The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-02-10
MOVING FOR NATURAL GAS
AN EXPERT WRITES TO SAY 1T ID
ABOUT HERE.
Messrs. John w. Cochran, r. G. Graves
and Others Know the Man, Have Con-
fidence in Him. and VIII Organize
Company to Have Behring'S Made.

There may or may not be natural gas In
the section OF country OF which Memphis
is part, but great many intelligent, con-
sentative people believe there is.
Acting upon this faith in repeated and
regular signs, it is more than probable that
a company will soon be organized TO make
a thorough test OF the matter by pros
pecting."
Mr.. John w. Cochran, president of the
German Bank, received letter yesterday
from Mr.. Noel May, Of Denver, a widely
know geoogist and mineralogist. 1t was
but one OF several written him during the
past few years, growing out Of an acquant-
ance formed on former visit to Memphis,
when Mr.. May came here to prospect for
artosan well water. Those citizens
who possess good memories will
doubtless rccolect that visit and what
it brought about. There had been
no end OF kicking against the Wolf
River water, supply, and discussion
OF various other possible sources, among
them artcsian wells. Mr.. May was ia
miliar with these loud and deep COM
plants, through reading the daily papers.
lie was in charge OF the Colorado mineral
exhibit at the Worlds Exposition at the
timc and Immediately after its close came
TO Memphis. He was taken in charge by
Mr.. Cochran, Capt. James Lee, Jr., and
the late Col. II. A. Montgomery, who
drove him around the city and surround.
ing country in order that he might study
its geological character. The expert was
not long in asserting most positively that
artesinn wells were practicable, and the
city could receive its water supply through
them In abundance TO satisfy all demands
Messrs. Cochran, Lee and Montgomery at
once consented TO take stock TO the amount
OF enabling him to establish the water sup
ply provided u contract could be secured
with the city. The latter two, being MEM
bers OF the Legislative Council, aud for.
hidden to enter into any contract with the
city, could do nothing IN that line, and il
eventually ioll through. Mr.. May was SO
strongly convinced that his estimate OF
the earth here was correct, that he asked
for nothing until his judgment was con.
irmcd. lie also announced at the timc
that natural gus could be- brought TO the
surface close enough 10 the city for all
practical purposes, but water was at the
and local supporters OF him paid no fur
thcr attention To IT, Mr. May, however,
made moro than u ctirsory investigation Of
natural gas possibilities, but would disclose
none Of the details. In his letter 10 MFR.
Cochran lac reyiycs the subject, and with
such emphasis rs Ia impress him that the
statement IL well founded. Mr.. Cochran
says lac IL in favor of organizing n large
company 10 prosecute experimental Dor.
ings under the direction OF Mr.. Nav. His
idea IN making the Ompany-numericnlly
strong is that the subscriptions need bo
heavy upon no one, and In the event of
failure 10 strike tho gus no one person
would be ruined financially. Should sue
cess crown their efforts then there would
b. enough 10 20 around among all. Mr..
X. {, Graves heartily approves the plan,
and Is a believer I'm tho existence OF nat.
ural gas In these parts.
Tho suspicion of being crank or ridicu-
Ious enthusiast, cannot attach 10 Mr. Nav.
He has been identified with mining and
rinco he was fifteen years OF age.
and has iho confidence OF high grade oil.
cinls. lie he was the Administration ex-
pert In Colorado, and bore the Presidential
ms representative in charge Of
American minerals ut the great London
exposition. lie has also served local men
rs examiner Of mines In Mexico, Ia which
they were interested.
In view OF the recent developments In
the line ol natural gas in this section. the
OF Mr.. Cochran, Mr.. Graves
and others TO secure Mr.. May and have
the work of boring prosecuted will bc
hailed with pleasure by the entire pub 10.
IL will hardly be difficult 10 enliG, hay
cooperation when II comes TO raising lLo
money Tor preliminary efforts