The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-18
GLIB TALK OF FUEL GAS
HENRY WARRUM SAYS CHICAGO
COMPANY las PLENTY.
Passage of n Meter Ordinance, How
ever, Is Necessary-WashingtOn-
Street Bridge-Gas Main Tax.

Attorney Henry Warrum is authority for
the statement that the meter ordinance,
the existence and provisions of which were
announced in yesterday mornings Journal,
is being promoted by a responsible natural
gas company having its headquarters in
Chicago. and owning large gas fields rich
enough TO furnish indianapolis citizens
with all the gas they need to make them
comfortable.
With Frank B. Burke, Mr.. Warrum
states, he is acting as the local representa-
tive of a firm of Chicago lawyers who are
counsel for the gas company which seeks
entrance to the Indianapolis field. He de-
clares that at the present time he is not in
a position to divulge the identity of the
Chicago gas company or the Chicago at
torneys whom he represents. There is no
question, however, Mr.. Warrum goes on to
say, but that the company is sincere in its
desire to enter into competition with the
existing gas companies, and that it is a
corporation having a high rating in the
business world.
His clients do not wish to give their
names or to announce their course of pro-
cedure until they are assured that the
Council will act favorably on an ordinance
HAO AObA5 NAal 6oO CLQl DC Jul ~
meters. They will not attempt to supply
gas here under the contract system.
Mr.. Warrum says that if Council passes
the meter ordinance and a new gas COM
pany is given entrance here indianapolis
people will find that the days of natural
gas are not over by a good deal. He is con-
WINGED, he says, that the new company has
plenty of gas and only awaits an opportu-
nifty to sell it here at reasonable rates.
Furthermore, Mr.. Warrum believes that
the entrance here of a new company would
force the Indianapolis Gas Company and
the Consumers Gas Trust Company to de-
liver all the gas they are capable of fur
niShing, something he is inclined TO think
is not being done at the present time.
While 1T is probable that the gas can never
again be used extensively by factories, the
chances are good, he believes; that 1t can
be used satisfactorily for heating purposes
for years TO come.
The Chicago company, it's local represent
atives say, will furnish all the gas In
dianapoliS people want at 10 cents per
thousand feet; they will agree TO furnish
meters without expense to consumers, and
charge to their customers. Mr.. Warrum
states that these are terms which mean in
effect that, while people are paying high
rates for gas they do not get, they would
under the new arrangement pay low rates
for plenty of the fuel.
The ordinance will be introduced into
Council at the next meeting, it is stated,
and will be referred to the proper commit
tee for its report. The attorneys have had
no opportunity of ascertaining the views
of all the members of Council, but they are
sanguine as TO the success of the measure.
MessrS. Burke and Warrum said yester-
day that the name of the Chicago company
will be given to the public very soon if cir
cumstances indicate that favorable action
will be taken on the meter ordinance.
The news that a meter ordinance had been
prepared and is ready for introduction into
Council created much discussion around
town yesterday. So far as could be Judged
from expressions dropped here and there.
public opinion is inclined to favor such a
measure. 1t is believed that the gas ques-
ton will never be settled in a satisfactory
manner until Council requires gas to be
burned by meter. Several gentlemen who
were against meters a year ago are talking
now in favor of the new ordinance.