Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-02-13
NOW A GAS FAMINE.
ihe Flow to BE Cut Down or Ac1u-
ally Stopped.

In view of the severe weather and in or
der to reduce the demands upon the gas
company as much as possible, the company
having given warning of a gas famine. the
District superintendent of lamps this after
noon directed that a number Of gas lamps
be not lighted tonight. and that a number
of the naptha lamps be left in darkness.
The superintendent was Informed by the
gas company that its holders are being fast
depleted, that its supply of coal is short
and that the tar in the gas is freezing. con-
ditions which will compel the company to
very materially reduce the flow of gas to-
night. If not cut of altogether
The lamps which the superintendent has
ordered shall remain unlighted tonight are
in the county for the most part in sec
tons. too. where he believes IL would be
dangerous in view Of the prevailing biz
Zaru' Tor the lighters to make their rounds.
Courts Closed.
The effect of the weather was most APP
parent today at the city hail. where bust
ness of every character was practically sus-
pended. The only member of the bench to
put III an appearance was Justice Cole and
he was an hour late in reaching the build
ing. On the arrival OF Justice Cole Criminal
Court No. l was opened and an attempt
made to go ahead with the cases set for
trial, but the endeavOr was soon found to
be fruiuess SO an adjournment taken
u X
Both beca Use Justice Bradley did not visit
the building and by reason of the fact that
1t was found impossible to transport the
prisoners whose cases were scheduled for
hearing from the jail to the city hall Grim
fnal Court No. was adjourned until Wed
nesday morning. SINH ar action was taken
in Equity court No = and Circuit Court No.
> while Equity Court No. ] and Circuit
Court No. were adjourned until tomorrow
morning.
Deputy Marshal James Springmann ex-
perlenced great difficulty i'm making the
trip TO and from between the city hall and
the jail with the prison van. There were
eight criminal cases set for trial TODAY
but after forcing his way through the
drifts to the Jail the deputy marshal con-
sldered IT unwise TO transport a heavy load
back. He therefore permitted only Muir
derer Smith and William Dabney charged
with housebreaking, to experience the
pleasure of a morning drive down town.
Springmann was fearful that with a load
OF eight men he would get stalled in
dr1ft, and be forced TO undergo a happen
ing that would not have been at all de
sirable. He reports the situation on the
commons between the jail and Lincoln
Park as unprecedented within his recollec-
ton, and he has been making daily trims
In that section of the city for a great many
years.
The clerks Office of the Supreme Court
OF the District of Columbia was open as
usual as was the office of the recorder Of
deeds and register of Wills Business. how
ever. was not very brisk Many of the
ofhcials failed to report at ALL while a
number OF the clerks We're late in reaching
their respective Offices. quite a few being
several hours behind time. Not daunted by
the conditions existing outside several
happy, prospective bridegrooms forced their
way in for the purpose of securing mar
riage licenses.
Coal for Deserving Applicants.
Major Sylvester this afternoon directed
the several neutenants to at once procure
two tons of coal at each of the stations to
be given to deserving applicants. In cases
where there is no man in the home of the
applicant, the lieutenant was Instructed TO
hire help to deliver the coal to those to
whom it may be donated