davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14

that the wells of the Indiana gas field
will stop yielding sooner than those OF the
Ohio field, and assigns these reasons:
Underlying the porous Trenton rock in
the eastern fields is a large body of sand.
averaging in thickness perhaps twenty
feet, which affords an excellent reservoir
for gas and oil; while nothing of the kind
lies beneath the rock in Indiana in which
the supply can be retained, hence the
slow decrease. Furthermore, he says that
within the next year, or eighteen months
at the longest, although the denizens of
the locality in which gas is found may
have an abundance, there will be scarcely
enough passing through the large pipe
lines that are now attached to this field TO
produce even a small dividend to the
stockholders of the concerns.
Many other prominent gas men of this
city were interviewed by your correspond
ent, and with n exception they declared
that ultimately the gas would cease to
flow. One good authority, however, eX-
pressed the opinion that the supply would
last indefinitely, for the reason that no
wells have yet totally failed unless the
flow was shut off by water, and then new
wells have been successfully developed in
the immediate vicinity.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
IN CLINTON COUNTY.
a Sufficient Supply For Local Purposes-The
Outlook

FRANKFORT, Jan. 11.|Special. 1.-The
natural gas pressure has not declined any
vet at this place. Aside from domestic
purposes, gas is used here for several fac
tories, and the company has no intention
at present of disseminating its use in any
factory. The company is anxious to ex-
tend its use to other factories. Leading
gas men think the supply will eventually
fail, but they are Of the opinion that the
supply will last for many years, unless too
heavily drawn upon by remoter points.
The field from which Frankfort receives
her supply is in the eastern part OF the
county, and its area is not very large.
The city of Lafayette now has a pipe line
and draws her supply from the same field,
and it is learned that Delphi is 10Y en-
deavoring to secure territory in the same
field.
Lafayette, with her large population and
numerous factories, makes a heavy drain
upon the gas field, and the Frankfort de-
mand will be largely increased by the To-
cation Of the Clover Leaf shops here. If,
in addition to these draughts upon this
field, Delphi pipes gas from it, many of
our best informed gas men fear the sup
ply will be exhausted within a few years.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
NATURAL GAS SUPPLY.
Are the Indiana Fields In
exhauStible?
Full Reports From the
Leading Gas Centers.
AHOpefulFeelin Through
out the BELT"
What Causes a Failing Pres
sure in the Wells.
Experts Interviewed by "Sen-
tinel" Correspondents.
Less Favorable Advices From
the "Piped" Cities.
Precautions That Should BE Taken to
Prevent Waste of Gas.
What Causes a Failing Pres
sure in the Wells.
Experts Interviewed by "Sen-
tinel'' Correspondents.
Less Favorable AdVices From
the "Piped" Cities.
Precautions That Should BE Taken to
Prevent Waste of Gas.

A lew days since THE SENTINEL adj
dressed the following circular to its cor
respondents in the Indiana Gas belt, and
in the most important towns and cities in
the state to which Eas is piped:
DEAR SIR:-We are anxious to gather
Immediately all the available matter in
regard to the natural gas supply and ex-
pectations of your locality.
VIII you please ascertain from the best
authorities;
L. Is the pressure declining, and if so, to
what extent?
?. Is gas supplied for other than domes-
tic purposes, and il so, is there any pros
pect that such supply will be discon-
tinued?
s. Interview briefly leading gas men for
their views as to the future of the natural
gas interests OF Indiana.
send any facts or figures that you may
be able to obtain throwing light on the
natural gas situation.
The replies to this circular, as given be-
low, embody 4 great deal of valuable in
formation upon the all-important subject
OF the present condition and future pros
poets OF the natural gas supply in Indiana.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
From Top to Bottom

is furnishing the manufacturers with gas,
but will cease to do so when the present
contracts expire, two years hence.
The Peoples natural gas company has
had considerable trouble in procuring
a sufficient amount of gas to furnish its
customers from the same fields from which
the old company gets gas at Carthage, Rush
county,, but is still sinking other wells.
The opinion prevails among gas men
who are well informed. and who make it
a study, that the supply of gas will de-
crease in the course OF a few years. Hence
our gas companies have begun to econo-
mize in its use, with their patrons.
WINCHESTER, Ind, Jan. u.1SpecTal. -
We have drilled in all twenty-five wells
and have abandoned eight as being worth
less. We have five wells that are small pro-
ducers. We have nine wells that are good,
and will average not less han a million
feet per day. Our gas is used for domestic
purposes only. The rock pressure when
the wells were irstdrilled was 365 pounds;
at present, after two years, it is 30
pounds. The wells have some water and
show some oil. We have 1900 stoves
running and 600 lights. We are supply
ing no street torches. We supplied the
hrststoves with gas in the state and Mum
Gle was next.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14

gas stock. In speaking Of the durability
of natural gas, and other matters pertain
ing TO it, he said:
l can only speak from personal experience
upon the gas question. Almost four years ago
L put in the first two wells at Anderson and
piped the town. The same wells supply my
gas plant and we still have plenty of gas.
There appears to be no marked decrease in the
volume OF the wells. We have plenty, but /
don't know when i shall have 10 drill more
wells. For more than three and a half years
these two wells have not only supplied one of
the most extensive gas plants in the country,
but they have furnished gas 10 factories. water.
works, brickyards, etc., without apparent dimi-
mutton. Since other wells have been drilled all
around these wells and the immediate territory
surrounding them has been drawn upon heavily,
yet my patrons do not complain of the lack of
gas.
My experience elsewhere in the Indiana gas
field has been practically the same as at Ander-
son. During the past four years / have drilled
altogether about fifty wells in different locali-
ties, and every one is now doing good service.
My impression is that the solution of the prob
lem of the durability of natural gas can be
reached By considering closely the situation at
Anderson. We have been drawing our supply
for four years from an area of less than five
square miles without any indication of short
age. There are $50 square miles of gas land in
Madison county, and OF that amount 40 miles
are untouched. The theory is-and it has be-
come a law by experience-that where a gas
well has become exhausted in a given territory
another well in another neighborhood will
open up a fresh reservoir. This being true. it
will be seen that figuring upon an area Of five
square miles supplying Anderson for four
years, it would I've one hundred years before
the gas supply of Madison county became ex-
hausted. This time should be extended. for the
reason that there is no indication of a shortage
OF gas at Anderson although the field has been
opened for four years, and il is reasonable to
suppose that the supply in this five mile area
will hold out at least four years longer.
This kind of reasoning will apply to the en-
tire gas belt of Indiana. Ii is the largest known
gas field in the world and comprises at least
1000 square miles exclusive of the Greenfield
and Carthage districts. OF this vast area there
is but an area of 100 square miles that is &C.
tually being drawn upon for the gas supply Of
the state.
The following table will show the estimated
area that is supplying the various cities in the
state:
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
To purify
Your blood
Take Hoods Sarssparilla.
Does Experience COUNT

Ii does, in every line of business, and
especially in compromising and preparing
medicines. This is illustrated in the great
superiority of Hoods Sarsaparilla over
other preparations, as shown by the re-
markable cures it has accomplished.
The head of the firm of c. l. Hood &
Co. is a thoroughly competent and expert.
enced pharmacist, having devoted his
whole life to the study and actual prepare,
ton of medicines. He is alsU a member
of the Massachusetts, and Americas
pharmaceutical associations. and contin
ues actively devoted to supervising the
preparation of and managing the business
connected with Hoods S~arsaparilla.
Hence the superiority and peculiar merit
of Hoods Sarsaparilla is built upon tho
most substantial foundation. In its prep
aration there is represented all the knowl
edge which modern research in medical
science has developed. combined with
long experience, brain-work and expert
ment. 1t is only necessary to give thi
medicine a fair trial to realize its grts
curative value.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
WHAT AILs THE FARMERS.
The Marion County Husbandmen Discuss
n Matter of Interest.

The subjects discussed before the Ma
rion county agricultural and horticultural
society, at it's monthly meeting Saturday,
took a practical range. The condition OF
the winter crops at this time was com
mented on, and the causes of financial
depression among farmers we're fully ven-
tilated.
Mr.. c. A. Rowland welded the gavel
and Miss Ida +. Richardson acted as secre-
tary. The session was held in the after
noon at the horticultural rooms.
AS the speakers on the regular pro-
gram were absent, President Rowland an
nouEced that the meeting would be open
for the consideration of any subject that
pleased the members. BY mutual on
sent, the topic of the present condition OF
crops and fruit was taken up.
Mr.. c.. +. Butler said that the winter
had not been favorable to wheat. The
weather had been too mild and warm and
the crop had made a luxuriant growth,
and a hard freeze would probably do IN
jury, as it did last March.
President Rowland remarked that he
believed that after while Father Time
would dispense entirely with winter, and
the season will be one continual spring.
The condition of strawberry plants
was discussed by Sylvester Johnson of
~Irvington. Late in the season he had
covered his plants with straw, and exami-
nation showed that underneath their GOV
ering the plants remained fresh and
green.
c.. l.. Thompson of Lawrence then dis
cussed the subject of wintering bees.
The president then proposed the ques-
ton "Why do we fail to make and save
money at the present timer" Elijah j.
Rowland said that n cause was that
legislation favored the wealthy classes and
thatthere were too many different farmers
organizations to accomplish anything, and
a combination of alliance, grange, and all
the different societies would nave to be
made. This idea met with the approval
of Theodore Wilson, Peter Raab and 9TH
ers, who discussed it. The attitude of the
government toward b~ondholders was lib
orally criticised.
President Rowland and J. c. Fist be-
lieved that the principal cause OF the fail
ure was due to the farmers themselves
Many farmers neglect business, waste
time and allow machinery to rot and then
blame Providence or the government in
stead of the true cause-themselves. Many
farmers will allow money to lie idle in the
bank instead Of using it to make money
in their work.
Col. s. P. Kelley of Lawrence declared
that for the past ten years to his certain
knowledge, no money had been made on
the farm, although previously his farm
had been afinancial success. He knew of
farmers who were sober, economical, in
dustrious citizens and yetthey were losing.
He believed that remedial legislation of
some kind should be applied for at once.
1t was decided to give a grand culinary
exhibit at the next meeting, to include
pies, cakes and all sorts OF tempting eata-
bles and to give awards on the best ex-
hibits. Accordingly, Mrs. Georgia Wright,
Mrs. ID. b. Schofield. Miss Ida f.. Richard
son, Mrs. w. b. Flick, Theodore Wilson
and L. s. Shortridge were appointed a
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
IN HAMILTON COUNTY.
The Outlook Not Encouraging-When the
Indiana supply VIII Fail.

Indiana supply VIII RAIL-.
Nob~lesville, Ind, Jan. 10.IlSpecial.
From the most reliable information OBJ
tainable by The SENTINEL's correspondent,
the natural Gas situation in Hamilton
county is assuming a very discouraging
aspect. From the most experienced men
now employed by gas companies in this
city, comes the cry, "the gas supply is de-
Ginning" This fuel is now employed in
generating steam by all the factories and
mills. that are accessible, and no thought
Is entertained Of shutting off this supply,
for the reason that Hamilton county is
situated directly over a rich gas field. and
80 long as gas is utilized for domestic pur-
poses it viii also be used for manufacture
ing. 1t is a fact undisputed by every man
interviewed that the supply is slowly di-
minishinR, and to s~ubstantiate this state
ment, Frank Stebbins, q a of fourteen
years experience in the oil and gas fields
of Ohio and PENNSYLVANIA as a driller,
informs us that wells drilled by the No
blesville gas and improvement company
two and a half years ago, whose pressure
at the time of their development was $50
pounds to the square inch, have dimin-
ished since then to go pounds, n
decrease OF 90 pounds in thirty months.
But, Notwithstanding this slow decrease
in pressure, the supply promises to be
adequate for towns which are fortunate
enough to be located in the belt; for years
to come, and at a date when large pipe
lines, through which the volatile SUBJ
stance is now fugaciously vending its way
to larger towns, will be spoken OF as enter
prises of the past. Mr.. stebbins also says
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
AT OTHER POINTS.
The Situation and Outlook I'm Boone, Rush
aud Randolph Counties.

T~HoRNTowN, Ind, Jan. 11.-[Special. J.
l have made inquiry of a number of natur-
al gas men and all seem to have great
faith in the continuance of the supply,
but all think the state. should enforce
some measure to prevent its waste or
e%Xtravagant use.
At our place we do not now have gas
but expect to in the coming season.
A. @. Daily, president of the Lei non
National bank, who is largely interested
in the Lebanon company says:
We are unable to perceive any reduction in
our supply OF natural gas. The pressure here
fourteen miles from the wells) yesterday morn
ing was 260 pounds. Our supply is ample for
all our domestic purposes, and for our mills,
factories, electric light p ant, etc. With proper
safeguards, protection, and restrictions by legis-
lative enactment. / believe that the natural gas
interests in this state will be safe, at least for q
great many years.
RUsHvILLE, Ind, Jan. 11.-ISpecial. J.
The officers of the Rushville natural gas
company inform me that the pressure of
gas has been gradually diminishing for the
past year, and is not SO strong as when
the gas was first procured. The company
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
AT MUNcIE.
Plenty OF Gas to Last For At Least Two
Generation.

Plenty OF Gas to Last For At Least Two
Generations. ~
MUNCIE, Jan. 11.-[>pecial. EAll no uses
used as residences and every factory in
Muncie are using natural gas for fuel.
Further than this, it is used as an illumi-
nant in 80 per cent. of the houses. There
has not been the slightest decrease in
pressure for three years. On the contrary,
several wells have doubled their pressure,
and the last well drilled, which was an
chored Jan. 2, is one of the best, if not the
very best, in Indiana. Its capacity is esti-
mated at 100000 cubic feet of gas every
t%wenty-four hours. 1t was drilled to sup
ply the Port glass company with heat and
light, and was not begun until the works
were well up.
Gas is found every time a hole is sunk
about eight hundred and fifty feet, nc mat
ter where the site. 1t costs about 8 1900
10 own a gas-well on your lot. James
BOyce had one drilled in about fifty feet
from his residence, in the heart Of the city,
and obtained a fairly strong flow OF gas. a
drill is pounding a hole in the backyard
of James Sprankle, the banker, and gas
will be found in about ten days. The
whole of Delaware county, north, south,
east and west. Is a perfect gas-tield, and
gas can be obtained everywhere in it.
The bottom of the wells is from
twenty-five to a hundred feet above the
sea level and as a consequence the gas OBJ
tanned is perfectly dry, and there is not
the slightest danger that salt water will
ever block up the wells. A we'll which
furnishes fuel for the nail works has
Welded several barrels of petroleum
but with this exception (which is not a
Disadvantage the wells yield nothing but
pure, dry natural gas in unfailing
amounts.
The leading natural gas men while
silent as to any special or personal infOr-
nation they may possess, unite In declar-
ing that Muncie has more gas h can be
used up for any purpose, domestic or
manufacturing, in at least two genera
tons.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
AT LAFAYETTE.
Enough Gas to Supply Double the Present
Demand.

LAFAYETTE, Jan. 10.-LSpecial. IA rep
resentative Of The SENTINEL today inter
viewed James Murdoch, president of the
Lafayette natural gas company, on the
condition of this fuel, its pressure, the
possibility of lasting and other interesting
points. Mr.. Murdoch is probably the best
informed gentleman in the city on this
question and the statements made by him
to THE SENTINEL representative were fully
Endorsed by John B. Ruger and Charles
B. Stuart, who are also well up in natural
gas matters.
Mr.. Murdoch said: eve draw our gas
from 1900 acres of land near Kempton.
We have sixteen large wells now
flowing and are sinking others. The
gas is piped thirty-seven miles.
We have twenty-one miles of eight-inch
and sixteen miles of ten-inch pipe. The
last and best well was opened on Christ
mas day. On the line of pipe we have
1900 consumers and 5000 fires. Manu-
~facturers consume more than half the gas
and paw less than other consumers and
we do not care TO cater to them. If Chi
cago will keep out of our field; If the con-
sumers will use meters and only what fuel
they actually require, the gas will last a
lifetime. The pressure fiuctuates in win
ter and summer but not enough to cause
any trouble or to produce a scarcity. We
have enough gas to supply double the de-
mand we have now. The pressure at
noon today was $50 pounds, as much as at
any time since the introduction of gas on
July /, 1889. We nave a splendid plant,
plenty OF gas and are not fearful Of the
fnfnrnO
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14

Ohio, 1 believe, and quite a number in
Indiana, have been obliged to cut off their
manufacturers. This is more especially
true of the pipe line companies"
"What is the cause of this"
principally the eXtravagant and mex
cusable waste OF gas. There would be
plenty for everyone and the supply would
be practically ~inexhaustible even in the
Ohio fields, which are scarcely a fifth as
large as ours, if the gas were used as were
other necessaries of life. for which we pay
according to the amount used"
"What do you think of the permanency
of the general supply in Indiana"
Il think the gas is very much like the
water we use. There will always be
enough for all our wants, with reasonable
care. There is not a water well in this
city, no matter how long it may have
lasted for ordinary purposes, that could
not be pumped dry by one of our fire-en-
gines in forty minutes. The water would
come back, it is true. but the fire-engine
cou d empty it but Just as easily again. |
think the gas supply is much the same.
| believe the gas is constantly coming in.
1t has been clearly demonstrated that
it is possible to take it out in certain To-
calities more rapidly than it can come in.
This is simply vandalism, and should be
stopped by law. The waste in the gas
field should also be prevented by law.
The farmers in the gas fields are crimi-
nally wasteful. We shall prove ourselves
unworthy of this great blessing, if we do
not try to properly care for it. 1t is all in
our own hands. With decent treatment,
the gas will last TO rever, but it can not
stand against senseless waste any more
than any other OF Gods blessings can. !
am very decidedly in favor OF the enact
ment of a law this winter that will stop
the waste in the gas fields. Nothing but
the strong arm of the law can do it,"
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
A RACING CIRCUIT.
The Indiana Trotting Circuit Arrangss Its
Spring Dates.


The adjourned meeting of the repre-
sentatives OF the various racing a~ssocia-
tons, which met first in Richmond Dec.
22. was held Wednesday afternoon at the
Grand hotel, to arrange the Indiana rae
ing circuit. j.. L. Isle of Columbus acted
as chairman and George Bronson of Cam
bridge City as secretary. and representa-
tives were present from Edinburg, Column
bus, Rushville, Peru, Kokomo, Fort
Wayne, Cambridge City, Richmond and
Lima, o., some thirty-five horsemen being
In attendance.
After considerable deliberation the fol-
lowing circuit was arranged, which is sub
ject to the acceptance of the various asso-
Citations:
Edinburg, June 9, 10, II, u.
Columbus, June 10, IL, Is, 10.
Nashville, June %, "a. %, 20.
Cambridge City, June so, July l, 2, 5.
Peru, July Z. s, 9. 10.
Kokomo, July II, Is, 10, Il.
Fort Wayne, July p, -, o. "A.
Lima, o., July %, %, 50, 81.
Richmond. Aug. 4, 5. &. 7.
j. +. Gent of Columbus was chosen per-
manent president and George Bronson OF
Cambridge City permanent secretary OF
the circuit, which is TO be known as the In.
diana trotting circuit.
4 committee of one representative
from each association was appointed to
meet at the Grand hotel Jan. ID for the
purpose OF arranging purses, classes, etc.
The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
AT LoGANsPoRT.
An Adequate supply If Proper Safeguards
Are Provided.

LoGANsPoRT, Jan. l0.-[Special. There
is not a man in Indiana, or the United
States, for that matter, that has taken
more interest in natural gas than the Hon.
S. p. Sheerin of this city.
Mr.. Sheerin is the principal stakeholder
in the Logansport company, which is con-
sidered one of the best plants in the state.
There is a good deal being said all over
the country at this time as to the amount
and ~permanence of the gas supply; what
do you think about it?" said a SENTINEL
representative TO Mr.. Sheenn.
"a good many companies, all of those in