The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-12-12
Further Reductions in Future

In addition to this announcement Mr..
Bullock said that his engineers engaged
In fixing up the gas plant here We're OF
the opinion that S500O00 would be neces-
sary to fix that plant in good shape, and
that such an appropriation would be
made. The company will, therefore, spend
such a sum of money in bettering the
physical properties so far as the gas de-
partment is concerned. In addition to the
reduction of per cent Mr.. Bullock told
the commission that when the plant was
rendered more efficient further reduce
ton would be made in the gas depart
ment in line with the decreased cost of
operation made possible by the remodel
ing and other features which would be
added.
Mr.. Bullock left yesterday afternoon
over the Louisville and Nashville for New
Orleans, where he goes to attend a meet
ing of the directors of the American
Cities company. He said that he would
return here during the first part of next
week and at that time other improve
ment estimates would be ready for an
nouncement as Mr.. Wood, the electrical
engineer, would remain here for that pur-
pose.
I'VE offered the city commission this
afternoon a reduction in our gas rate of
cents per 1000 feet consumed" said Mr..
Bullock. 1--WE also told the commission
that we would not take advantage of sec
tion 36-F of the state revenue bill, which
exempted from certain taxes, but
would pay the $3S, 600 involved. 1 also told
the commissioners that as soon as our
plant was remodeed, which will be in less
than two years think we would make a
further reduction in our gas rate in this
community. To make the betterments,
which will take about IS months, our COM
pany will have to spend 100000 at once
We intend to do that and begin as soon
as possible
"Our company wishes TO have the most
cordial and cooperative relations with the
commissioners as we'll as with the people
on whom we depend for success. Our
engineers are working, as l said yester-
day, on several features of the service
with the idea of lettering what we have
here and when they report will gladly
and unreservedly tell you what is to be
done"
To Accept Offer
Members of the commission stated yes
terday afternoon that Mr.. Bullock and his
company would make the gas rate re-
duction proposition to the city officials in
writing and that they expected to receive
the written proposition probably this
morning. They indica ted that they would
act favoraby upon it.
They stated that they appreciated the
spirit of fairness and development with
which the new controlling company of
the Birmingham Railway Light and
Power company appeared to be dealing
with the people of Birmingham; that a
larger reduction In gas rates. they be-
lieved was needed, but that in view of
the other many improvements to be made
by the new company and upon Mr.. Bull
locks promise that in the course of a
little time still further reduction would
be forthcoming, they We're inclined to
accept the proposition with thanks.
With the commissioners constantly
keeping their weather eye on the grow
ing treasury deficiet, they have a strong
inclination to take anything in the way
of cash they can get. and Mr.. Bullock
offer of gas rate reduction and volun-
tary exemption from section 36-F of the
revenue bill has undoubtedly won him
much favor in the eyes of the triunlvirate,
although they declined to be quoted di-
rectly on the proposition.