New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-31
GAS LIGHT TURNED ON.
BOOKS TO BE OPENED.
Consolidated Officials admit No
nopoIy to Legislature Committee.

.'Thirty-six million dollars OF New-York Gas
and Electric Light, Heat and Power Company's
stock seems to have been added to the 50 100000
of the Edison Electric Illuminating Company.
despite The fact that the Edison stock was
virtually owned by the power company and
was represented and included in the S36.00O.OOO.
The New-York Edison Company then started
apparently 10 issue S45,2O0OO0 of stock. and by
consolidation acquired property owned by the
Edison Electric Illuminating"
This was part Of a statement made by Charles
E Hughes, counsel for the Legislative Gas In
yestigation Committee, after the committees
first session yesterday in the aldermanic cham
Der in the City Hall.
do you mean" Mr.. Hughes was asked by
reporter. that the stock was watered?"
You may draw your own conclusions" said
Mr.. Hughes.
"Of course" he added, lit is probable that
some explanation may develop later
James A. Bennett. the treasurer of the Con-
solidat@n Gas Company. testified that div-
dends had been received to his knowledge by
the Consolidated company either common
stock OF the New-Amsterdam Gas Company or
the New-York Edison Company.
The sessions viii be resumed at 10 a. to-
day.
Apart from certain remarkable testimony
given as to the history, methods and constitu-
fng session was chiefly notable for some lively
skirmishes between CHARLES T. Matthewson. the
Consolidated Gas Company's attorney. and Mr.
Hughes and Senator Stevens. the chairman of
:he committee.
When in the morning Benjamin A. whiteley,
assistant treasurer of the Consolidated, failed
TO recall certain figures, requested by Mr..
Hughes, Mr.. Mathewson quickly rose in his
seat and declared that there were certain facts
that the company, though willing to disclose
privately, did wish 10 make public. He
suggested an executive session. The suggestion
was promptly quashed by Senator Stevens.
There will be no executive sessions of the
committee" said the Senator.
Mr. Hughes insisted that the detailed figures
were necessary for the purposes OF the inves-
tigation Then Mr. Bennett the treasurer,
who subsequently referred Mr.. Hughes to
p A. Carter. the secretary, for neces-
sary information. was put on the witness stand.
He, too, when asked TO tell exactly just how
much stock Of the New-Amsterdam Gas Com
pany the Consolidated Gas Company owned
stricken with sudden attack OF mental
aphasia. and again Mr.. Mathewson objected to
the question. saying it not fair for the COM
pany 10 publish its private business affairs.
The figures are absolutely necessary" per-
sisted Mr.. Hughes.
THE books can be produced at the afternoon
session if necessary" said Mr.. Mathewson.
Of course, if the company decides it is not best
10 produce the figures it becomes merely
question Of law, that is all"
During recess Mr.. Mathewson apparently suf-
fered change Of heart. and before the commit
tee reconYened at 2:30 O'Clock he announced that
il could have what figures it desired.
The company" he said last night, has moth
ing to conceal and we have no fears of what the
outcome VIII be-"
More than q hundred witnesses have been
summoned by the committee. including, it is
said, Charles F. Murphy, who will be asked to
explain the Aew-York Contracting and Truck
ing Company's S15.009OoO Astoria gas contract
AssembIyman Palmer. leader of the Demo-
cratic minority in the Assembly was the only
absent member Of the committee. This was not
unexpected.
The Aldermanic Chamber was comfortably
filed when Senator Stevens opened the proceed
ings AT 11:35 O'Clock
George " Schurman and G. T. Kirby, with
Raymond n LoeWs, Of his firm, were associar e
with M. Hughes IN the inquiry, was NJ
thew c. Fleming. John A Carver, of Shear
man & Sterling. and Mr. Matthewson repre-
sehted the Consolidated Gas Company, Henry j.
Henmens and s. A. Beardsley. of Beardsey &
Hefhmens, the New-York Edison Company. Will
IAN y Dyknan the Brooklyn Union Gas Com
pany' l. /. Wells, of Sheehan & Collin, the
Kings County Electric Company. and William
- Guthrie and Paul D. CraYath the Mutual
Gas company. John G. Milburn and Melville
EgsIeslon entered appearances as representing
The Empire Subway Company.
contrary TO general expectation, there were
Jess than a dozen Spectators in the gallery. and
on4y few Of The aldermen's chairs were oc-
cupled- ms committee sat at the desk usually
occupied By the aldermen's clerks.
Mr.. Hughes began by reading the act ~
ApsJ providing for ~.
@e~-York Mutual Gas Light Company. This.
As Ar. Hughes read it, provided that where
lhe profits alter al expenses were paid ex-
.esoed 10 per cent. of the whole capital stock
1Is excess must be divided. half TO the COR
IHsfs OF gas and half TO the stockholders
~ we're also consumers Of its gas. Failure
o'SefNs the provision. the law made a mis-
'-ea4or punishable - Imprisonment. The
Continued third page.
S@FNhNAH AND RETURN.