St. Paul daily globe., 1888-08-21

we Ieel ltS intense heat. We smell the
traces of petroleum with which it is
impregnated. The chemical analysis of
PrOf. Dodge, at the state university,
SHOWS that 1t is not mere swamp or sur
face gas, but the genuine rock
gas, such as is so valuable in the
East. Hence it must come, primarily,
from some reservoir in the rock. Geo
logical explorations show that the
Trenton limestone, which is the great
source OF supply in Ohio and
Indiana. underlies the portion Of
Freeborn county, in which we are at
work: pennsylvania experts who have
seen it declare that such indications as
we nave are uniformly followed there
by the discovery of valuable wells. The
early history of the find at Findlay, o.,
and the circumstances which led
up to it have almost a coun-
In spite of all of these favorable
developments it is not easy to secure
the capital to prosecute the work. We
do not know how many wells we shall
have to bore or how deep before it is
found. Experience shows that boring
may be made within twenty feet of
reservoir and miss it. AT Findlay,
o.. the first well bored found
gas at depth of 1,096 feet, and out of
the first seventeen bored only two were
failures. But we cannot rely upon his
tory repeating itself in our case. From
all our experiments and information we
believe it only a question of money and
perseverance to secure the desired OBJ
ject. While we know, in a general way,
that we will have a market as soon as
we can supply the gas, the fact that we
have specific market secured will en-
courage capital to pursue the work until
1t is a success.
A second reason is that it is getting
late In the season, and we propose to
lose no time when a 'guSher" is found
in putting it to practical use. 1t would
be almost crime, in this section of the
country, to use the gas for source of
amusement, as was the custom for years
in the East, and while our drills are at
work we propose to decide and map out
definitely the best plan for utilizing the
product. There are plenty of large
towns within easy reach of our field and
II we do not plan to bring it here we
shall arrange for other customers to
cover all the supply we can hope to at
tain. We have no anxiety whatever
relative to finding ready and profitable
market for our fuel.
While the council may or NAV not be
governed by Your action, think have
stated the case SO fully and fairly that
you are as well able to pass your opin-
ION this morning as ever. Upon the
general proposition of the value of
natural gas to the city, if it can be Sc
cured, there is, of course, no dissent.
The only difference of opinion that can
exist is as to the exclusive" character
OF the charter; and, from our stand
point, 1t does not seem that it should
rank as in keeping with street railroad
and other local charters in the use of
that term.
As there is nothing concealed, there
Is nothing to ascertain by delay for in
vestigation. We are pushing the work
with all possible vigor, and mean to
continue until success crowns our eff
forts. 1t would seem that so important
and legitimate an enterprise is at least
entitled to the moral support of the st.
Paul chamber of commerce, and do
not doubt but that it will be heartily
given.
With the wide field that is open be-
fore US we shall certainly make no at
tempt to force our commodity upon any
community which does not deem it of
sufficient Importance to grant such
privileges as will make a safe invest
ment for capital, while at the same time
the interests of the people are fully pro-
9Fected. Inc concession to the city of
the right to fix the price the citizens
shall pay for fuel entities the company
to some consideration. We aim to be
fair, and expect to be met in the same
spirit.
y, Mr.. Stevens objected to the ordinance
because it granted exclusive privileges
Tor fifteen years. He was opposed to
any such eXclusivenesS for any purpose
whatever. Mr.. Hall replied that this
differed from company setting itself
up i'll business under charter from the
city. His company was already in ex-
fstence and simply proposed to sell
cheap fuel to st. Paul, provided an op-
poftunity were given for doing so. The
resolution was adopted and the cham
Der adjourned.