St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1895-01-18
LIVINGSTON SPEAKS
And Explains the Position of
the st. Paul Gas Com
pany,
WHICH HAS BEEN HARASSED
5}f!
By the Various Council Bodies
For the Last Three
Years.
THE COMMITTEE ON GAS
Reports Adversely on the
Resolution to Investigate
the Plant.
THE COMMITTEE ON GA

pointing committee to investigate the
st. Paul Gas Light eompany's books
and plant. with view to ascertain the
cost of operating the same, was dis
cussed. After listening to Crawford
Livingston. the president of the gas
company, and then talking the matter
over, the committee decided by vote
of three to two to report adversely on
the resolution calling for all linYestigai-
ing committee.
The resolution came from the confer
ence committee, but it emanated orig
inally from the brain of the city comp
troller, j. ]. McCardy. 1t provided,
first, for the appointment of commit
tee of two from the conference commit.
tee, which would act with committee
OF two from the assembly and two from
the board of aldermen in securing the
following information:
FirSt-The value of gas plant iden-
teal with that of the st. Paul Gas Light
company; second, the cost of operating
the same; third. the price required to
be charged per 1000 cubic feet OF gas,
allowing 10 per cent for wear and tear.
and GER cent per annum profit; fourth,
the cost of establishing and operating
all electric plant with which to light the
streets, parks and public buildings.
The resolution also provided that the
expense of the investigation should not
exceed $1,000. The object was tie secure
inf ormation that would enable the city
to purchase the plant of the st. Paul
Gas Light company, upon giving six
months notice, prior to the expiration
of its contract with the city.
AS soon as the committee was called
to order yesterday. Chairman Robb read
the resolution of the conference COM
mittee. Mr. Van Slyke then suggested
that the committee give Crawford LiY-
ingston hearing, which was done.
Nzr. Livingston Explained
clearly and fully the position of the
gas compay. He said that during the
past three years it had been continually
harassed and picked at by the various
bodies and officials. This was the third
time the city council was about to ap-
point an investigating committee. Mr..
Livingston went ON TO show how such
treatment affected the credit of the
company, and in time would destroy it
altogether. a
u do not wish it unders TODD" con-
tinued Mr.. Livingston, 'that we object
TO having our books examined, though l
question the right Of the city to do so,
but if you are going TO make an eXanl-
ination, Tor heavens sake examine US
now and get through with 1t, and let Us
pursue our business. l should prefer
to have you begin the examination III
thirty days. But ifyou are going to de-
lay the matter for eighteen months,
then [ certainly shall object TO the
passage Of this resolution. To appoint
a committee of this character, and then
allow the matter to pend for any such
length of time, would be a great in
Justice to us. 1t would destroy our
credit with Eastern capitalists. Where
as, it we are let alone and this resolu-
ton is rejected. we can go ahead and
make the improvements in our plant,
which we intend to effect next summer
at an expense of over $1,000
But if we are hampered and our
credit destroyed it will be impossible to
borrow the money" .-
Mr.. Livingston took occasion to re-
flute the statement of Comptroller Mc~
Cardy. published in an evening paper,
in which the latter asserted that the gas
company's stock had been Watered from
time to time. Mr.. Livingston denied
that the stock had ever been watered,
and in proof of his denial pointed to the
fact that the capital stock had been de-
creased from 100000 to S1,500,000
After MI. Livingston had finished.
Mr.. McCardy was asked what he
had to say. With much
Gravity Of Expression,
the city comptroller answered that he
thought any discussion regarding the
gas company's condition was premature
and out of order. The only question be-
fore the committee was, would it rec
ommend the appointment OF an invests
eating committee.
Mr.. Van SlYke then moved that the
committee reject the resolution, and
| Mr.. Strouse seconded the motion.
Messrs. Arosein and Lewis wanted an
! investigation, as they deemed it but JUS
| tice to the public and the gas company.
| MIR. Livingston assured the committee
that the Investigation would not cost
| less than $1,000. He also reminded the
committee that the public at large was
| not so vitality interested in the gas COM
| papy as was supposed, inasmuch as in
| ,;+ of
| only 3,400 consumers OF gas. q
! Mr.. Robb quoted the prices of gas in
| Kansas CITY aud Minneapolis, both. of
| which are higher than in st. Paul.
| Mr.. Bement, the president Of the
water board, who was appointed by the
| conference committee as one of the in
yestigating committee, said that he did
not believe in the city's owning a gas
| plant.
Tim Reardon favored an investigation
! if it would bring cheaper gas.
Mr.. Van Sykes motion 10 reject the
| resolution was then put and carried,
Messrs. Van Slyke, Strouse aud Robb
| voting aye, and MeSSrs. Arosin and
Lewis voting no"
The committee approved the form of
the Seeger gasoline lighting contract
and the accom- anying bond for $4,000
Aid. Murphy's resolution providing for
the numbering of the gasoline lamp
posts was recommended for adoption.
Miss Whites Song Recitals.
Already widespread interest is mani
tested in the series of three h istorical
song recitals to be given under the au-
spices of the Schubert club by Miss Villa
Whitney White. beginning tomorrow
night. The price of tickets, as given i'll
our amusement column, is less than half
of that charged in Minneapolis for the
same series, and should fill Ford hall to
oyerfowing.