Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1919-12-26

wells in the McKeesport pool are
facing financial losses. DR.. Ashley
has made several surveys of Penn
sylvanla fields where gas and oil
strikes have been reported and has
made formal statements against
placing too much confidence in
them and also warns people against
investments without careful study.
In a formal statement issued to-
day DR.. Ashley says that further
drilling in the McKeesport pool is
likely to be utter waste and to
bring certain losses. He says that
the conditions in the McKeesport
district where big strikes of gas have
caused excitement are different
from other fields which have been
supplying the Pittsburgh district
and says that the land ownership in
stead of being in farms with large
acreage allowing a normal area to
each well, the land has been 'in part
at least, been subdivided into town
lots, opening the door to a bargain
counter rush" After reviewing the
big we'll which was so productive
and remunerative, he says that it is
drawing from a very large acreage
and that with other wells being
sunk in the same district, the exhaus-
ton must be visibly fastened"
Letters making suggestions for
amendments to the State constitu-
ton and commencing upon the dis
cussions before the Revision Com
mission which have formed a con-
siderable part of the mail at the
State Capitol the last few weeks
have been varied by letters of an
other kind since Monday. They are
coming from relatives of men who
were pardoned by the State Board
of Pardons last week, which action
opened prison doors for half a dozen.
The letters are filled with thanks
and in more than one instance prom
Use is made of intention to assist in
rehabilitation of those pardoned.
Plans of the State Constitutional
Revision Commission for the reas-
sembling early in January call for
joint conferences of committees in
regard to sections affecting munich
palities. The proposed classifica-
tion of cities, counties and boroughs,
which was referred back to the COM
mittee in charge of legislative pow
ers, is to be taken up with the COM
mittee on cities. Already men inter-
ested in municipal affairs have been
heard of and there appears to be
strong sentiment manifested in let
ters coming to the Capitol for at
least five classes of cities. The pro-
posed amendment would permit
larger number. Hearings will be
asked on the section when it is fin
ally acted upon in committee of the
whole. In regard to the Secretary
of Internal Affairs, the proposition
to make it an appointive office will
likely be opposed by prominent Re-
publican leaders. From all accounts
Secretary James f. Woodward does
not like the idea.
Further changes i'm the Depart
ment of Public Instruction are
likely. Some designations of men in
charge of various activities have al
ready occurred and one more bureau
chief may go. Some of the school
men are said to have decided to go
into more lucrative fields, while 9TH
ers will go to other places. Appoint
ment of the assistants in the rural
education bureau will be made very
shortly and the bureau organized
early in January.
General George G. Richards, who
will be State Water Supply Com
missioner, will resign as a member of
the State Armory Board.
Governor William G. SprouI plans
to spend most of next week here.
He will have a series of meetings
with heads of departments.
The Public Service Commission is
in session at Philadelphia to-day
hearing Lehigh County and Philadel-
phia complaints. The usual num-
ber of jitney applications is up.
The State Insurance Department
is getting ready to put the new re-
quirements in regard to agents ap-
plications into effect very soon. I'm
der the Act of 1919 it is effective
January /.
Food Bureau Director James Foust
Grated with short forces to-day, resi-
dent attaches being the only ones
on duty.
Auditor General Charles A. Sny-
der, who spent yesterday at Potts
vile, issued a statement on the rev.
last two years from the corporation
bureau in his department.
Food Bureau Director James Foust
has already received word of men
arrested for selling bleached -four
making payments of fines rather
than go to court. The director says
that he means business and is go
ing right through with the crusade.
The United Natural Gas Co., has
asked the Public Service Commits
sion to approve taking over the
Clarion Gas Co.
The Pennsylvania China Co., of
Pittsburgh, has filed notice of in
crease of it's stock from 100000 to
$720,000.