Washington sentinel., 1854-04-04
THE GAS WORKS.

Our readers will remember that we lately laid
before them some gentle structures on the Gas
Company of this city. They will also remem-
Der that on Sunday we published reply to
our remarks from an officer of the company,
and promised to continue the subject.
We entertain no personal hostility to the
Gas Company, or towards any one connected
with it. We do not know any one connected
with it and, therefore, whilst we are without
fear, we are also without hatred or partiality.
But, if there be any virtue in wide-extended
and almost unanimous censure, we have made
no mistake in attracting public attention to
the Gas Company of this city, and urging
new rival company, so as to rid the citizens Of
Washington from the incubus of an insolent
monopoly.
In our FIRST article we alluded to the illegal
manner in which the Gas Company became
possessed of the pipes laid by the government.
Since then we have published communication
from the chief officer of the company, which
touches that matter with more of dexterity
than of candor. We fear much that that gen.
tleman did not act with frankness and disin-
genuousness; for we have been informed that
the present Secretary ofthe Interior has threat
ened to take the government pipes from the
Gas Company, because Of the insolent beha-
vor of some Of the agents Of that offensive mo-
nopoly. In cur last article we alluded to the
process by which the Gas Company came into
the possession Of the government pipes, and
we stated that the process was illegal. The
defence of the company, which we have pub
lished, does not touch the question Of legality,
for that defence is confined to the points OF
economy and erpediency. But transfers of pro.
perty in this country must have the sanction Of
the law-the pendor or the donor must have
the right to sell or to gice. And the propriety
of selling or giving has nothing to do with the
question, for it is question Of right. This is
the pinch Of the matter, and it is here that the
Gas Company has given way.
But, beyond all these things, we understand
that the Gas Company is most insolent in the
exercise Of its authority. That it fills the av
enue with stenches, we know from the evidence
furnished by our own nostrils That the gas
furnished is of very inferior quality, every one
who walks the avenue can see. That the man.
ner in which the company transacts its bust.
ness is insolent and offensive, every one with
whom we have spoken bears witness.
We have been told by gentleman of high
character, but not connected with the govern.
ment, that the Gas Company sent a bill to the
Department Of the Interior Tor about $50 for
about one months consumption of gas when.
in fact, not more than $40 worth had been
consumed. The collector was told that M
such bill wonld be paid Every well," said
Mr.. Collector, "we will cut off your gas II
was then that the Secretary threatened to look
into the matter regarding those pipes.
The threat brought the monopoly to il
senses; but we are sorry that the Secretary di
not execute yirtuous determination, even if
was felt in moment Of anger and under suits
BILE provocation.
Our Informant goes on to say that with hui
dreds of individuals, who have not the power {
the Secretary, the insolence Of the company !
without bounds; and if bill is presented, n
matter how extravagant it may be, hesitation
or even desire to have the matter examined
is met by threat to turn off the gas.
We also understand that when bill is pre
sented, and the person who is to pay it happen
not to have the exact change, no second ca
will be made. So that if FIVE dollar note !
presented to pay for gas bill of four dollars
even BY lady, she must go through rain an,
snow 70 have the five dollar note changed, ant
then go through mud and mire to the Office o
ine uas company, or the gas will be turned off
ana ner house left in black darkness. We hav.
heard that at the Observatory, when a party
was there, the gas was shut off in the midst O