The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-07-09

Continued from Page Onel
surety company having previously pro-
vided a surety bond for $475," says
Morrison. Whether the company Of
fclalS attempted to create a shortage
Oh company funds or not, is so appar-
ent that it needs no further comment.
from reports on file in the office of
the company it appears that so cent
gas rate was under consideration and
plans were being made to show a gas
shortage to justify an advance in
rates. Some of the officials made an
elaborate report in which it was said
the Kansas Natural Gas company
could not live with the state board of
public utilities From my observa-
tons OF some of the methods used by
the company's officials, I am of the
opinion that this statement is highly
complimentary to the present board"
As Long Sees 1t.
1t was after Morrison's sensational
report had been made public that
henderson S. Martin, chairman of the
utilities commission, asked John j.
Jones, attorney for the federal receiv
erS to make a statement. Jones said
he had held a conversation with Gen
eraI Manager Macbeth and they had
decided that nothing could be done to
increase the gas supply at this time.
Then Chester I. Long, for the Kansas
state receivers, was asked for a state
ment. Under the existing conditions Long
also knew of no relief.
Are the receivers friendly?'' suddenly
asked Martin
Personally, yes. Officially no. re-
piled the former United States senator.
And that to the minds of many of the
people attending the hearing in the su-
preme court chambers, told the story of
the present situation.
Macbeth on the Stand
General Manager Macbeth was the first
witness. At noon when the commission
adjourned for lunch Macbeth was still on
the stand. He admitted that nothing has
hnan hxrt he Mo- TON
tends to increase the supply of gas. for
next winter, but admitted that there
should be some new contracts for the
purchase of gas from operators in the
field and that the pipe
lines of the company should be extended
to reach the new gas fields.
To do this, however, would cost much
money. And. Macbeth was right certain
about revenue.
Company Has Half Million.
Then Macbeth was asked about the pres
at present the Kansas Natural has on
hand about $4,000 in money. There was
no reason, he thought, why this money
cannot be used for extension and the pur-
At noon the lawyers and state and fed
eral receivers who are attending the
when the hearing would close. They had
to complete their work today,
but the sudden change in the situation,
Morrison's sensational charges and the
as to an investigation into
matters which have not before been dis
cussed, leaves the question as to the time
for concluding the hearing in doubt.
What VIII the Commission Do?
There is also the uncertainty to the
ultimate result of this special investiga-
ton. A week ago the receivers and their
attorneys were notified to come to To-
peka. Aside from that innocent little tele-
gram, there was little or no inference as
to what information was to be sought.
But the day those kilograms were sent,
Martin had in his possession the Nor
rlson report and had given the matter
rather thorough consideration.
Now there is rumor in the state house
hat the utilities commission, at the con-
elusion of the hearing, may decide to
assume some new authority and jurisdic- |
ion. If the evidence shows that the gas
is not planning to make q real |
effort to supply gas next winter it isn't
At all improbable, it is claimed, that the |
will decide to take a, further |
land in the controversy and to compel the !
federal receivers-if possible-to get busy !
and to tap some of the new gas fields in |
time to supply Kansas consumers with |