The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-12-31
A Card From superintendent Brown. OF
H-., the City Gas Works.

A Card From superintendent brown. Oh
r-. the City Gas Works.
Editors Intelligeneer:
A card over the signature Of "W. n.
Greayes" appeared in yesterdays Sunday
Leader, in which Greaves charges that he
was discharged from the Gas Works for
no other reason than that he was Pro-
testant and member OF the Masonic Fra.
ternity. When my attention was called
to this vile production in the Leader, my
first thought was that the unmitigated and
daring ialsehoods it contained were un-
worthy OF notice, but to-day friend OF
mine, unconnected with the Gas Works,
and having had opportunity OF observing
the management Of the works for nearly
twelve years that I have had charge OF
them, has expressed to me wis. that ]
should explain publicly the facts OF the
case, and with your permission would
do so through the medium OF your respec-
table journal.
First, Greaves was not discharged, but !
removed him from the purifying depart
ment OF the works to other employment
In consequence OF his having caused his
assistant TO prepare the lime improperly,
BY not saturating the Stacked lime with
sufficient water, preparatory TO It's being
placed on the trays, OF the purifiers. In
this state the lime was oil course lighter
and cleaner TO handle, but 1t had the ef-
feet OF causing dangerously high back
pressure, placing the works and the fire.
men, or stoker's in immediate danger oil a
serious accident, in fact OF destructive
explosion, which would certainly be the
result II TOO great an obstruction to the
flow OF gas should force the water out OF
the several hydraulic seals in the appa-
ratus, letting the large volume Of,
ms now being made escape into and I'll
The whole building OF the purifying de-
partment. Such accidents have occurred
In gas works in this country as well as
elsewhere, causing loss Of life and destruc.
zion OF buildings and apparatus, and in
consequence OF this deliberate disregard
Of instructions on Greayes' part, felt II
my imperative duty to Immediately re-
move him from the purifying department
Of the works. But did not dischdrpe him.
directed him 10 do other work, to attend
10 the syphons OF the street mains, to the
public lamps, their necessary repairs occa-
sionally, &c. Greaves went to do this
work, and also TO assist in thawing out some
frozen gas lamp services for some days, until
the morning OF the 26th, just when
thought It necessary to notify him that his
wages in his new employment would
be 81 so per day, he thcreupon said he
would "work for no 81 so q day" and
vent away, After he entered the works,
In AnriI 1871, learned that he owed
several small debts, and observing that he
MAS pressed hard BY some Of his creditors
and threatened with legal proceedings by
them. | advanced him some money TO
help him through his pecuniary difficulties.
| tried 10 encourage him, and instructed
him IN many things pertaining to the
works. vet he makes the fonl accusation
against me that am actuated by the de-
testable spirit OF religious prejudice.
He says: ~ believe | am the only
Protestant ever employed in the concern.
H., This ialsehood Is TOO glaring 10 be
noticed, but out OF respect for the public
Of Wheeling, l would state, that, at the
n,esent lime there are SIX employees, non.
catholic. at these works, and, II count
iamplieh,ers, there arc nine persons who
arc moi 10 use Greaves' words, Catholic
all through Anu thc lhnS AOVA ASP'
at the works shows for the past year Q
much larger number. Some oil them have
resigned, not one having been discharged.
have had frequent occasion TO find
fault with Greaves for his carelessness
and disinclination to work. i AM prcpar-
ed 10 prove on UNREASONABLE testimony
mons Catholic testimony too,) that for a
long time he has endeavorcd to create the
neisrious spirit OF religious hate and ami
mostly amongst the employees at the Gus
Works. His statement from beginning TO
end is entirely devoid Of a particle OF
truth. Itisi in every respect and particu-
lar maliGiousIy false, OF which there Is
clear and ample proof itt,, a. .'''''',s
ArrHuR BROWNE,
.l.rf4f Supt. City Gas lIork1.
Gas Work., De. 9Oth, 1878. !