The Washington herald., 1909-02-05

The House OF Representatives yesterday
unanimously adopted a resolution direct
ing the Committee on the District OF Co
lunabis to summon witnesses and conduct
q rigid investigation OF the dangers OF
carbon monoxide and water gas
The resolution was presented BY Chair
man Smith, Of the District Committee.
and was done 20 obtain money to con-
finue the investigation Of the dangers OF
the Illuminating product sold in Wash
inston-
Mr.. Smith has been IN correspondence
with gas experts n several States, who
are not connected with companies that
manufacture the deadly water gas, which
contains carbon monoxide IN such large
quantities, snd a number Of these mel
will come 70 Washington and tell what
they know OF the poison that IS sold for
illuminating purposes IN Washington
Prof. Bemis TO Testify.
Prof. Bemis. who came 70 Washington
iast year and testified al the gas hear
ings. probably viii return. and II is likely
he VIII suggest several other witnesses
Mr. Beuis has been connected with the
manufacture OF gas in Cleveland and
other Ohio cities for a number Of years
and he IS thoroughly familiar with the
dangerous features OF water gas II is
known that he will give testimony 70
Offset that OF the gas companies experts
before the committee last week
Il IS likely mat DR.. Wiley. OF the Bu-
reau Of Chemistry, and his assistants
Dr.. Hayward and DR.. Skinner. VIII sp-
pear before the committee again and
urge the necessity Of demanding q safe
product from The Washington Gaslght
Company. They VIII also suggest otEeg
experts upon whose testimony the CON-
Inittee can rely.
The members OF the committee are also
considering the ACCESSIBILITY Of obtaining
expressions OF opinion from Surgeon Gen.
eraI Rixey and other men connected with
the army and navy
Believe LegiEIation Certain
That there viii be a favorable report
made al this session Of Congress on the
bill 10 restrict the manufacture OF water
gas IN the District OF Columbia Is the
opinion OF many members OF the House
Not only are members OF the Distric;
Committee concerned n the matter, but
other Representatives say It IS a ques-
ton that should be given attention a
once. and they are using their influences
10 have the matter rushed as fast as
possible
The members Of the committee expect
the Witnesses can come 10 washington
some time next week, and as soon as II:
engagements can be made. Chairman
Smith VIII make a public announcement
OF the hearings.
Il is not thought more than Two o.
three days viii be necessary to take IN.
evidence. and IL is believed the bill car
be brought up for consideration in M
House two weeks from next Monday
which day has been set aside for N,
discussion OF District legislation
Assures Thorough Investigation.
The resolution introduced IN the Hous,
yesterday not only directs the committe,
10 investigate water gas and carbon
monoxide, but VIII allow them TO maki
q searching inquiry into al matters per
tanning 20 gas.
The pressure necessary 20 insure safetI
TO the consumers and also satisfactor-
service IS a question which needs IN
immediate attention OF Congress. Han,
of the consumers in the suburbs say tina
At times the pressure is so low that IN
light goes out, and that that leaves ga
escaping IN their homes
This matter has been brought to tn
attention Of the committee by severs
citizens, and bill has been Introduce
Il the House 10 regulate this. It is be
Ieved a favorable report viii be re
turned on this measure also.