The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1895-04-12
.. EWART.
THE GAS BUSINESS.

Mr.. EDITOR From your editorial
"As TO the Gas Business l would in
fer that you are anxious to have the
subject fully discussed.
You are we'll aware that am al
ways where have an opinion ready
to express it. In this letter will give
my objections to the "way" most IA
vored by your editorial.
First wish to say that some things
therein we fully agree upon. That
the present gas service is not satisfac-
tory. That we have arrived at the
point when some change must take
place. That this is an important
epoch in the history of our city. One
that is of more Importance to our flu
ture prosperity than was the advent
of the S. X. or Ft. s. & w. Rys.
Well do many of us remember with
what harmony we all worked, each
in his humble way, TO the accomplish
ing of those exents. Not by clique,
clan, combination or corporation. but
by undivided and unselfish efforts
with the squirrel" in view for the
advancement of our city.
Your call for q free discussion is
commendable and 1 hope every citi-
zen will speak out and give his views.
remembering that we live in a coun-
try where every man is entitled to
his opinion, be he rich or poor and we
are all bound to respect it.
If their is any one class of our citi-
zens more interested than another in
tho ques ton of cheap fuel, it is the
poor man or the man in moderate cir
cumstances and 1 hope through self
ish motives his interests will not be
forgotten.
We also agree that there is differ
ence of opinion. But l do not agree
that there is a large majority of the
citizens willing to hand themselves
over to a syndicate of home capital or
any other capital. At least wish to
place myself on record Gf you are COR
rect) with the small crowd.
1 will try and state my reasons
briefly:
Mankind as a rule is selfish, and 1
don't believe our business men and
capitalists are the exception. don't
believe they will put their money into
a gas plant and donate to their neigh
fuel. That a new company would
correct some of the impositlons that
are being practiced on us by the pres
ent company. have no doubt; nor
do doubt that the present company
would noU be willing to correct some
of the things which are considered
burdensome.
When the citizens of Coffeyville
gave their first franchise for fuel at
81 90 and Sl.50 per month for stove
they were satisfied, but within few
years they became dissatisfied and
have organized q company to furnish
fuel at so and IS cents a stove.
Our home company might be willing
without protest 10 concede to a dis
public and give up part of
their profits when demanded, but it is |
my opinion they would protest and |
hold on to their profits until COM
PEELED by the courts to let go. That |
Is human nature on which Mr.. Pryor |
has no patent. He will sell his gas at |
the highest price, not exceeding the |
maximum rate, IL he can get any one |
to buy it, and so would any new COM
pany.
We tried a home company, secured
a franchises very liberal one-all in
the interest of the home company, and
it was not made up Of half dozen or
q dozen capitalists, but We were all
into it who could raise $1,000. When
the ordinance was prepared by the
home company and submitted to the
mayor, w. A. Cowan, he suggested
some changes to more fully guard the
rights Of the citizens, = cry of indigRa-