The San Francisco call., 1903-01-28
THE FLASH TEST BILL.


the flash test bill introduced by him pointed out
- that the bill itself shows it was introduced by
request" He then went on to explain that he knows
very little about the use OF oil as fee and added:
1T would surprise me IT, before we get through
with this the bill would be changed so that the
authors would not know il"
When first directing public notice to the measure
The Call stated that II had been introduced by re-
quest so that nothing further need be stated on that
point. The suggestion OF Senator Raston that it
may be amended IS, however, not satisfactory. II
the Senator deem the bill good one he should
stand by it and support it best he can IT, on the
other hand he believes he has been made the victim
oi misrepresentation he should Withdraw the bill at
once and have no more to do with it.
The Call has no intention to impugn the motives Of
any one connected with the sudden movement in the
State Legislature raise the fash test OF petroleum
products used as fuel TO $50 degrees 1t suces to show
that the movement is bad no matter what may be the
motives that inspire It's advocates Should the flash test
be fixed either $50 or 40 degrees the oil producers
Of California would be rendered at subject to the
Standard Oil Company. The oil fuel supply would
pass under control OF the most grasping monopoly
in the country, and California consumers OF oil would
have to contribute largely to future philanthropies
and benefactions- perpetrated by the Standard Oil
magnates
The folly OF the movement is seli-evident The
consumption OF petroleum products as fuel has been
going on in San Francisco for upward OF fifteen years
1t has been used in factories on locomotives and on
steamboats,. It has been consumed in large ouanti-
ties by big factories and in small quantities by lesser
establishments. 1t has been put to about every con-
oeIvable test OF practical operation and disasters
have resulted II Is then clear that just as safe
as a fuel as any other in use. Experts have given
testimony confirming the results OF this wide varied
and long continued experience in the business world
Why, then this sudden effort to raise the flash test
TO a point that will drive the small producers out OF
the market and give the Standard Oil Company a
monopoly?
II will be noted that SO long as the output OF oil
fuel comparatively small there was no symptom
the part OF either local State legislative bodies
10 interfere with the industry Now, however. that
the supply has become sufficiently abundant to awaken
manufacturing enterprises throughout the State there
is Simultaneous action here and at Sacramento to
oinch the producer and the consumer by the adop-
ton OF fash test which viii benefit no one except
single interest.
1t Is not a fight OF the oil producers only. The
manufacturing interests and prospects OF the State
are concerned in It. We have been backward in
manufacturing solely because OF the lack of chean
fuel We have abundant supply Of fuel in our
own State, so that do not have to import it from
ioreign countries, or even from other parts OF the
Union. Every dollar expended for such fuel remains
in California and helps to pay California wages and
stimulate California trade. Just at this time, how
this unexpected attack on the industry
and we are threatened that fuel supply will be
turned over to a monopoly by the action OF Our own
Legislature.
Senator Ralston should not take the trouble to
amend his bill introduced by request The best
thirg he 90 is to withdraw It and throw If in the
waste basket. Should he fail to do so the Senate
should kill II at the first opportunity. The thing is
not worth amending.