Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1885-06-10
A Discourse on Gas.

we trust every taxpayer III the Guy
read will carefully the ordinance in
relation TO the gas company. The ar
rangement made with the company
was done in a hurry. The company
petitioned for the sole right to use the
streets to lay pipes, etc.-an ordin-
ance was presented-the rules of
council were suspended, and the gas
company was given the sole right to
manufacture gas in Alpena city for
ten years, and all at one session. AS
far rs we know the council has made
as good bargain rs could be made.
1t is good legislation to get manufac-
tories started in the city, but we do
not think such matters should be
passed so hurricdly. They should
take the usual course, and thus allow
the citizens time to examine the pro-
posed franchise. If the rules can be
suspended to pass a good ordinance,
or make a profitable investment, the
same can be done to pass objection
able and injurious legislation. This
gas business is needed in the city.
The conditions of the contract, as far
as we know now, are just and right,
and we do not believe any objections
would have been raised against Civ.
ing the company the rights and privi-
leges they asked. Yet it creates a
bad precedent, and one that the AR
GUS desires to enter its protest against
that is, giving any company sole
right to use the streets without giving
the citizens plenty of notice of what
is to be granted.
The Alpena Gas Company is incor-
porated under the laws of Michigan.
The capital stock is fixed at 100000,
of which $4,000 has been subscribed
by Detroit parties. The company ex-
pected to get the balance subscribed
by Alpena parties, but did not sue
coed. Geo. w. Moore is Secretary
and Treasurer. The remaining $751;
900 of stock is expected now to be
taken by eastern parties. The condi-
tions Of the contract with the city
provide for giving the company the
exclusive right to lay gas pipes in
the streets, alleys, wharfs, squares and
public grounds of Alpena city for ten
years from June LIST, 1886; the CON-
pany is to do no permanent injury to
the streets, sidewalks, crosswalks,
wharfs, ETC., when laying pipes, nor to
disturb any pipe already in the streets,
and is to leave the streets, etc., in as
good condition, ETC., as they found
them. Company is liable for dam
ages occasioned by leaky pipes, i'm.
perfect laying of pipes, explosions,
erection of works, excavations, ETC.,
and is not to unreasonably cucumber
the streets while laying pipes, or to
use entire width of street. Gas is to
be supplied from sunset to sunrise, to
those citizens who may desire it, at
the rate of $3.50 per thousand cubic
feet. If the city should buy gas, it
will be supplied for So per thousand
feet. If the cost of manufacturing
gas should be moro than it is at pre-
sent, then company has the right to
increase the price above $3.50, but is
not to exceed the price paid in cities
about the same size as Alpena.
When council discovers that company
is making over 20 per cent. profit,
then the council has the right to re-
duce the price of gas, SO that the
stockholders shall not get over 20
per cent. dividends. Company is to
be free from taxation for two years
from June LIST, 1885, and one year
from said date, is to have the works in
operation, or else tho ordinance is
void. One director is to be resi-
dent Of Alpena.
1t is not yet known where the works
will be located, but it is believed they
will be located on State street. near
Pottcr's railway.