New-York tribune., 1905-02-01

-Four Hours of Debate-Mayor DC
cused of Bad Faith
[RY TELEGRAPH no LIE rRIR1-NE.

Albany, Jan. 31.-Adjourned from last week the
legislative hearing the two joint resolutions pro-
viding for committee of the Senate and Assembly
TO look into the situation in New York City was
resumed to-day, and continued for more than four
hours. during which arguments were presented on
behalf of a number of gas corporations and electric
light companies, and these were all in opposition
to the resolution. The Merchants Association and
the Municipal Ownership League each favoring
its resolution. represented. The argu-
ments presented by the gas corporations were
mainly technical in character, and consisted in
long arrays of statistics seeming show great ex-
penses and small profits. and that the general pub
lie received benefactions from the corporation.
The hearing. although long and tedious. re-
lieved by few exchanges of wit. Charles Mathew
son, who represented the Consolidated Gas Com
pany, declared that the whole agitation manu-
factured. You don't see people on street corners
discussing gas with brea athless interest. he de
clared.
why should they. when there is saloon on
every corner?" retorted John Martin. chairman of
the taxation committee of the Reform Club, who
appeared in favor of investigation
Mr. Mathewson made an extended argument in
the course Of which he declared that $14000000 OF
the surplus of the Consolidated Company was in
reality merely paid in by stockholders for shares.
He asserted and produced evidence to show that
the company did not often fall below the statute
requirement for quality of gas. This declaration
aroused Senator Stevens. who asked about the
penalty. On finding it 800 for every days
IF l a director in your company should
advocate letting the gas run off to any old quality
and paving 500 DAY. 1t would De cheaper.
the resolutions behalf OF gas corporations. and
the former. in explaining the paternal care the
eorpoTatons exercised over their clients. produced
an advertisement alleged to be issued by the cor
poraton warning consumers about gas.
me argument in favor of the resolution be
League. who presented similar facts in the local
situation. He followed by John Martin of the
tteform Club. who Vehemently attacked the con-
ouct OF me gas corporations and earnestly urged
an investigation. declaring that the whole range
or questions involved could only be decided by
such an investigation and that the public ought
not 10 be left to the doubtful promises and less
lheIy rellefs offered by the corporations.
The next speaker. William Martin representing
Local No. 49, knights of Labor of New-York
ments, First lie declared that he had presented
to Mayor Mcclellan q plan for installing stations
in each borough. under city control, tapping the
gas mains and thus enabling public officials TO test
approved the plan. promised to have II introduced
in the legislature and written him a personal let
ported the plan as feasible. He accuses the Mayor
of breaking faith with him. IF the Mayor breaks
faith what's the use of going up against the Board
OF Aldernen?' he queried passionately.
why didn't your own representative have the
Dill Introduced? He was up here wasn't hep
oh I'm not responsible for other peoples
faults; I've got troubles enough of my own was
the quick response amid general laughter.
the arguments in favor of the Merchants Associa-
lion resolution. and the former lebd d long review
of the gas situation ami comprehensive review
of existing conditions.
Assemblyman Rogers brought out the significant
the Consolidated and Brooklyn Union Company.
In for their share of the small amount
assessed on them 10 pay the expenses of the State
Consolidated owed $50 0O0 and the Brooklyn. com
pany $1,000 and thai the present appropriation bill
carried s2G G0e to meet these arrears out of State
revenues.