The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-18
Judges Byron X. Elliott, Daniel Wait
Howe and Lewis c. walker Sc
lected as Legal Advisers.
STAND BY ORIGINAL POLICY
RESOLUTIONS DECLARE FOR MANU-
FACTURE OF ARTIFICIAL GAS.
Cost of Plant and Other Expenses Are
20 BE Ascertafned hmm ediately-
Significant Action.

In a meeting devoid of the bitterness
which characterized the two preceding ses-
sions the board OF directors of the Con-
sumers Gas Trust Company formally de-
clared for the interest of the public last
night. The voting was not unanimous, the
board being divided as before, Major w. J.
Richards, II. c. Atkins, A. A. Barnes, Her
vey Bates, jr.. and James w. Lilly stand
ing for the continuance of the company as
a manufacturer Of artificial gas and John p.
Frenzel, Bement Lyman. Frederick Fahn-
ley and John Z. Scott acting in opposition.
The meeting made it plain that the repre-
sentatives of the public have gained perma-
nent control of the affairs of the company
Mr.. Barnes, the newly elected president,
has placed himself so unequivocally with
the new directors as against the Frenzel-
Lyman faction that there is no doubt as to
his future course. The proceedings of the
session were of the utmost Importance.
COUNSEL SELECTED.
The committee appointed to select attor-
neys to act as the legal advisers of the
board of directors made a divided report.
Major Richards and H. c. Atkins reported
in favor of the selection of Judges Byron
K. Elliott Daniel Wait Howe and Lewis
c. Walker as counsel for the directorate.
John z. Scott, chairman Of the committee.
made minority report urging the selec-
ton of attorneys from out of the city. The
discussion preliminary to the vote on the
adoption of the majority report was long
and spirited.
Major Richards's resolution provided that
Judges Elliott Howe and Walker should
act one firm in advising the company.
W in, fha int
since three opinions from lawyers SO emf
nent would be source Of heavy expense
constantly. 1t was provided by the resolu-
ton that when these gentlemen were asked
for legal advice one opinion, prepared by
all. should be returned. The resolution also
provided for the discharge of the COM
mittee.
OPPOSED BY SCOTT.
Mr.. Scott. in opposing the report and
moving the adoption of his own. made a
long argument from a legal standpoint
Technicalities and obstacles were instanced
against the selection of three attorneys
from this city.
The report of the majority of the COM
mittee adopted by majority vote of the
board Of directors, specified that the legal
tors in the direction of the Consumers Gas
Company continuing along the original
lines OF pubic interest the manufacture and
distribution of artificial gas when natural
gas shall have been exhausted The reso-
luton enunciated clearly the policy of the
new directors and President Barnes and
is the most significant action yet taken by
the directors
Hervey Bates, jr.. offered resolution
stating that the purpose OF the board of d.
rectors Is to proceed I'm the interests of the
people, and to follow the original policy of
the company as manifested in the articles
of incorporation and contract with the city
long discussion followed. but the resolu-
tion was adopted again by a majority vote
COST OF NEW PLANT
The committee appointed to select an ex-
pert to report on the feasibility of manu-
featuring artificial gas TO estimate the re-
sources of the company. and to furnish all
technical information necessary, did not
make it's report. A resolution was offered,
however. providing that the cost of an ar
titicial gas plant and the expense of main-
tenance annually be determined as nearly
as possible. with such other figures as may
be essential.
Reports covering the operations OF the
company for the past two or three months
were read. Secretary Lyman informed the
board that the annual report OF the COM
pany is being prepared and will be expe-
dited.