The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-08-07

or $4,000 less than asked for. The depart
ment would just be able to meet all expenses
with an additional $4,000. 1t had been com
peiied TO pay out the sum OF S4.462.59 for too
repairing of one of the large gas-holders. which
had received an entirely new crown and was
now IN hrst-clsss condition for many years
20 come. The smaller holder at the upper
works was in very bad condition and sadly in
need OF repairs. The gas was escaping from
IL and only recently il had caught from q
spark IL was very necessary To repair IL at
once. The three gas-holders at the works had
only capacity of 100000 cubic feet while
during the coming winter the consumption
would most likely be increased to 1000, GOO
feet per day.
The report recommends that the Finance
Committee be requested 20 appropriate
$4,000 Ia carry the department over until the
end OF the present year. Out OF this years
appropriation they had been compelled TO pay
the sum OF 1890 for coal usedlast year. This
years appropriation had been cut down. al
though the gas receipts during the year
showed an increase of $4,000.
On motion of Mr. Taylor it was decided TO
recommend 10 the Coz ell that the Finance
Committee be requested to appropriate ZIG
600 for the use of the department, and the
chairman and Observation-Disclosures asked to
appear before the Finance Committee TO ex-
plain the necessity of the appropriation. Su-
perintendent Adams then called atten-
ton to the necessity OF having the
small holder repaired. There was some
discussion about the ACCESSIBILITY OF CIV
ing the work out by contract. but Superin-
tendent Adams stated that experience had
shown that no bids could be obtained for the
work.
On motion Of Mr. Brander il was decided to
have the work done at once. and the chairman
of the committee and Superintendent Were
given power to decide sin what manner tho
work should be done.
Mr.. Gum next offered a resolution provid.
ing that the committee ask for An appropria-
ton of $4,000 for the securing of o water gas
plant.
Superintendent Adams stated that with the
present capacity Of 100000 cubic feet only
the department was unable to produce one
million feet of gas per day. whichwould be re-
quired during next winter. Water gas could
be produced somewhat cheaper than coal
gas, and 1t gave much higher candle
power. If the water-gas plant was
not granted it would become neces-
sary to build an additional gas holder
at much larger expense. The plant asked
for would be sufficient 10 produce 500. 600 cubic
feet Of gas per day. OF all the gas produced in
the United States GO per cent was water gas.
At present the department was entirely at the
mercy OF the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad
Company, which furnished the btuminous
coal used for the production Of such gas. If
the water gas plant was adopted. the anthra-
cite coal and crude oil required for its produc-
ton could be obtained from Pennsylvania
over the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Po-
tOmac railroad.
The motion to ask for an appropriation Of
$4,000 for the purpose named was adopted by
the following vote:
Ayes-blessrs Brander, Thon, Glover, Tay-
Tor, Gunn-5.
NoeS-Messrs Grimes. Seay--2.
On motion Of Mr.. Glover it was decided TO
advertise twice week until the next meeting
for proposals for the digging of trenches for
the laying of gas pipes. The bids will be
opened at the next meeting.