The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-07
WORDS THAT AROUSED IRE
A Spirited Exchange Of Views on the
School Boards Natural-Gas Contract.
destinations Which Call Forth an Indig
nant Response from President Conner.

At the regular meeting of the school board,
last night, Superintendent Jones reported an av-
erage daily attendance IN the schools during the
last month of II, 496-an increase over the cor
responding month OF last year of 242 The
committee having the enumeration of school
children IN charge was authorized to ask for
bids Miss @. l. Carson appointed teacher
to . A. 5B. school No. Il A motion to adjust
more uniformly the amount of insurance to be
carried on the several building was referred to
the appropriate committee.
When the call OF special commit
tees reached the one that had
been appointed to look up the
matter of supplying the schools and library
with natural gas, the proceedings became more
spirited. The committee, Of which President
Conner is chairman, reported that after can
wasting the matter it had decided to recommend
that contract be signed with the Consumers
Trust Company, which had agreed TO furnish
the library, and school buildings, and school Of
fees from September, 1888. to September. 1889.
for "a, 145. It was stated that these were the
most advantageous terms that the committee
could secure, the Indianapolis Natural-eas Com
pany having refused to specify any terms upon
W hich it would furnish natural gas.
Mr.. Bamberger said that he was not get ready
to vote on the question. inasmuch as he had not
given the matter any consideration, and he did
not wish to be rushed into thing. He thought
it was good while yet until September. and by
that time perhaps other companies would be in
the field from whom better rates could be Sc
cured Besides, the trust had gas, anyway,
and he moved the matter be made special
order for the next meeting
DIR. Jameson, member OF the committee,
thought the contract ought to be accepted or
a
Bamberger to vote on the question if he didn't
care to. Mr.. Frenzel had something to say
the objection urged by MI Bambereer., BE re-
minded the board that it had recently been
troubled with the question of raising the jani-
tors salaries, and if the contract were adopted
he apprekended that there would be but little il
any use for janitors, and that question would be
disposed Of It is necessary to have the contract
signed early in order that the plumbing may be
done.
Mr. Bamberger intimated that while the gas
trust was a pretty good thing, there were some
things about it too sombre for his vision. He
wanted to see individually whether some other
gas companies nearer the city than the trust
had any overtures to make
Mr.. Greenstreet said he had anticipated this
move, and to aid his memory had prepared
some notes, which he read He thought this a
usually conservative board. Nothing like it had
ever been attempted and he asked why the ques-
of. bsa5s the had been
where it properly belonged, and answered
the question himself by saying that the pro-
jectors of the scheme would not trust it to the
fire committee. He couldn't understand why it
was desired to rush the contract through with
the trust. company that had no pipe inside
the ground or out. when the Broad Ripple COM
pany had gas in the city. He asked the NOM
bers Of the special committee if they had sought
any proposals from the Broad Ripple company,
and paused for a reply. The only response was
a significant inquiry from DR.. Jameson, who
wanted to know IF the finance committee ever
borrowed money without asking for bidsW Mr.
Greenstreet did not answer the question, but
continued: '"The interest of the resolution
to be served in making the president of
I his board. who, it is understood. has been, and
lie actively engaged in promoting the interests
of one OF these companies, is understood. The
president of the board interrupted the speaker
with the remark. eff the member speaking
means to intimate that I have done anything
dishonorable in connection with this committee
hurl the sentiment back at him with the
tempt which it deserves"
Mr.. Greenstreet continued with his notes. and
when he had finished those favorine the gas
trust had nothing further to say, and Mr.. Bam-
berger's motion to make the matter a special or
der for the next meeting prevailed.
motion allowing the attorney for the board
q fixed annual salary of 5000 was carried, and
the board adjourned.