The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-01-25

nOUncpd Democrat, nau Deen electeu 10 tue
CITY Council from q strong Republican
district on this issue; had been appointed a
member OF the Committee Of One Hun
dred, and had taken an active part in the
contest. He told us that whilst nine tenths
OF the committee favored a sale OF the
works, he differed from them, however,
and thought the city's wisest policy was to
retain the Ownership OF its works, and
after ousting the present management TO
let out the manufacture Of the gas, deliver
ed in .he holder. TO private enterprise, the
city 10 take charge OF the distribution, and
10 stand between the contractor and the
citizen. In this mode the evils OF political
influence would disappear, and the gas be
obtained cheaper than when manufactured
on municipal account. He told us further
that though the committee had been grad
ually winning for year or more, the peo-
pie electing its nominees, yet so strong
ly were the managers entrenched that IL
would require year or more still TO hnally
them.
In Baltimore we found the Consolidated
Gas Company supplying both water and
coal-gas, and we obtained here quite rs SAT-
isfactory information as We had gotten at
any other place. The president Of this
company, which supplies much the largest
part Of the gas consumed in the city, stated
that they had formerly used coal only.
Some five or six years ago they adopted the
water process for about one fourth or one
third OF their capacity after using it for
two years, and finding il necessary to in-
crease their capacity, they decided TO en-
large their water-gas works, and they are
now making about equal quantities OF
each. In one district they distribute water
gas separately, aud in another they dis
tribute it mixed with coal-gas. In every
manufacture, distribution, and
water-gas had given sat
isfacton, and when mixed with coal-gas
bad improved its quality. In cost they
found il from five to ten cents per 1000
less; ii may be remarked that they manu-
factured coal-gas very cheaply. Mr.. Hall,
the president, thought the policy OF his
company should he TO maintain their works
for the manufacture Of both, because in
this way they could to some extent inGu-
ence the prices Of coal and oil.
In Washington a coal-gas company hth-
erto had recently contracted with Messrs.
Granger e. Co. for the erection OF water
gas works OF some 100000 feet capacity.
The company have also recently erected
coal-gas works spon process patented by
their engineer. Both works were IN ope-
ration in the same building. We heard 10
objection to the quality OF the water-gas;
ON the contrary. it was admitted to have
greater Illuminating power than the coal
gas. Mr.. 3lcllhenny, the company's engi-
neer, is said to be well educated III his pro-
fessiop. and as great effort has been made
TO use his name against the Granger pro-
cess, it seems proper to inquire what his
testimony Is, and whether he Is a proper
Judge TO give a verdict between his own
invention and the other. Being 4 cOmpe-
tent engineer. he examined into the merits
Of the water-gas before Introducing it. Ii
there had been any ground for the charge
that it is dangerous or deleterious, would
he have permitted its introduction, or
would he now be distributing l5,000,000
feet Of it monthly in the city OF Washing
ton, where the highest standard and most
rigorous test is enforced? Nor does he
make any such charge. Mr.. Mcilhenny has
induced his company to erect at large cost
works on his patented plan and on bis rep
OF its merits. His reputation
is at stake TO prove the justice OF his
claims. Is he the impartial Judge who is
to decide upon the merits OF the Granger
Whatever his character and his
merits, no court in the land would accept
him for moment as Juror in such an is
sue.
TO sum up, in all our investigations we
found 10 one familiar with the manufac-
iurc or consumption OF il 10 call in ques-
ton the good quality OF water-gas. On
the contrary, the large preponderance OF
evidence was in favor OF it, superior
quality and cheaper cost. Against very
bitter opposition from the coal-gas interest.
il is rapidly winning its way to public
favor. To-day, though Of comparatively
recent Introduction, nearly one half the
,as consumed in the city OF New York is
water-gaS, and quite one half in the city OF
Baltimore, and there, where millions of
feet are daily distributed. not one word
did we hear against It's quality. IL is there
fore our opinion that il favorable terms are
offered for its introduction there should be
no apprehension rs to its quality.
The subcommittee presented proposal
from the Excelsior GaSlight Company,
which they thought contained the basis OF
\ favorable contract for the city. They
that if the details could be
arranged satisfactorily that this proposal
bc accepted, whereupon it was referred TO
them foT further consideration. The two
Joint committees met on the 10Th instant.
The subcommittee reported that they
had not been able TO arrange satisiac-
tory terms with the Excelsior Company,
and had abandoned the negotiation with
them. They presented Il proposal from
Messrs. A. q. Granger & Co., which was
for acceptance by vote OF
1 to1. Plans and specifications were also
presented from the Committee on Light,
with resolution appropriating $2j,0O0 for
the purpose OF remodelliDg part Of the
After n discussion Of the
relative merits Of the two propositions,
mon a vote a majority OF the committees
favored the Offer OF Me>srs. Granger 81 Co.,
and recommend il for your acceptance.
Ii seems proper that this report should
give the reasons that Influenced the ma
iority in their decision. The minority will
present to YOU report, and will doubtless
iufiy state the reasons for their action.
Some months ago the Auditor prepared
n statement showing the cost OF gas for a
period Of five years prior 10 the lst OF Feb
ruary, 1882, The cost was distributed I'M
der three heads-labor, coal, and expenses.
This statemon: also showed the net annual
production OF gas during the same period
furnished by the Superintendent OF the
Gas Works. The result shows the cost Of
gas during that period sl.5jt cents per
thousand feet. He has now brought this
statement up to January |, 1883, and the
result is not materially altered. No one calls
in question the accuracy OF this statement.
The Auditors books show the money TO
have been paid, and the reckoning is made
on the statement Of product furnished by
the superintendent OF the works. During
the past year ii began 10 dawn on Us that
our gas was costing too much. propo-
sition from the United Gas Improvement
Company stimulated this belief, and set on