The Indianapolis journal., 1903-11-17

IL on TO its full success, as originally con-
templated? 1t can be done without any
sacriflce s from ANYBODY we are only able
marked the launching of the Consumers
Trust. --. t-f
I'VE are living at a time and under con-
ditions when speculation IS carried to exi
cess, but conscience must not be too fiex-
ible. We must distinguish between that
n which a is public & property and that which is
Gated In this direction, the charges will
not be made so often that we are a people
running after the almighty dollar. without
being particular as TO how the dollar Is
made. Even at the present time IL Is not
true. We have shown quite often in the
past, and / hope we will show in this in
stance. that honor and justice is our first
consideration.
Personally, 1 felt could not afford to
remain neutral in such an important mat
ter, and now, gentlemen. i assure you I
regard IL as a great honor to be elected as
your presiding officer of this meeting.
ent who who are able I to give s us light on the
Consumers Gas Trust. i therefore cut my
remarks quite short
SPEAKERS NAMES CHEERED.
The chairman, at the conclusion OF his
speech read from list the names OF those
who were to address the meeting. AS the
names were called of one by one the citi-
zens cheered enthusiastically. When the
name of Maj. w. J. Richards was read the
audience broke into a hurricane of applause.
During the whole course of the meeting the
mere mention of the name of the new direc-
tor who has so successfully upheld the
cause of the people was heartily cheered.
Mayor John w. Holtzman. former Mayor
Caleb s. Denny, John W. Kern, Senator
Charles n. Thompson and Maj. w. ]. Rich
ards took seats on the platform with Alfred
F. Potts, who issued the call for the meet
ing and who was instrumental largely in
starting the agitation in the interests of tho
people at precisely the right time.
Mr.. Potts read a telegram from Capt VIII
liam e. English. which expressed his regret
that he was unable to take part in the meet
ing. his hearty sympathy In the movement
and his promises OF cooperation. The Sele-
gram from Captain English gave the crowd
another chance to express its approval
Mr.. Potts than read a remarkable letter
from Henry Schnull, a trustee OF the Con-
sumers' Gas Trust Company. I'm which Mr..
Schnull placed himself with the citizens In
their campaign and stated the reasons for
his action at the meeting OF the trustees
Nov. 3. The letter follows:
''I wish To have the people who will be at
the meeting tonight To- know my position
in regard to the Consumers Gas Trust
Company. | had made up my mind before
the election which occurred Nov. that
there should be new board OF directors
elected. and so expressed myself: but when
the legal opinion of Messrs. Smith. Daniels
and Hackney came in, just before the elec-
ton. and was backed up by John G.. Will
Jams, one of the trustees, IL seemed to
leave me no ground to stand on. and that
was bound 10 protect those who were
claiming the property as stockholders.
Had / known the law TO be IL II
given by Judges Elliott. Howe and Walker,
which seems to me the commonsense and
just view of IL, I would never have con-
sented to vote for any of the old members.
"I wish now TO give every assistance TO
hold the company where IL belongs-in tho
interests OF the public. You may so state
at the meeting: and further than that. I
will gladly contribute 10 any fund raised
TO defray the expenses OF the association
you are forming
from Mr.. Schnull was received by the citi-
zens with thorough appreciation. The part
that aroused particular enthusiasm was
his statement that he never would have
voted 10 re-elect an old member OF the
board IL he had known the law 20 be as
stated by Judges Elliott. Howe and
Walker.
GREETED WITH APPLAUSE.
The resolution binding citizens 10 form
themselves into the Gas Consumers League
for the protection OF the trust company
was then read by Mr.. Potts The enunci-
alton of the weli-known citizens who have
been chosen as a general committee TO
perfect the details OF the league was
greeted with strong approval. Absolute
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