—the best value in the city. Barrel Ic ‘ue Ribbon Jams —Absolutely pure, | made from fresh fruits, Ib. 15! Wsaceesascans sonces . 9) Liberty Jams — Made from | 2.19 ; Essle Peaches aud Pears — Finest | California, in heavy syrup, natural fruit flavors; regularly 22c. 18c¢ alt Breakfast Food—One of ™ Can Fancy N. Y. State Gorn, ] the best of the cereals, package... Can Early June Peas, 25c Can Choice String Beans. The Three, Choice fruits, in glass, Ib.seveee Liberty Preserves — Made from oe olasses—New Orleans; freshy fruits 3 Ib. stone Be Ginger | geste cherries — Finest California) bottle... crockess stores eens Waf Standards, heavy natural fruit flavor|Goldem Drip Syrup—Quart a | | alters. syrupr regularly ase bottl Preserves—All_ kinds, in 49 fran cegulanly § lor 20c! Cee ee cece eee este eeeeem ~ Stone crock, 5 Ibs..eees . Cc ‘Aroeslcan ibe au- Is week, CAN +++ . * | Rice eee Carolina full. head; 2 . » inlarge 3% IDSeeeee . 3 Pearl Tapioca, |b. package . pasteboard bar- ‘ound car~ ~ | Prunes—Finest California, large DatesNew, bright fruit, pack- 7c Ngee lie {ee sald a fey Fla raskane Wc! size, 3 Ibs., 25¢5 extra fancy,lb, 10c AEC ose ray i - —Mixed, Gherkins @.: | Lazenby's English Pickles- R&R, Pickles--Mixed, Figs—Fine Smyrna, layer) Ib... 1 5c price... LAG] ‘imported—ali Kinds; bottle. 15c how Chow and Onion atte FC Salad Oll—Domestic, gt. boltle 1 5¢ Ca Lite rele | Liberty Catsup, pt. bottle........£0¢ Feaaee veipaabaibionpery, 4 rults—Peach- | Worcestershire Sauce, Peerless | aa Hillside Peas--Fancy sifted Early June, 2 canSeveesss+ Peas— Queen Brand, early Jun G Prepared Flour, Peerless Brand, choice quality, 3-lb, package... Prepared Flour, Triumph the tinest packed, 3-1b, pack- age. Buckwheat, Selb. package ¢s, Pears, Plums : an d Apricots, in beavy syrup, natural flavor, regularly 8c,; choice, per can. 15c Lit Essie Peas—t xtra fancy, early Jung, sifted, can.... sseeee 15¢ bd 25e! © 10c) 10c 10c Brand Brands J Ne AMES | BUTLER) fy, fi: } Brand, equal to im bottle, wrapped. jominy, fancy Southern, kiln 14c dried, S-Ib. box.... 15g 14¢ TEAS. very best quality, 3-lI Extra fancy, First parchment lined cartons, Golden Tips Ceylon, 50c; ditt, 25¢ UNXLD BRAND, ported, pint : Cc Peerless Evaporated Apples, fancy, Brand, large, bright fruit, Ib. package BEST NO. I, Formosa Oolong, English Break- fast, Mixed, Ceylon, Japan, Gun- powder and Young Hyson, Pickings, in STORES EVERYWHERE 10 Lb. Carton, 3 Ibs, $1; Ib, 35c CHOICE No, 2. ETAIL Mixed, English Breakfast and R Formosa Oolong, English Break- Oolong, fast, Indian and mixed, » BRANCHES Lb. rion, sibs, 70¢} w,, 25¢ 50c; cit, 25¢