The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-03-24
COAL OIL VS.. GAS.


Last evening, In a social circle, the CONVEX
sation fell upon illumination, the relative cost
of gas and coal oil light, allowance being
made for convenience, commodity and all the
etceteras which such comparison is likely to
give Ifse to. 1t was at suburban residence,
and 1t is therefore needless to say that out OF
politeness for the gentleman whose hospital
ity we were enjoying, coal oil would have
necessarily carried the palm under ordinary
circumstances, but it must be admitted, and
even boldly asserted, that the arguments
urged against the use Of gas, In this city at
least. were 80 strong that, the question OF
courtesy being put aside, the victory OF the
humber illuminator was none the less
apparent.
my experience" said a young married
man, sis sad, sad one indeed. had ON sew
eral occasions adopted the arlstocratic article
dispensed by the gas company, always with
more or less cause for regret, until little
over year ago, upon moving into new
house. / concluded to definitely stick to the
use OF oil lamps. was happy, but my hap
piness did not last long. A kind friend and
relative, who visited me frequently, when
ever the question could be brought up, would
endeavor, against all expostulations, to con-
vince me that coal oil should never be used In a
house where there were children. One day ne
quietly informed me that he had gone him
self to the office of the gas company
and made the necessary deposit
for the introduction Of gas into my cosy little
household. You may easily understand that
expostulation was no longer available.
f<,b bn
In the luxuriant brightness Of gas, at cost Of
about 81 month, or over twice as much as
was won't to pay for coal oil light. Recently
was stricken down by illness, and had to
keep the house for a couple OF months for
| three months, including that time, did not
receive the visit OF the collector Of the gas
mpany, who, however, when he did come,
staggered me almost into relapse with bill
for $28 10. / tried to demonstrate with the
company. but you know what expostulation
with them amounts to. Well, didn't pa y the
bill. But In order to justify my course /
must lay few facts before you. / have said
that / paid about four dollars month for
gas. There are only four two-foot burners In
my dwelling. At the usual rate would have
had to pay twelve dollars for the three
me, then, In little computation. To have
incurred such bill 1 must have consumed
gas through every burner In the house for
ten hours a day FOR ninety days, whilst in fact
the only burner that was used inordinately
during my illness was the single one In my
room, the excess / thought being fully com
pensated by the total dlsuse Of the two burn
, ers In my little parlor. / have gone back II
coal oil and the company has levied on tn,
five dollars deposited with them by my
friend"
"Your illustration" said our host, "is {
very fair one, but can give another which Il
still more remarkable, and may besides servt
: to explain the cause OF the evident error II
your bill. The case occurred two or three
years ago, but loses none OF Its force by itF
age. prominent gentleman was suddenly
, called away from the city. He took with hin
his entire family and closed up his residence Oh
one OF our fashionable thoroughfares. On the
North-bound steamer he discovered that he
had forgotten TO leave the key with d person
to whom he had proposed to intrust the care
OF the building. Three months rolled by and
: he returned to the city with his family to oc
. scarcely elapsed when the gas com
Q pany's collector presented him with q bill
> for sum which might have represented thu
amount Of gas consumed for the previous
J three months. The gentleman shortly after
wards visited the companys Office to inquire
. about the singular affair, but obtained n,
9 satisfaction further than that the bills wer,
:, made out from the meters and must be cor
: rect. But said the gentleman. and IN.
g family have been away for three months, ant
the house was locked and the key In IN,
pocket Can't help that said the dignifie'
official. Well retorted the gentleman, abou
}, turning away, ii yon can't, | think | cal
9 One of two things: Either the amount Of ga
}. put down on your bill was not consumed, OF
9 II 1t was. you or your agent have committe
q a felony by breaking into my residence I
a look at the meter-and propose to prove tn
Q latter The matter was settled right the
and there"
II can beat your story all to pieces" sal
one Of the guests addressing, himself to tn
host.
"Let's hear it."
"It will be short. /. too, once induIged /
Q the luxury OF gas illumination; don't nov
. I was interrupted In the enjoyment of
. hearty meal one day, by my servant, who IL
c. formed me that the gas man was thar at tf
l. door, What does he want, asked. L dunno
Il well, tell him to come In Presently the 0s
company's collector was ushered into the dil
ming room. He was an old personal friend {
y mine. You're welcome | said. What prt
J. cures me the pleasure OF your visitY I'v
, come for last months gas bill,' he answered
- handing me bill for 81 80 1 laughed ou
" right. John, THAT was the collectors nam
g said |, you must be demented; have yo
forgotten that over a month ago, you can
here yourself, and had my gas meter removed
y John remembered the fact and left, lookil
J. like yellow pup seeking his lost master"
The subject was dropped, and the clrc
broken up by a gentle hint OF the amiab
wife OF our host, who gapingly reminded b.
husband that there was no more coal Oil
the house than that which was In the lamp
and that he had better send some down II
10 morrow" from the Insurance Oil Tank Con
pany.