The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-01-11
of Henry Gennett, A. c. Lindemuth
and Edgar Hiatt, in full, is as follows:

the citizens of the city beg to report
that we have had little time or oppOr-
tunity to make an investigation of the
cost of manufacturing artificial gas
and to what extent the use of natural
gas and the adoption of modern and
improved methods would lessen the
! cost of such production. We believe
however, that from the steady de.
crease in the cost Of artificial gas
throughout the country during the last
twenty years as shown by the tabulat-
ed reports and from the price of arti-
ficial gas now charged in many cities
we should have a rate lower than ~
cents, especially when natural gas is
to be used in it's production. We
think an SO-cent rate with a 10 per
cent discount, making a net rate of ~
cents per 1000 feet, would be rea-
sonable rate for the consumer and a
profitable rate for the manufacturer.
We would. therefore, recommend a
rate not to exceed 50 cents per thous-
and with 10 per cent discount.
Of Great Importance.
"There is another matter which your
committee thinks is of very great i'm
portance, and that is that the standard
Of quality of the gas to be furnished
shall be specifically stated in the ordi.
nance. To simply say 'gas of a
standard quality" is too vague and
general to be of practical value, as ac-
cording to the information we have,
the standard is very variable quail
ty in different localities. If practical,
the method or tests to be applied in
ascertaining the quality or standard,
should be specifically set out in the
ordinance.
''In addition to- the foregoing recon-
mendations, your committee would
also suggest the following amend
ments to the proposed ordinance:
Term of Franchise.
''That the term of the franchise be
changed from twenty-five years to
twenty years.
THAT purchase clause be inserted
in the ordinance, permitting the munic-
ipality to purchase the plant after a
certain time and upon certain condi-
tions.
THAT clause be inserted prohibit
ing sale or transfer of the plant or
franchise without the consent of coun-
Gil.
That extensions be required for at
least one subscriber for each 100 feet
instead of each 100 feet as specified in
the proposed ordinance.
Your committee favors the granting
OF the company as liberal a franchise
as possible, consistent with the well
fare of the citizens OF the city, and be-
lieve the notifications suggested are
reasonable and just to all concerned.
Accept the Report.
The report of the committee on the
corporation tax law was also the occa-
sion of numerous heated debates but
was finally accepted by small major
lty. The report favored the repeal of
the law declaring that the publicity
clause was an Objectionable feature
and was held unjust, in that it dis
turbed satisfactory business conditions,
created distrust, and destroyed conf
dence without corresponding benefit.
1t further contended that by making
public the business Of the smaller con-
Germs. the larger concerns obtained an
insight into the income of the small
concerns, and with their greater
wealth and influence erected similar
plants. eventually driving the small
manufacturers out of business.
The argument was advanced by
many of the members last evening.
however, that the publicity clause of
the corporation tax law was a safe
guard to the investor, who was there
by made acquainted with the exact ma
ture Of his investments and profiteG
accordingly.
Municipal Research.
The report of the committee on mu-
nicipal research was received and the
recommendation was made by the
board of directors to the club that a
committee consisting of Pettis A. Reid.
William Dudley Foulke and Timothy
Nicholson be given the authority to
appoint committee to be given funds
to carry on the work The plan was
approved and a committee will be ap-
pointed shortly for this purpose.
Two reports from the fire protection
committee unanimously approved and
adopted. 1t was recommended that
the new hose house be equipped with
a modern combination chemical and
hose wagon. and that the steam fire
engine be examined by an expert and
be put in good condition. 1t was al
so suggested that the city consider the
purchase of an automobile equipped
for fighting fires. and that it be used
by the fire chief in going to all fires.
The recommendations made by the
water works expert, Dabney H. Maui
ry for the erection of new nozzles and
other improvements for further pro-
lection against fire in this city. were
also approved.
The committee on the May Festival
made its report and it was approved.