New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-12-15
SUCCESS OF WATER GAS.
THE EQUITABLE COMPANY AT WORK.
RUNoRs or A POOL DESIrD-wHAT DiREcioAs OF
Tile NEW ENrEEPRIsE SAY.

RUMoRs OF A FOOL DENIrD-wHAT DIREcroHs OF
THE NEW ENTERPRISE SAY.
The success of the Equitable Gas Light Com
pany in manufacturing hydrogen under the I'M
proved rduMoay process was the principal topic
OF conversation gas circles last week 1t Is well known
that experts like President Greenough of Boston, and
General Roome OF this city, have repeatedly expressed
disbelief In the ultimate Of the experiment The
former in his testimony last spring before commt%e
OF the Massachusetts, Legislature the repeal OF the
carbonc oxide clause characterized the Equitable COM
pany as one formed to manufacture but to make
money ont OF the old companies. General Roone also
is one of the most confirmed opponents Of water gas,
principally on OF the large amount OF carbonic
oxide which It contains. An analysis OF the Equtaole
gas shows smaller percentage of this noNous substance
than coal gas and thus Ia brought inside Of the New
England prohlbitory enactment
The delivery Of gas by the company was accom-
panied by considerable fall In the price Of
the consolidated companies stocks. one hundred
shares Of Manhattan stock which In July sold
hshaz sold at auction In tho stock Exchange
last week AT sGi Metropolitan stock brought sJo New
York iaa aud Harlem Tia, IN tho svent ~ y war ~
rates si greater fa Ia expected ~ far thefn has
been no hostile move either aide, on Monday tho
Equitable senl out eas or the first time is luielhs
Ing power was found 10 be- thirty candles, u Ia
not supplying gas below Canal A. Its NIFTY miles of
mains laid principally Ia the territory Of the NUM-
epai Company, Rnmors or pooling arrangements WIN
tht consolidated nave b'th llf'i' tho
of the Equitable Company emphatic In their de-
Nal that any combination coalition IL contemplated
Mr. Bertschman, the Swiss Consul in this city, who Is
Of the directors, said yesterday " The works are
not out OF the contractors hands yet and need not be
until January believe but we are already sending out
gas and putting in metres to supply the demands OF Gus
toners The delays that have taken place have been
less than might be expected In an enterprise OF such
magnitude"
Another director said "Thc Consolidated Company
could hardly "a price which II would be worth
their while to pay and To receive, Tor our plant
and process. We thought could make good gas
cheapy years when paid half million dol
lars for lands which to make the attempt. our an
tcipatOns than realized In the economy
and brlliancy of product We have come TO sell gas
at a fair price. and II the public supports US, as from
abundant assurances believe II WILL we shall ma
ready market for the full capacity Of our works.
Colonel Graham, our president. tells me that Ne mas
on file over 1000 applications for gas, when
will be filled fast metres can he furnished The
city has already feel grateful to us, since
has saved from the date OF the first fire that was punt
in retOrts month ago, 100000. That represents
the reduction the price OF made by the Old com
panics to meet competition. IL would have been
good idea the old companies TO buy ont year ago.
but to-day would come too high"