The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-16
John r. whites Resolutions Looking
to Meters at Cheaper Rate Re
jected by the Meeting.
DISCUSSION PRO AND CON
ADOPTION OF RESOLUTIONS Of
FERED BY n. Il. STUART.
An Animated Gathering at the Pros
pect-Street Engine House
Gas and Politics.

record unequivocaIly last night in "A mass
meeting at the Prospect-street engine house
against natural gas meters. Judging from
the emphatic expressions used in condemn
ing meters at any rate. the pending ordi-
nance has few friends in the ward. The
meeting was held on the ground floor of the
engine house and every foot of space held
some one anxious to say unkind things
about meters. There were probably $50 per
sons present. and of that number not more
than a dozen favored a change in the pres
ent contract system. The meeting was or
DERBY and we'll conducted. although at ines
in the heat of debate some speakers made
use Of strong language.
John f. White, who called the meeting,
introduced as chairman j. G. Hinckley.
Thomas ]. Hudson acted as secretary. Mr..
White. one of the few who spoke in favor
of the meter system. made a short speech
in explanation of a resolution he intro
duced. while L believe that meters at a
reasonable rate would be far better than
the present system" said Mr.. White. 81 am
opposed TO the present ordinance for the
reason that the 25-cent rate is excessive,
ard, besides, there is a provision in the or
dinance for restricting the use of gas. L
think, too. that our officials are so bound by
pledges that they have no other course
open to them than to vote against the ordi-
nance: but 1 also believe they should be
made aware that the people will favor an
ordinance providing for meters at a less
rate" He introduced the following resolu-
ton:
H RESOLUTION.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this
-
Council. providing for the compulsory use
of natural gas meters at % cents per 1000
cubic feet. ought to be rejected, and that
the city officials are honorably bound by
their pledges to so vote and act; and fur
Their, that until there is an unmistakable
change Of public opinion no ordinance pro-
viding for the compulsory use of meters
ought to be passed. And be it further,
Resolved. That if in the future it shall
become possible and can be honorably done
by our public officials, that meters should
be introduced with the following conditions:
Il That the rate should not exceed
IL cents per LOCO cubic feet.
so. That the use of gas should be re-
stricted 10 one fire for cooking purposes.
80. That the companies should be re-
quired TO make an annual public accounting
f be. determine what the cost Of gas S"o"'u
Ii was Immediately seen that the reso-
luton failed TO expires the sentiment OIL
the meeting, and a vote taken later laid 1t
on the table. r.. f. Stuart, who took a
leading part in opposition 10 meters, pre-
scented a resolution which was passed by
a practically unanimous vote. His reso-
luton was as follows:
Whereas. In all municipal campaigns of
late years the question OF compulsory use
of meters has been discussed fully, with
the weight Of public opinion against such
Whereas, All municipal officials have
- 90 80 II 10
oppose the use of meters. and are now so
pledged, be IL
Resolved. That the sentiment of this
meeting is against the compulsory use of
meters at any price: and. further,
Resolved, That the course pursued by
our councilman, Michael j. Shea, In stand
ing firm in opposition TO compulsory meters
meets our hearty approval and support.
GIST OF ARGUMENT.
The general argument used by most of the
speakers in opposition to meters was that
the gas companies have not exerted them
selves to the utmost to procure more
gas. 1t was said that there are yet rich
fields unexplored by the companies from
which a sufficient supply could be obtained.
Furthermore. several persons said. the COM
panies are piping gas to Chicago, to Day
ton and Springfield. o.. when they should
be giving indianapolis the benefit of all
the supply IL the COMPANIES WOhiu OoAN
more wells and quit sending gas to other
cities. some declared. there would be a
suhiciency of fuel under the present con-
tract system. Those favoring meters said
i'm general that unless meters were inSti-
tuted. the rapidly disappearing supply
would soon be exhausted and that there
would be no gas at all. 1t was either
meters or no gas. they said. Experience
of other cities with meters does not seem
10 indicate. several said, that the system
would be a bad thing for Indianapolis.
Among those who had arguments against
compulsory meters were Edwin St. George
Rogers. ;. l.. Marrow, Councilman Shea,
Mr.. Case. James L. Reach and r. r. Stuart.
Some OF those who spoke on the other
side were John F. White. George Hitz and
Thomas ]. Hudson.
Mr.. Hudson's speech was one of the
strongest of the evening. He pointed out
that the contract system OF burning gas
is not fair TO all consumers. 1t so works,
he said. that the wasting of gas by people
who can afford to waste il seriously affects
those who must be economical. By the
system. he said. gas is not equally dis
tributed. one bad feature of the system
is that people violate their own contracts
without any moral qualms.
Mr.. White made an effective point when
he declared hat il was possible that peo-
pie are discussing the meter question more
with an eye to politics than to anything
else. There is too much prejudice. he said.
and too little calm. dispasSionate reasoning.
Gas has been allowed. he said, 10 get into
politics 10 the detriment of everyone who
is interested In a fair solution of the ques-
ton. and the people should see that IL be
got out again.