The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-09-18
GAS COMPANY'S BOOKS
A COUNCIL RESOLUTION ORDERING
An INVESTIGATION.
Committee Appointed to Examine
Books of Consumers Company
Another Meeting Tonight

All eyes turned anxiously to Chairman
Megrew, of the finance committee. at the
Council meeting last night, when the clerk
called for reports from that committee.
Chairman Megrew made some reports. but
the report on the estimates and tax levy
for the coming year was not made. Later
in the evening Mr.. Megrew asked that a
recess of the Council be taken until to-
night at S o'clock, when the nance COM
mittee will be ready to make it's report on
the estimates and appropriations for 1901
with the tax levy to be named TO meet the
city's expenses. After the meeting Mr..
Megrew said the finance committee had
been i'm session nearly all day yesterday.
but was not able to make it's report.
Councilman Moriarity introduced a reso-
luton last night which provides for an
investigation of the Consumers Gas Trust
Company. The resolution was adopted by
the Council, and President Grail appointed
Keller. Munro, Billingsley, Perrott and
Moriarity as a special committee to inves-
tigate the. company's books, as provided In
the resolution. The resolution says it is
openly asserted that the Consumers Gas
Trust Company is refusing to make gas
connections and to furnish gas to citizens.
The articles of the association of the COM
pany provide that when the stockholders
nave been paid the amount of stock, to-
gether with s per cent. interest. gas shall be
furnished at cost. The resolution says Ii
is openly asserted that all stock and in
terest nave been paid or that the company
has sufficient money to pay the stock and
interest due stockholders. The resolution
SAYS that If these assertions are true con-
n~ections and gas should be furnished to all
entitled to it and the price should be re-
duced to cost. The company Is called upon
to furnish the committee with reports of
its business and allow the committee TO
examine the books to secure such evil
dence as the committee may want in max
ing its report. The committee will hold an
early meeting on the matter.
City Controller Johnson sent a recon-
mendation to the Council asking for a
temporary loan of s7l.172.05. the money
needed to meet this months expenses OF
the city. The Board OF Works sent 10
the Council the contracts made with the
indianapolis, Greenwood & Franklin and
the Indianapolis & Greenfield rapid trans
1t companies for ratification. The board
also submitted an amended contract made
with the Home Heating and Lighting Com
pany TO operate a hot water heating sys-
tenn i'm the city. This was referred TO the
committed on contracts and franchises.
The Board of Works request that the
| contract with the Big Four road for a
switch in the western part of the city be
returned to the board was acted upon
unfavorably. The committee on railroads
then made a report on the ordinance and
recommended that II be passed, which
was done. 1t is said the Board of Works
desired to make a change in the contract
so as to put the railroad to an extra ex-
pense of about 1880 by changing the plans
for the switch and making ii continuous.
The ordinance providing for the payment
of the temporary loan OF SI,4S2-SS was
passed. The ordinance for an approprt-
alton of $500 for the Board of Health. "a
be used for cutting weeds, was also passed
| Councilman Munro introduced an ordi-
hence providing a penalty for throwing
missiles in theater or other public places OF
amusement or public gatherings This was
referred to the on public safety
and comfort.
Councilman Kelly introduced a. ordi
nance TO prohibit idling, lettering ans
sleeping in public places in ~Indianapoli:
and providing a penalty of a 500 fine ant
| lation of the ordinance. This was ~referre,
10 the committee on public morals.
| Councilman Negely introduced a resolu
ton calling upon the Council TO ask th'
| city controller to recommend an appropri
alton of 81, 900 for the Texas storm suffer
ers. The resolution was unanimously
adopted. 4,
The recommendation of City Controllei
Johnson for a temporary loan for thi;
months expenses may be acted upon b,
the finance committee to-day and passed
at the meeting tonight.