The Washington herald., 1910-04-05

that that is the capitalization.
Mr. Humphreys-Now, we are al try
ing to get at the truth Take this case
Mr. Pearre--I think, Mr. Humphreys,
that you are very much better prepared
In your position than a great many other
gentlemen. You seem 10 have oDpor-
tunities for defending your opinions that
others have not had.
Mr.. Humphreys-I am not prepared in
this case to
Mr.. Pearre--Am correct. that you are
employed by the Washington GasIight
Company to make this presentation?
Mr.. Humphreys-Certainly.
Mr.. Pearre-I just wanted 10 know
that.
] Mr.. Coudrey-In regard TO the cost of
laying the pipe. does IT not cost more in
a climate like that of Milwaukee, where
there is a deep frost line, than it costs
here in Washington?
Mr. Humphreys-That is one element
in favor Of Washington. I do not be-
lieve It would cost more here than It
would there with regard to this element
Of cost
Mr. Coudrey-No; not more. but less.
Mr.. Humphreys am making this
statement that way for a minute. TO
show you that you cannot take in one
item Of cost, or one factor. 10 determine
the final comparison. For instance, lay
ing the pipes in New York City. which
is milder climate than that Of Nil
waukee. costs a great deal more than It
does in Milwaukee.
Mr.. Coudrey-Why, on account Of the
crowded streets7
Mr. Humphreys-By reason Of a num-
Der of factors. On account Of the po-
litical conditions as TO inspection. espe-
cially the very great erowding Of the
streets and distractions underground
and also as TO the difference in pave
ments, but, however, that is gradually
being changed. 1t is very expensive in
regard 10 the pavement question. The
question of renewing the pavements is
one Of the most serious items.
Dir. Coudrey-In the extension OF the
bulk OF the mains, so far as Washington
is concerned, It is outside of the asphalt
district
Mr.. Humphreys presume so: yes.
MIR. Coudrey-So I would think It would
cost much less than in any other place.
Mr.. Humphreys-But you know that
every time you have 10 open the
| streets
The Chairman think, gentlemen, that
when you and I como to read over this
testimony we will feel that we should
have allowed Mr.. Humphreys to proceed
and make his statement, and that the
questions might come later.
Mr.. Coudrey-Well, I thought we were
doing that.
The Chairman do not want 20 direct
the examination by the members OF the
committee, but it seems TO me that We
should allow the witness TO proceed for
FIVE or ten minutes consecutvely.
Mr.. Coudrey-I think the witness IS
perfectly willing to make his statements
The Chairman-He IS. and have not
the slightest objection personally to this
manner Of examination; not the slightest
Mr.. Coudrey-And the witness is not OBJ
jecting.
Mr.. Pearre-But the very first person
to violate the rule that we had tentative
ly laid down was Mr.. GoIdsborough him
self have no objections to the methods
pursued mysef. either.
Mr.. Goldsborough-So far as 7 am con-
cerned. will state TO the committee that
was only interfering these questions
in order TO bring out the facts. II is en-
tirely immaterial ID me how he shan
proceed. but I think what the COMMITTEES
wants, and what we are entirely willing
to give. is the truth.
The Chairman-We first established the
rule that we would allow the witness 10
proceed. but we Immediately got away
from it.
Mr.. Humphreys have no objection 70
IL, gentlemen. Any way you like 70 DO
1t is satisfactory to me.
Mr.. Coudrey-Let me ask YOU one ques-
ton here. Have you looked into the az
fairs Of the Washington Gaslight Com
pany enough to be able TO state whether
they are overcharging the public or not?
Mr.. Humphreys-About two years ago
went into it very thoroughly. and was
prepared then 10 state unheAtaungly that
they were not.
! Mr.. Coudrey-How about now
Mr.. Humphreys-As I say now, have
not had an opportunity TO go over IL ex-
cept to take the present figures and COM
pare them with my figures IN the past,
and TO use my own Judgment as to what
could have occurred in the meantime
do not believe that they are oyereharging
| at the present moment, especially al the
reduced price Of gas. and as compared
with other cities.
Mr. Coudrey-But how DO you draw that
conclusion If you are not fully posted as
TO their condition now?
| Mr.. Humphreys made a thorough ex-
animation two years ago.
Mr.. Coudrey-But things may be dif-
ferent now
Mr.. Humphreys-Yes; and I happen to
know some things that are different.
know that the gas is costing more per
100 to-day to manufacture than it was
costing two years ago when was here.
That would not tend in the direction OF a
reduced cost TO the consumer.
Mr.. Pearre-It is costing the consumer
more, is it not?
Mr. Humphreys-No, sir.
Mr. Pearre-Some have testified that.
Notwithstanding there has been reduo-
ton in the price of gas. their bills are
higher.
! Mr. Humphreys would like to answer
in regard to that later.
Mr.. Coudrey-Has not the consumption
increased; is not this city growing rap
| idly?
Mr.. Humphreys-Yes sir
Mr.. Coudrey-And the larger the popu-
lation the more gas consumed. Does not
that reduce the cost?
Mr.. Humphreys-Yes. and Of course the
more you increase-that is, the greater