Evening journal., 1904-06-18
CITY MERCHANTS
ARE INTERESTED
Adopt Resolutions Approv-
ing the Stand Taken by
the Otto People
NAME COMMITTEE TO SEE THEM
Matter Creates Comment on the Streets
and Some critieise Action Of Asso
citation in Taking Up Controversy at
This Time.

At a meeting OF the Merchants Asso-
citation last night the question at issue be-
tween the otto Gas Works, which contom-
plates locating here. and the local gao
company. was considered at length. ana
finally a lengthy resolution, which it IS
said, was prepared by Alfred O. Crozler,
was adopted. omitting the preamble. Il
reads;
Resolved, That we approve the stand
taken by the Otto people and favor and
urge that the Street and Sewer Depart
ment Of this city promptly grant the
rights asked for by the otto Gas and
Engine Co. in reasonable and liberal form
inserting therein the stipulation that the
net cash price of gas be not over ninety
cents per thousand cubic feet. thus carry
ing out the assurances on which they re-
lied in investing 10000 In the site in this
city enabling them to go on without de-
lay with the work OF erecting their great
plant in our midst, giving needed employ
men. to our workingmen. and showing
to the country at large that Wilmington
and the State Of Delaware. desire indus
tries and people to come here 10 stay, and
to helr build up the community. and that
they will be made TO feel genuine well
come and hospitality, and in every way be
treated with courtesy and IN just and
reasonable way. We also believe this is
the desired opportunity to secure the
blessings Of cheaper gas. and that we viii
never be able TO entrust the. execution OF
this desire TO safer hands. for these people
are not gas promoters but conservative
and responsible men who will be identifed
with the city, giving employment to thous-
ands of our citizens in the largest indus
try which ever located in our state. BE Il
further
Resolved. That in granting the said
franchise we recommend that the proper
and necessary precautions be taken to pro-
tect any business interest already estab-
lished IN our city and giving protection tc
the rights OF our citizens in general"
There was a spirited debate. the poini
being made bS several speakers that thil
was not straight-out proposition to erec
a plant and furnish gas for Wilmington
but that the making Of gas was to be a
side issue, and that the promise Of EN-.
ployment Of thousands Of workmen was
the hammer which was to drive Il
through.
D
ing the officials OF the gas company were
courteous but reticent. Mr.. Mitchell was
out Of town and nobody was delegated tC
answer for him.
1t was learned. however that the Of.
ficers Of the company were very greatly
surprised when they learned that the Otto
people were dissatisfied with the term.
they offered. These, they insist guaranteed
gas to the Otto works at the regular
charge TO other consumers. and they ex-
plain that they can do nothing more.
The matter created a great deal Of tan
on the streets. 'Is it an Addicks scheme
cunningly veiled?" was a common ques.
tion. rs it the scheme OF another Ad.
dicks?" was another question.
When the members of the committee tc
adjust the matter appointed by the Board
of Trade were asked for an expression OF
opinion, they were silent, but certain
members of the board did not hesitate ts
criticise the action OF the Merchants AS.
sociation for taking up the controversy al
this time when presumably it is in process
of adjustment.
A committee Of the Merchants Associa.
tion viii wait upon the Otto Gas Engine
people on Monday afternoon.