Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-06-14
GAS WORKS FINANCES
THg SUBJECT OF DISCUSSION IN COUNCIL
LAST MIGHT.
The Annual Appropriation Ordinance Passed IN
Both Branches-The New Stree. Railway
Ordinances Miscellaneous Business,

The annual appropriation ordinance
was adopted by both Branches Of Coun-
ell last night, and is now in full force
and effect. II carries s425, 524.sO.
When the paper came up In
the First Branch, it having oeea
previously passed by the Secono'
Mr.. Robinson took the hoor on the
item Of appropriation for the gas works.
and said he would risk the predlctlon
that in less than two months, unless re-
lief was afforded the Trustees, there
would not be an electric light burning
In Wheeling. The Trustees had 70 go
TO bank last year and borrow Uoney on
their personal Endorsement, ana YET
ifit had not been for the leniency OF
one creditor, the works would nave
been shut up long ago. He had no ap-
pology 10 offer for the condition OF the
works, and could give no suggestions as
TO where the money was 10 come Iromi
he only knew that was the situation. 1t
was well enough TO say; "Oh, let the
Trustees get along the best way they
can" The Trustees could not get
along much longer. he desired TO call
attention TO the matter before the vote
was taken.
Mr.. Richards said it might be implied
that the Finance Committee had done
nothing. The Committee had consld-
cred the matter, but it had no money 10
appropriate The action OF Mr.. Robin
son in calling attention TO the matter
without providing or suggesting
TfT r,ak IN on ~ m u1uph
Mr.. Robinson said be was not finding
fault with the Finance Committee.
The fact was that the works was over
loaded. President Dunleyy had con-
suited with tho speaker ABOUT the
situation, and asked his advice, and he
had advised him, as ouSl-
ness man, to shut down the
electric plant. The works had
done a business OF 500, 600 last year,
and out OF that had paid $4,000 for In
provements, and extraordinary running
EXPENSES. No manufacturing business
and that was all the gas works was
could stand that. The matter might be
laid aside now. and the ordinance
passed. but the matter was bound TO
come up again, and that at very early
date.
Mr.. PAUL thought the ordinance
might be passed, and the other matter
settled on It's merits, when the time
come TO graDple with it, and after some
further discussion, the ordinance was
passed.
The following was offered by Mr..
DObbins:
"WHEREAs, BY the erection Of the
electric light plant by the Gas Board,
the revenues OF the said Board have
been so encroached on as 70 embarras
this department, and There being no
money in the Treasury out OF which TO
assist said Board in the discharge or
this obligation; therefore,
''ResolUed, That the Mayor and Com
mittee on Finance be and they are here
by authorized TO obtain loan OF $780,
600, and secure the same by deed Of
trust on the electric light plant, which
has been acquired since submitting the
last city loan TO a vote Of the people"
This was discussed for time, some
probable difficulties pointed out, and
the resolution was adopted, to see what
the powers OF the city might be In the
premises.
In the Second Branch the ordinance
came 10 as an original document from
the Committee on Finance. On its
second reading several unimportant
changes were made, one being the
transfer Of $3.50 for curling from South
Broadway to South Penn street.
Mr.. Milligan moved 10 amend the
appropriation for the FIRE department
by inserting $50, 400, instead Of $685.
500 90, in order 10 pay employees OF the
FIRE department 500 month instead OF
500 a month, as at present. Mr..
Robertson stated that he would favor
the amendment but for the fact that
the revenues OF the City would not
be sufficient, and the adoption
of the amendment would be
a piece Of folly. Mr.. Milligan replied
that members Of the FIRE department DO
not receive enough pay, and the in
crease should be granted IN order to
maintain its efficiency. Mr.. Wheat op-
posed the amendment, lie believed in
paving good salaries, but il was ICON
dition and not theory" which con-
fronted Council. On the question Of
the adoption Of the amendment, II was
defeated by a viva vOce vote.
The ordinance was adopted unanl-
mously and went to the First Branch.