The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-04-05
Mr.. Humphreys interrupted.

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Nj. Humphreys presume so. yes.
Mr.. COUdrey-So I would think Il
would cost much lesz than IN any other
place
Mr.. Humphreys-BUt you know that
every time you have 70 open the
streets
The Chairman think, gentlemen,
that when you and come 10 read over
this testimony that We VII feel that we
should have allowed ". humphreys 20
proceed AID make his statement, and
that the questions might come later.
Mr.. COudrey-WeL, I thought we were
doing that
The Chairman do not want 70 d.
ret TIE examination by the members
OF re committee, but il seems 10 me
that We should allow the witness 10 pro-
coed for hVe or ten minutes cOnsecu-
lively.
Mr. Coudrey-I think the witness Is
perfectly willing 20 make his statements
The Chalrnan-E4e is and have not
the slightest objection personally 10 This
manper OF examination not the slight
est
Mr.. Coudrey-And the witness is not
obiectinE
Mr.. PeaTe-But the very first person
20 violate the rule thai we had tentative
L laid down was Mr.. Gold boCOCgh him
O6S pursued myself. either.
Air. GoldSbOroCEL-SO Tar as I an con-
Cerned, l VIII state 20 the committee
that 1 was only interfering these Ques-
tons in order 10 bring out the facts
II is entirely irnuaJeriaI 20 me how he
shall proceed. but 7 think what the
committee wants, and what we are en-
urely willing TO give, is the truth
The Chairmau-We first established
the rule that We would allow the Wit
ress TO proceed. but We Immediately
got away from IT,
Az HumplTeys-I have 10 objection
u IL, gentlemen my way YOU like 20
do IL is satisfactory 10 me.
AIr- COudrev-Ler me ask YOU one
question here Have YOU looked into
the affairs OF the Washington GasLlEhr
Company enough 10 be able 20 state
whether they are overcharEing the pub
lie or notc
Mr.. Humphreys-About two years ago
Went into u very thoroughly, and
was prepared then TO state unhesitating-
y that they were not
Mr.. COudrey-HoW about now2
Explains His Comparison.
Mr.. Hurphreys-As I say now. I have
not had an opportunity 10 90 over IL
except 20 take the present figures and
compare them with my figures in the
past, and, 10 use my own judgment as
10 what could nave occurred in the
meantime. do not believe that they
are overCharsinE at the present mo-
meut. especially at the reduced price
Of gas. and as compared with other
cities
Mr.. Coudrey-BUr how 90 you draw
that conclusion If you are not fully
posted as TO their condition nOw2
Mr.. Humphreys made a thorough
examination Two years ago.
Mr.. Coudrey-But things may be dif-
ferent now
Nfr- Humphreys-Yes and I happen TO
know some things that are different.
know that the gas is costing more per
1000 today TO manufacture than IL was
costing two years ago when I was here
That would not tend IN the direction Of
a reduced cost 10 the consumer.
Mr.. Pearre-lt is costing the consume
more, Is IL nOt2
Mr.. HumphreyS-NO, sir.
Mr.. Pearre-SOme have testified that.
Notwithstanding there has been a re-
duction in the price Of gas, their bills
Afr. Humphreys would Ike to an
s yer in regard to that latter
Mr.. Coudrey-Has not the COnSump-
ton increased, is not this city growing
rapidly2
Mr.. Humphrey-Yes. sir.
Mr. Coudrey-And the larger the pop
ulaticn the more gas consumed. Does
not that reduce the cOst2
Mr.. Humphreys-He s, and, OF course.
the more you inCrease-thaJ IS, the
greater amount sold per capita. Of
cOurse-the less Will be the rate at
which the decreased cost VIII decrease,
and that Will 90 on until you finally
reach a place where. practically, there
will not be any decreased cost. For ia
stance, New York has reached such
a point Of saturatiCn that If you add
TO their sales there VIII be practically
no effect in the way Of reduction OF
cost.
Mr. CCudTey-BUt you say that YOU
have only given Nv o hours toward look
ing into this matte-. DO you think that
you can give us q fair answer as 20
whether they are or not OVerCharging
the public after such an examination
Mr.. Humphreys-My dear sir, 7 don't
think that your question is a fair one
II you will permit me 10 say So I have
not said that ] have only put two hours
on il. I have put days and days upon
IL. / have brought il up TO date. and.
with the study of the present situation
such as I have given, and, with my
judgment as to how such things so.
am prepared 10 state mat this is rot
being overcharged, and 1 can confirm
thai by being cross-examined upon IL