The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-07-04
GAS ORDINANCE PASSED.
Mr.. Allen Does Not Believe Consum-
ers, Interests Arc Protected.

After the elevated-tracks ordinance had
been disposed of the ordinance repeating the
one reducing the price of artificial gas to
70 cents a thousand feet was passed. Then
the ordinance fixing the price at 81 a thou
sand, but after objection from Mr.. Allen,
was also passed. Mr. Golfer called the
latter ordinance up and moved that it be
considered engrossed and placed upon its
passage. Mr.. Allen, in lengthy speech, OBJ
jected 10 its passage in its present shape,
saying that while he had some doubts about
it satisfactorily covering the cost of illum-
mating gas in private homes and business
houses, he felt sure that it left the consum-
ers of this city altogether at the mercy of
the Gas Company SO far as gas for heating
or manufacturing purposes was concerned.
He said that according to the admission of
the Gas Company the cost of making the gas
was only 6S cents thousand feet, which
left a profit of nearly AZ per cent, to say
nothing of the probable additional profit of
10 per cent. gained through the mixing of
natural gas with the artificial product. He
moved that the ordinance be referred back to
the Board Of Works, with the recommended
ton that some provision be made for con-
sumers of fuel gas. Mr.. Grail seconded the
motion, and then President Mahoney ex-
matter of fuel gas should be covered by an
other ordinance to be introduced at later
period. Mr.. Golfer moved to lay the motion
on the table because he felt sure that if
the ordinance was passed consumers could
secure the benefits of the reduction to 81
thousand feet at once, and That this I'M
mediate benefit was more to be desired than
any concession Mr. Allen might ask of the
Gas Company. When the matter was put
TO vote every member except Mr.. Allen
stood in favor of the ordinance.
mir. Scanlon introduced the ordinance fix
ing a $50 license fee for all railroad ticket
scalpers. 1t was referred to the railroad
committee.
An ordinance for the annexation OF fifty
acres of land bounded by fremont street on
the east. Tibbs avenue on the west Ienth
south, was referred to the finance commit
tee
The Board of Health asked for addi--
tional appropriation OF S2Vo on account or
the existence of smallpox in the city. Ac-
cording TO the board, there are ten separate
quarantines maintained, covering forty peo-
pie, and at the present time the fund to
carry on the work amounts 10 $50. An ordi-
narce covering the matter was introduced
and referred.
The ordinance to allow Henry Spiegel to
construct a sidetrack across Oriental street.
at Southeastern avenue, was passed after
some little argument as to the desirability
of allowing more switches at point where
there are already seven tracks crossing the
street. Mr.. Clark offered a remonstrance.
hood but as Mr.. Shaffer limited that the
only opposition was made by rivals Of Mr..
Spiegei in the coal business. the remon-
STRANGE was not needed.
The ordinance transferring 1890 from the
funds of the Board of Safety, TO be used In
purchasing new storage batteries for the
Gamewell system was passed. along with
one allowing Thomas Logan TO build
frame house inside the fire limits on the
South Side.
The belated ordinance 10 allow the st.
Charles Hotel 10 construct portico on Nc
Crea street, was rushed through just ahead
of one TO change the fire limits so as TO drop
off all that territory south OF Henry street,
from Illinois TO Alabama street
At this point the members. seeing a
chance for an unlimited number of ordi-
nances being passed. became FESTIVE and Mr..
Bowser moved 10 adjourn. The proposition
met favor and the meeting ended.
IL had been expected. throughout the
meeting. that the stockyards and bridge or
dinances would be passed. but not word
touching on either was spoken by any OF
the members.