Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-09-12
Howard S. Reside Favors
Laying AmaIgamation Plan
Before Commissioners.
SPECIAL ACT OF CONGRESS
MIGHT BE NECESSARY
Pending Development, Proceedings
Looking Toward Dissolution of
Concerns Will Continue.

That definite proposal for the CON
solidation of the Washington and
Georgetown Gas Light companies may
ers and the public utilities commission
at an early date was strongly indicated
today by developments growing out of
the Commissioners action yesterday in
ordering that proceedings be institut-
ed to dissolve the former concern and
require il to dispose of it's holdings
in the Georgetown company.
Howard S. Reeside, vice president of
the Washington Gas Light Company,
who is in favor of consolidating the
two big lighting corporations, stated
today that he will ask the Commits
sioners for a conference at which the
proposal will be tentatively presented.
Directors Will Meet.
He said also that he will endeavor
to arrange for a meeting of the di-
rectors of the Washington company
at an early date, at which the sug-
gestion will be taken up and thor
oughly considered 1t is the hope OF
Mr. Reeside that this meeting will re-
suit in the institution of negotiations
designed to consolidate the two COM
panies.
Whether consolidation can be brought
about without special act by Con
Sress authorizing it is a question that
has been raised and will have to be
passed upon by the utilities commits
sion. That body. of course, will be
the one to pass upon any application
for an amalgamation of the two con-
Germs. as without it's approval the
scheme could not be carried into eff
feet. Corporation Counsel Thomas,
legal adviser of the commission, said
today that. without having looked into
the question carefully, he is Of the
opinion that there is sufficient authori-
zation in the utilities law for the pro-
posed amalgamation and that a spe-
cial act would not be required
Pending the outcome Of any steps which
may be taken by Mr.. Reside for bring
ing the corporations together the Com
missioners have no intention of withdraw
ing their order for the Institution of dis
solution proceedings. If a consolidation
scheme is agreed to and approved by the
utilities commission. the proceedings for
Company can be Withdrawn at that time.
it is pointed out
District Heads Interested.
The Commissioners are believed to be
they, of course, have no intention of TAX
ing the initiative in the matter. 1t is
explained that their duty is one concerned
with the enforcement of the law, and
that for this reason they ordered that
steps be taken looking toward the dis
solving of the Washington Gas Light
Company. which, it is claimed. owns and
controls stock in the Georgetown COM
pany In alleged violation of the La Fol-
lette anti merger act.
Assistant Corporation Counsel Francis
H. stephens, who has been assigned to
the duty of carrying out the Commits
sloners order, commenced work today
on the preparation of a bill to dissolve
the Washington company. and require
It dispose OF its stock in the George
town concern. and refrain from voting
II. Mr.. stephens said that he expects
to complete the work within few days.
1t is considered probable that the bin
will be filed in the District Supreme
Court within week.
Price Would Be Uniform.
In suggesting the consolidation of the
gas light concerns Mr. Reside presents
as the principal advantage to be derived
from such an arrangement the claim
that the price OF gas would become uni
form throughout the city Under pres-
Fnt conditions, he points out, consumers
vest OF Rock creek have 81 gas, while
hose east OF Rock creek have So cent
kas:
NV suggestion would be- said Mr..
fieesioe. that the property of the George
town Gas Light Company be appraised
by the utilities commission and that the
!, ashington Gas Light Company purchase
IL dt an appralseinent approved by the
commission. after deductinp tts honda3 In :
debtedness and its certificates of indebt-
edness. and that the Washington Gas
Light COMPANY purchase for cash. and
tnen me capital stock be liquidated.''
Georgetown Gas Light Company stated
today that he favors the proposed con-
solidation. but is of the opinion that the
washington company. which is the larger
OF OF tne % ,wo' should take the Initiative in