The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1894-07-08

IF every man in Wichita could see the
results of the experiments at Neodesha,
the vote for the gas aud oil bonds would
be unanimous" said the always conserva-
tive Mr.. Imboden of the City Mills, TO an
EAGLE reporter yesterday.
The committee are well pleased with
their trip there?"
Every well pleased, indeed. We studied
the situation thoroughly and we know a
great deal more about prospecting for oil.
gas, etc, than we did before we made the
trip"
You think then that experiments here
would be worth the proposed cost of max
ing them:"
~ unquestionably do If we struck gas
and utilized it only for domestic use, We
could, think, Sfford to spend the money
on the probability there is OF finding II. IL
makes "A fine fuel for the reason that it IS
not only convenient but it obviates all the
annoyance as we'll as the dirt incident 10
the use of coal in our houses"
What typographical indications do
they 20 by in their experiments at Neode-
sha "
None. The experts there say that there
are no surface indications. They iuvaria-
stream. This is done for two reasons. In
the first place they bore near n stream so
as to be convenient TO water for their en-
gineS; in the second place they oore there
because the ground Is lower and they are
that much nearer To the location OF the
gas coal, oil or whatever IL may be. They
seem to speak authoritativey and from
experience when they say there IS notnlug
In surfaces indications"
Did any or the experts indicate that we
could get gas or oil here!"
They admitted that traces of gas were
found near Garden City and think it can
be found all the way from eastern Kansas
to Colorado if the proper depth Is reached.
At Neodesha they find gas at 800 or 900
feet deep but here it would probably re-
uuire 100 feet, as this point is somethin g
like 500 or 600 feet higher above the sea
level than Neodesha. Oil, at least, IL
found at all, must, In all probability, lie
found below sea level, and as Wichita Is
!, 300 feet higher than sea level, holes must
be bored to depth of l.5JO feet.
owl hat is the cost of borinS?
"rhat is uncertain and depends on the
formations that will be encountered. /
think, however, on the information we re-
ceived, that hole will cost about s. per
foot if contractor does II"
Did you see any of the gas ignited?"
eyes. We saw veritable pillar of fire
by the light of which we could read a
newspaper half mile away. 1t makes a
great light. l also saw 1t used as fuel
for many engines and | am told it makes
steam in few minutes the heat is so in
tense. If we strike gas it will be the max
ing of Wichita for it is city aud can
utaIiZe il. 1t does not seem TO be Of much
Importance to Neodesha as the plac, is too
small aud is not center. | was Informed
that the best place we could bore would be
north of the city for. in case we would
strike good stream of artisan water we
could, among other things. flush the sew
ers with it if well was located north of
the city"
Mr.. imboden Is very enthusiastic over
the prospects and in all probability upon
him will devolve the duty OF making the
report to the council.
1t is probable that in case the bonds are
voted the city will buy its own engine and
make its own experiments under the di-
rection of experts. An engine and the
accompanying machinery can be pur-
chased for about $1,000 and experts can be
hired at a reasonable sum. The calculated
cost according to these methods would be
much lower than if holes were sunk by
contract.
The committee will make A careful
report TO the council aud wilt present the
matter in light favorable to the voting
of bonds.