Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-08-02
THE ClTY'S GAS SUPPLY.
The Inspectors Figures as to Averages
During the Year.
The Annual Report Made to Secretary
Smfth-The New Laboratories
Soon to he Completed.

Secretary Hoke Smith has received the an
nual report Of S. Calvert Ford, inspector of
gas and meters for the District OF Columbia
for the year ending June 80. The average il
Illuminating power Of the gas supplied by the
Washington Gas Light Company during the
year was 17.S3 candles, the highest illumi-
mating power during the year was 20H and
the lowest 1901. The average quantity OF
ammonia in 100 cubic feet was 1.70 grains.
The average quantity Of sulphur was IA
grains. The average pressure of gas dur
ing the hours that street lamps were lighted
was LAS inches. The average specific gravity
was 1862.
The average Illuminating power Of the
gas supplied by the Georgetown Gas Com
pany was 1865 candles. Average quantity
ammonia, 2.07 grains. Average quantity of
sulphur. 17.43 grains. The gas supplied by
this company was on three occasions of
less Illuminating power than 16 candles.
On six occasions the quantity of ammonia
found exceeded the grains allowed and on Is
the g grains allowed. rhe s average presl
sure Of the gas was 1.53 inches. The aver
age specific gravity was .427
During the year the Office inspected and
proved !, 410 meters with the following re-
suits: "a registered fast; average error g. 70
per cent; 50 registered slow. average error
6H per cent; LIZ registered within the
limits allowed by law and 2 did not register
the gas flowing through them. The sum Of
$'uO was coiiecteQ 1Or meter inspections.
The Candle Power.
The gas supplied by the Washington Gas
Light Company during the year averaged
l1sS candles. which Is practically two can
dies In excess of the Illuminating power re-
Qu1red by law. Numerous complaints were
MADE during last winter owing to a want of
supply occasioned by what is commonly
called dry stoppage." indicating that the
pipes were choked with napthaline, which
cOadenses con EN- IN the mains and service pipes
and lmpedes the 1ow of gas. No defaults
IN the Illuminating power and purity stand
ards OF the gas supplied by the Washington
year. 'Ae
The gas supplied by the Georgetown Gas
Light Company Is manufactured from coal
found to average only 1858 candles it ap-
pears TO have given general satisfa ction
This company having laid larger mains in
several OF the principal streets during the
ed. The defaults were less than the pre-
ceeding year except in sulphur the latter
defect being due to limited purifying capac-
ity. out this Is being corrected by the erec-
ton OF larger purifiers.
The Laboratorie.
Inc provisions of the act appr. .ci March
g. 1888. authorizing two additional Jabora-
tories to be established in Washington are
being compiled with. and suitable sites have
been selected and approved corner 9Th and
ID streets southeast and at 1885 ;th street
northwest. 1t is expected that TIE two
laborat tories will be completed and In work.
ing order about September /. .S9f.. The
sd street has been In operation some time
Other provisions Of the act are in opera
tion. The inspector renews his recon-
mendatton for the increase of the salary Of
the laboratory. in addition to mis- regular
duties, entitle him to the increase.