The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-09-01
NATURAL GAS LITERATURE.
A Skeptical Citizen Declines to Accept
JOrdan's Recent Report.

To the Editor of the Indianapolis Journal:
The citizens of Indianapolis have recently
received, gratuitously, some literature upon
the subject of natural gas. The first
cost of the statistical lore must have run
far into the hundreds of dollars for the
reason that the large tabular exhibit APP
pearsd in the advertising columns Of the
principal papers OF the city. The seeming
purpose of this tabular exhibit-presumably
furnished through the grace of the gas
companies-is to make glad our hearts
through the contemplation of the wretched-
ness of our neighbors." The Interior pur-
pose is not hidden, though ii is nothing
less than the repeal of ordinances which
form the protection of rich and poor $ike
from the rapacity of these would-be octopi.
TIE exhibit is remarkable for its important
omissions rather than for its startling con-
trasts, though the contrast is aided by the
use of bold-faced type. Some OF these
omissions are as follows: That the towns
which pay higher rates than indianapolis
are given, while those which pay lower
rates or the same rates are studiously
omitted; that those towns in the gas belt
which pay as great or greater rates are
ruled by monopolies or combines. are not
protected by natural-gas ordinances, as we
are, and that even then they give, without
price, more gas to manufacturers than
they sell for domestic purposes; that the
pressure upon the mains i'm these towns is
never below twelve ounces to the square
inch, so that it is not necessary TO nave
as many fires to the family as Indianapo-
lis consumers are forced 10 burn; neither
is it necessary. to wear wraps in the
house TO avoid freezing, or TO dismiss
public schools for lack OF heat, or to add
coal or wood TO the kitchen stove 10 do
6nmPSfic cooking. AS We are cOmnPllQ6 IN
do. The schedule also fails to state that
some Of the towns, az Richmond, for ex-
and that natural gas there is a luxury
enjoyed by the well-to-do citizens only,
rates being higher than The cost of coal.
is the report" OF E. 7. j. Jordan. natural
gas Inspector for the State OF In tIara. This
report" has. aroused considerable indIgna-
press Of the gas belt. The facts are
questioned as 10 the rapid fall OF initial
pressure. except in wells which have been
drawn upon to their full capacity. u Is
true that wells so drawn upon do lose great
~ in initial pressure. because lowering
pressure at the point Of escape of gas Onto
the welD tends to permit the filling Of the
pores of Trenton rock, shutting off the sup
ply of gas at least in a measure. 1T is
also true that new wells drilled near those
supposed TO be exhausted, or .learly so.
have usually the original initial pressure
of the exhausted" well. Shooting" a well,
If it do not so break the rock below the
- 1919 FaN1 ah1g q
stores the flow and pressure.
This report bears strong internal evil
dences of inspiration. Its suggestions in
reference to economiZing gas, In order that
il may last longer, are so unique that they
must. in the nature OF things. be inspired.
A State official, acting, presumably. IN the
interest of the people. surely would not.
without the aid of suggestions extraneous
to himself, evolve propositions appearing
SO preposterous TO the citizen of ordinary
culture. Some citizens OF average acumen
do not ascribe the iaSpirational suggestions
to divinity, nor TO any source higher than
the first story OF a building occupied by a
corporation i'm the city OF Indianapolis, and
located in close proximity To the States
Capitol. The startling communications OF
this report are three In number. viz, that
meter measurement be established: that
pressure in the mains be lessened: that
prices be advanced. The ostensible
purpose of these recommendations is
TO economiZe gas SO that We may enjoy
this great luxury through a longer period
OF time: the real purpose appears 10 be the
helping of gas companies in this city TO Sc
and such modification OF the naturaI-gas
ordinances "a TO permit the deyil-fsh 10
get consumers into their grasp. Imagine
the condition OF affairs In our homes with a
less pressure than We have had for the past
two wintersi Suppose meters were puf I'm
and the meager supply OF gas were accur-
ately measured. The supply is insufficient
TO properly heat our homes. and, II II we're
possible. we would consume more: now
will measuring save the fuel? Another ex-
pedient is proposed; namely, increasing the
price. This would have the effect desired
in one way: that Is. I'm forcing out the poor
er onsumers-those. for example. VINO are
so unfortunate as 10 have but one OF two
fires. Suppose that all these expedients