Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-06-25
Meter Inspector Ford Examined.

Senators SpOoner knd Blackburn, sub-District
committee on the price OF gas, to-day resumed
the JURY with the examination OF DIR. Ford,
inspector OF meters. He stated, in reply to
questions, that he never inspects meters after
they are put In the residences Of consumers,
except where complaints are made. He always
responds TO complaints, and n Q rough estimate
would say that he inspects AN average OF 100
meters per annum, about that number of
complaints are made. OF the number Inspected
ne would say that about two-thirds found u
register FAST or 10 register more gas than is
sumed; q large majority OF the meters inspected
are found Ia register fast. There are l5, 800
consumers of gas here. He did not why the
water and coal gases here should not mix
mechanically. He had not found that the gas
wis vi better illuminating qualify early ia the
evening than late ut night. He much preferred
coai 10 water gas, but thought the mixtur
answerable tor com ercial purposes; but the
mixture Is not as healthy either pure coal or
pure water gas. He was aked Il The smoke
which escapes from the burners here Is not
DETRIMENTAL TO HEATH,
and he replied that IL was; he could not say
that there Is more smoke from mixed than
pure gas: did not believe there were as many
complaints W hen pure coal gas was used. He
would decidedly recommend coal gas as prefer
able u the mixture.
PRESIDENT NC ILHENNY,
Of the Gas company said he would rather make
and sell coal gas at 81 per thousand than water
gas at 75 cents. His company went into the
Sell the coke. 10 make all coal gas would re-
Quire 60, OOO tons Oh coal per year. 1t would
be unwise " restrict The coiapauy to any one
kind of gas. he said also, that there Is great
huctuation In the Quantity consumed aud
"ate gas can be made more readily. In reply
to questions by Mr., Blackburn Mr.. McIihenuy
a. N ~. that t.ie COMPANY Is using more tnan
one-tnird WAGER gus Nos: perhaps 40 per cenI
Sometimes u had ,ed 45 per cent, and perhaps
had used half water vas.
n ~
as refutation OF Mr.. McIlhennys statement at
a former meeting that labor costs three times
as much here as In Lon ion, of the cost OF labor
in this country aud treat Britain In 1850. The
figures showed that the Inquest difference was
twice as much for labor here, hut that the ave.
Rage difference was nfty-eight per cent; that the
wages pal, "A number OF cities OF the United
States an. Great Britain for labor la gas works
| showed that an average Of fiity-eight per cent
more was paid Ia this country.
ffUL Charles r. CreesOn, ol Philadelphia, who
for many years had been superintenden Of the
works tnere, explained the manner of making
gases, and maintained that The coal aud water
gases do mix, and that no deieterous effects re-
suit from the mixture Prui. CIesson was in
troduced by Mr.. Mcllhepny as an expert VINO
could give the subcommittee Information OF
value.
Mr.. Blackburn asked why, If the mixture Is
better. IL is not used Ia Philadelphia
Pruf. Cressou replied that lac dad not say the
mixture was belLer; but that IL was entirely
serviceable for commercial purposes, and with
Out bad effects. he said tue mixture in Wash.
inston Is made because IL is cheaper; that, and
that aiOne.
Mr.. Blackburn.-Thati Ia precisely what have
been endeavoring 10 get Mr.. McIlhenny TO adj
NIT for six weeks.
Mr.. McIlhenny had not 90 understood the
Senator.
Capt White, introduced by Mr.. McIlhenny
and questioned by The latter, stated that the
Washington gas WORKS are regarded Is among
the best ia the Uuited States, and that there Ii
no question but that the product stands among
the best.
Mr.Winship, of the frm of Gilmore, Meredith
d Co., coal operators, introduced by Mr.. Nell
benny, said lac furnishes the gas company coal
~ S4.OY u ton, laid down 1T the wharf
Mr.. Blackburn asked what Ii cost him, aud
witness replied that was Q secret Of his bust
ness. Adjourned.