The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-11
Board of Trade Makes Effort to Save People
 S1,449,0W on Gas ]
NO ENCOURAGEMENT
 FROM COMMISSION
Weatherly and Lane Give Not Slight est Indication of Desire to Meet the Mediators
 Half Way

Commissioners Weatherdly and Lane gave no indication yesterday that they would look with favor upon the Board of Trades proposal of a 1-cent compromise in order to get by-prodnct gas for Bir- mingham
 After the Board of Trade committee in the interest of gas consumers made stir ring appeal to the commission to save the citizens Sl449,0e0 by the terms of the gas contract, Judge Lane moved that the thanks of the commission be rendered the business men for their good offices in the matter, but that further action be postponed. That action was taken and since yesterday morning the opinion has crystalized that Mir. Lane and MT. Weatherly will stand pat" for per cent gross or no cheap gas.
 The efforts in behalf of the gas con tract now comes from a thoroughly diff ferent source than in the beginning At this time the Board of Trade and other interests are directly behind the matter, advising that 1 cent or even nothing be given the city.
 Officials Ready to Quit
 The officials of the two companies in- terested have said that they would not lift finger to get the matter adjusted.
 President George G. Crawford. who in itiated the gas proposal, would make only this comment yesterday:
 'I wish it could be made positive and clear that we are not wasting gas at Fairfield, nor are we trying to sell a waste product It is not a waste gas and l frankly say that l wish our com pany had twice much as we have now It could be used by our company to ad- vantage
 The Board of Trade committee, it is un- derstood, will not give up hope of getting the cent compromise. 1t was pointed out that the l cent could be met possibly by the company, and even if the people were to pay 76 cents for gas rather than do cents as offered, the extra 1 cent from the gas would go into the city treasury.
 Separately the members of the commit tee made statements 10 the commission CTS. They pointed out that as business men interested in Birmingham, and real king the upbuilding influence of cheap gas, they desired their representa- tives- that Is to say. the commissioners. to get together. They suggested that in no way did they want it understood that there was being tried any coercion. The busi- ness men simply desired that the com nissioners not deny the people nearly sl. 300, 900 because a paltry $60000 was de- nied the city treasury.
 At the conclusion of the representations of the official body, MT. Weatherly re- iterated his opposition to the trade. He said in his opinion the company was try ing to experiment with Birmingham would furnish lean gas. the people would resent 1t, and he intended to oppose the trade. MT. Weatherly and Judge Lane to be of the same mind.
 President Ward said that he believed efforts were being made to prejudice the cause of the company and he did not think t was right. Efforts being without avail It that time, the committee retired.
 Board of Trades Statement
 The statement made to the commits 'ion by the Board of Trade committee, composed of Robert w. Ewing, presi- lent; J. E. Shelby, August Hirsch, j. 3. Rosenberger. ]. II. Finder. George md Louis Pizitz, is as follows:
 "Realinzing the upbuilding value hat cheap by-product gas would be n the Birmingham district and hay ng in mind the contentious existing between the city commissioners of and the Birmingham Roadway, Light and Power company, he Board of Trade suggests the fol- owing plan and compromise agree nent:
 q. A new ordinance, providing for proper service under the new contract including the testing of gas. pressure of gas and quality and service gen srally.
 "2. provision regulating exten- ions to new territory under proper and air terms and conditions.
 '3. A provision that when the new 'y-product gas is adopted and ready or use. the company will install or ause to be installed at its own ex- 'ense, the Welsbach lamps and man els as substitutes for the ordinary ish- tall gas tips where now in use or lighting purposes and that the company will readjust or cause to be eadJusted at its own expense the 3unson burners or mixers on all gas efficient for use with the new by 'roduct gas.
 A. That the reduction in price from 5 cents as now paid for coal gas to 5 cents be made as proposed for the 'y-product gas and the corresponding eduction from 575 R. T. U. to 525 min mum for the probable average of $40 3. T. U. as procured from the Ten lessee Coal. Iron and Railroad com 'any by-product gas and the addition u reduction in price according to the 'olume of consumption during the next fix ond one-half years to a minimum If 4b cents per thousand cubic feet o be reached before the expiration If the present contract as already pro- posed by the company. be recommend d for acceptance, said reduction to '6 cents as a beginning point to be within six months from date.
 These items having been all prac- ically agreed to by and between the gas company and the city, the main now hinges upon the ben fit the city will derive in agreeing to he substituten of the new by-product gas contract as above set out.
 We feel that while the citizens gen ,rally will derive considerable benefit rom the cheaper gas as above pro- ,osed, the city Is entitled also to de- i've some direct benefit and the com have proposed a tax on yross proceeds of from per oent on business down to 3 per cent, which however. has not as yet ,een agreed to.
 Company Concessions
 we also believe that the gas com ,any, drawing it's profits and benefits rom various sources. gas. electricity. ights, power. traffic and heat. all in md from this district alone. is 50 vi- ally affected by the growth and pros ,erity of the district that 1t should ,e willing to conoede something to the .ity. which is sorely in need of fi- iancinl nssistance. owing to tho many . Ala