New-York tribune., 1905-11-28
CGo. 1A)
GAS COMPANIES 0BDURATE
Counsel Objects to Producing Books
Before State Commission.

The investigation OF the local gas com Eanies.
which is primarily endeavor to reduce the
price of gas in this city. begun by the
State Commismison Of Gas and Electricity in
Part " of the Supreme Court yesterday with
the gas companies fighting tooth and nail to
block every move which would tend to show
the actual cost of gas. Chairman Frederick Z.
Gunnison and Commissioners John c. Davies
and Lucien L. Shedden were present.
Two complaints have been filed with the COM
mission, requesting a reduction in the price Of
gas One of the complaints was filed by Clar-
ence J. Shearn, representing W. r. Hearst, and
the other by Senator Page. representing Page
Brant & Booth.
At the opening of the session yesterday
Charles F. Mathewson. representing the Con
solidated Gas Company, objected to either of
the petitioners examining the books of the
company or to the commission itself spreading
its private affairs on the record. 1t was a hear
ing not an investigation, he asserted. and the
commission had an inspector who could examine
the books for #. but it not within the
competence of the commission to have the books
produced in open court.
The same contention was made BY the repre-
sentatives of the Mutual Gas Company. Sen
ator Page maintained that there could be no
doubt that the real purpose Of the investigation
was to consider complaints as to the cost Of
gas 1t would be most unfortunate thing, he
said if the complainants were not able to sub
stantiate their arguments by evidence. It would
turn the hearing into mass meeting of aroused
citizens.
The chairman ruled that the commission
would proceed for the present session. to sub
poena witnesses and order the production of
papers In reply to Mr.. MdtheWson, the chair
man said that decision would be made in each
case as to whether the papers would be open to
the inspection Of complainants counsel.
Senator Page then submitted requests for in
for concerning the contracts. reports and
in charge OF the accounting department of the
Consolidated Gas Company, was the first wit
ness called. Mr.. Mathewson Immediately OBJ
iected to his examination. The objection was
overruled- Senator Page examined the witness,
who testified that in his department were kept
the consumers ledger and the operating ac-
counts of the company. He said that his books
would not show the cost OF production or gas
At the afternoon session the amount and kind
of information to be given by the gas companies
son urged that there had not yet been time to
consider the request of the petitioners, and OBJ
tected to some OF the details asked. Senator
Page objected, saying that the Natonal Coal
and Coke Company stock was all held by the
Consolidated Gas Company. and the price they
paid might be interesting.
A good deal of the information required, par
ttcularly with regard TO the materials used ana
the products can be obtained from the reports
of the superintendents of the stations Although
Mr. Mathewson objected strongly, the comInlttee
ordered that they be produced to-day.
Mr. Mathewson took the position tnaI al
though his company was willing TO anord the
commission any facilities in it's power, 1t OBJ
tected TO the production or Information that
might hamper it in the course Of its business.
On the other hand, Senator Page restated ms
objection to the reception OF reports which he
was unable to verify.