The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1880-12-16
The city CHS works-Probable Reduction
IN the Price OF Gas.

III II
In a casual conversation yesterday with
one Of the Gas Trustees OF the city we
learned that the day is close at hand when
it will be ~eminently proper for Council to
reduce the price OF gas TO one dollar net
per thousand feet. 1t will be remembered
that the Trustees were authorized by
Council to borrow $4,000, or so much
thereof as might be necessary, to make
certain improvements about the works,
viz: q e holder, new benches, &c.
which improvements were expected to
\ CHS. anywhere from $4,000 to $4,000.
The improvements have been made, n
everything put in spplc-pie order about
the works, including a helder that has a
capacity for 200, 900 feet instead Of 100000,
which was the limit Of the old one, and
the Trustees were not compelled to Dor
row over sl5. coo, which amount, accord
ing to the present rate OF net earnings,
they expect to pay of BY the middle OF
May next. 1t is a 5 per cent loan from
one OF the banks, and therefore IS not a
serious charge upon tie revenues OF the
works.
Not only have they made the improve
ments alluded to, but the trustees have
gone on extending the mains throughout
the city, thus supplying gas to an increas'
ed number Of onsnme The expenses
OF the extension have been paid out OF
the current receipts, and these receipts
have been go satisfactory that the trus-
tees are convinced that the works will be
a satisfactory source Of profit to the city
at even the low price OF one dollar per
thousand.
We say that the receipts have been sat
isfactory, and we should smile to think
that they were not when We remember
that the city owes the Works $4,000 for
gas consumed in the public lamps, city
building, ETC., and although this amount
has not been paid, and may never be
paid, yet it must nevertheless be reckoned
as a part OF the profits Of the business.
Over and above this large unpaid earning
the Works have still earned q profit, and
have demonstrated their ability to pay
their way and furnish a sufficient surplus
for contingencies at one dollar per thous.
and to consumers.
1t is certainly right that the reduction
should be made 10 one dollar at as early q
day as possible, because it is unjust TO i'm
pose a tax upon the consumers Of gas to
pay for light that is used by the city for
the benefit OF the whole population, and
also to pay for mains that are to supply
new consumers, none Of whom will ever
be called TO participate in the burdens 60
long borne by old consumers. The present
consumers have paid for all the improve
ments and extensions up to this time, in
GLIDING the Island extension, and they are
entitled by every equity to receive gas at
the minimum price for which it can be
produced, plust the smsllper cent o fsurplus
necessary for q contingent fund. This, as
We are informed, will easily afford us gas
al one dollar, and we think that it would
be a good move on the part Of the incom'
ing council to signalize their accession to
office by reducing the price to n dollar
net.
We learned from the conversation al.
luded to that the trustees give much credit
for their success to the intelligent, ener.
petic AID thorough supervision Of gas
affairs by Mr.. Harry Caldwell, the
Secretary. He has charge Of all the pur.
chasing, selling, contracting, &c, and has
made himself very conversant with all the
possible economies of the business. In
his work he is assisted by Mr.. Dillon, the
superintendent at the works, who is con-
scieutiously devoted, as we all know, to
his o~ccnpAtion,