The daily chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Ind. Ter. [Okla.]) 1898-1902, 1899-04-24
NoFUNiN THE GAS BUSINESS


absolutely nothing funny or anus
ing in our business. Ii is all ex.
trcmcly serious. We actually get
more abuse than the average cai
conductor. People think they ar,
entitled TO cuss and call us all the
nasty names from A to z People,
ms rule, don't regard gas in the
same light 40 other commodities,
Some actually think that they ought
to have gas for nothing, and they
are very much hurt If they arc ne
minded that their gas bill is four OF
five months overdue. So they take
it out in abusing us."
The speakers experience has been
gained in the Office. Tho life of the
men employed TO collect overdue
bills is even more exciting. They
are sometimes lucky II they pass a
week without having to dodge fat
irons, broomsticks and bottles.
The gas man starts out in the
morning tog go to the house Of con-
sumer who has refused to pay his
bill The scene is a sweatshop, and
the proprietor is busy with his irons
and his workmen. The gas man en-
ters.
I've come around" he says, Ito
see your meter" He takes out his
tally book, and the proprietor opens
the little closet where the meter is.
In a second the gas man snaps lock
on the meter. and the flames under
the irons in the shop die out.
"Rascal" yells the proprietor.
What have you donei 1t is rob
beryl Why do you come herei |
have paid my bill. I'll report you
to the company"
The gas man smiles. Have you
got the receipt" he asks,
II had il. l had it. did. l did.
Turn on that gas, or I'll break your
headl"
mo money, no gas, says the gas
company's employee.
Its a robbery zoe, where is that
receipt" But Joe hasn't seen it.
Finally the s., SIS is paid, and the gas.
man unlocks the meter and goes
back to his office or to another house
where something similar is likely to
happen.
The consumer has learned a les
son. He abuses the gas company all
day and vows he will burn gas for
and never be fooled again.
A few months pass and another gas
bill runs up. The consumer pays no
when asked 10 settle, and
4 man is sent around to look at the
meter again.
"Ha, hat / guess you won't do
hat trick again, says the consumer
when the man in uniform asks TO
zee the meter. u care had the trick
played ON me .sefore. / am not
'eady TO pay. Wait awhile.
The gas company waits month
md then decides TO fool no more
With him. One morning a party of |
men begin to tear up the street in
ront of the sweatshop The propri |
tor catches sight of the uniforms,
md, knowing that the gas men are |
Ipon him, rushes TO his private /
loard and pulls out some money.
Don't ruin metz he cries as he |
Iurries into the street, where the |
men are already disconnecting his /
.as pipes. II am ready 20 pay
The crowd which has gathered I
aughs at him as he appeals to the
.as man in charge,
My friend, says the gas man,
pay I'D then right away and make
deposit of $50 with me. !"
Fifty dollars," exclaims the con
umer. II haven't that much in the
-orld. Ii is robbery, worse than
,ussia. Villainsi Rascals"
The crowd laughs some more and
he gas men go ON win their work.
'ut in ten minutes the consumer
ONES out of his house with the
honey. A receipt is signed on the
pot, the gravel goes back into the
ole, and the gas men depart. New
-ork Sun.