The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1879-04-03

Interviews with Members OF the First
Branch OF COunell-They VIII Concur
with the second Branch aud Fix the
Price at One Dollar and Twenty Cents
per Thousand.
Tho question of reducing the price OF
gas, as itstands at present, remains to be
decided by the First Branch of Council,
the Second Branch having passed an
ordinance fixing it at 81 20. A reporter
OF the ISrELLIaRScER called on several
members OF the First Branch OF Council
yesterday, for the purpose Of getting their
views on a possibility OF a further reduc-
ton to 81. So far as the members were
interviewed 1t is the unanimous opinion
that 81 20 is the lowest notch to which
Council can afford TO reduce It. A few
mentioned conditions under which re-
ductton to 81 might be successfully made.
Mr., D. schambra said he was not in
favor Of lower price than 81 20. II the
81 20 experiment was successful he would
then favor further reduction. Under
the present arrangement, the central and
business portion Of the city are paying off
the debt OF the works, and as this will be
accomplished before tho time required,
he was in favor OF making the burden as
light as possible. If the city could afford
to make 1t for 81, and provide for all the
expenses OF running the works, he would
be in favor Of that price. 1T
Reporter-Well, can't it afford to do so?
Mr.. Schambra-No; DIR. Logan and my
self figured on the matter, and came to
the conclusion that 81 20 was the lowest
point we could drop TO and leave small
margin for tho sinking fund.
Mr.. Gee. Ii. Carnahan was next called
upon.
Reporter-Mr. Canadian, what are your
views on the question otredncing the price
Of gas? @
Mr.. Carnahan-l am in favor OF the
price proposed BY the Second Branch Of
Council.
Reporter-How about further reduc.
ton to 81? flif
Mr.. Carnahan-That, l don't believe can
DO done. l think 81 20 would be well
enough to try as an experiment. II this
reduction adds more consumers and brings
in an increased revenue, then Council
might consider the propriety Of reducing
the price to ST..
Reporter Under what circumstances
would you favor the reduction to 81?
Mr.. Carnahan-Well, il it is found that
the works can he run and made nav ex-
penses, and allow the establishment OF a
sinking fund OF &, 900 or 5000 year for
improvements at the works, and extension
OF mains, | would, underthose conditions
favor the 81 reduction. Atpresent don't
think the condition Of the works will
admit OF It. / am told that one or two
benches OF retorts and new sasholder
are needed, although the works can DO
conducted comfortably without the i'm
provements.
Mr.. Carnahan continuing said that he
was not in favor Of making the works a
source Of revenue 10 the city. The city did
not pay for the gas used by It last wear,
the money which ought to have been de.
voted to that purpose being applied to the
expenses OF running other departments.
Mr.. John Butterfleld was approached on
the subject and said that he had not given
1t much thought, as he had been out
Of the city when the question of reduc.
ton was raised. Iir FAD 81,
Reporter=Are YOU in favor OF a reduc.
ton 10 ST.
Mr.. Butteriield From all the informa.
ton have on the subject | would say
that am not. The measure az Il nass"i
the Second Branch meets my views, and
VIII give 1t my support in the First
Branch. II gas can be made for ST and the
expenses Of the works provided for GER
tainly shall not object to voting for that
amount. ~ TTlTff
Mr.. r. +. Criswell was found at A[essrs.
Simpson 4 Hoge's, and asked for his views
on the subject:
Reporter-Mr. Criswell, are your sym.
pathies with the 81 20 party in Council in
the matter Of reducing Gas?
Mr., Criswell-They arc.
Reporter-Don't you think that the
price could be further reduced TO 81 and
the running expenses Of the works pro.
vidcd for?
Mr.. Criswell-I do not,
Reporter-What reasons do YOU hold
81 20? 'N"'' s"""
Mr.. Criswell-Well, l have given the
subject some attention lately and have
figured on the matter OF prices consider. |
ably. find the total actual receipts Of Tho
gas works for last year TO be- S5S 475 % |
and the expenses to DO $751; az, which |
leaves surplus OF $l9,0ll69. Now The
prize PAID was 81 50; II theprice had been
u ~ Y would have still left surplus of |
over over Ss'Voi The city did not pay Tor gas