Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-05-27
GAS MAKERS DECLARE
THEY MUST RAISE RATES
Saw Business Faces Bankru ptcy
and Immediate Relief is
Necessary.

New York, May 27At an emer-
gency conference of the American Gas
Association held Yesterday at the Hotel
PENNSYLVANIA, it was declared that the
gas industries are in such a condition that
they must have immediate relief if they
are to continue operation. The 375 gas
company officials from every part of the
country voted To carry out program
which provides for both immediate and
permanent relief.
Philip H. Gadsden, vicc president OF
the association and chairman OF the
emergency committee, submitted the
following statement and program, which
was unanimously adopted:
The gas industry of the country To-
dav faces situation so CRITICAL that It
demands immediate relief II gas companies
are To continue to operate until perna-
nent solution of their problems can be
put into effect.
The emergency committee of the
American Gas Association has two dis
tinct objects quick and effective emer-
gency relief, and ultimately the readlust-
ment Of the relation of the gas industry
TO the public on basis which Will insure
continued and efficient service here
after.
For emergency relief If recommends:
a. Priority in shipment OF OIL, coal
and coke with preference IN alteration,
(bl Such immediate and substantial
emergency increases III rates as will
make possible the continued production
and sale of gas notwithstanding the great
increases IN the cost of oil, coke, coal
labor and other items, and which will
IN addition res tore and protect the credit
of gas companies pending a permanent
solution of the situation.
(cl Emphatic protests through every
possible agency and by personal contact
against the present tremendous exports
Of oil and GOAL
For permanent relief il urges
(al Abolish the candlepower standard
10 Reduce the consumption al oil
bv gas companies TO the smallest guam
tItv practicable and readlust the heating
standards accordingly
tc) Rates hereafter established should
be elastic and quickly responsive to chang
| ing conditions Of operation.
ID The rate Of return allowed on the
| investment hv gas companies should
| be materially increased in order 10 com
| pcnsatc for the decreasing purchasing
| rower Of money and further, 10 strength
| en- the credit Of gas companies 70 point
| where new capital will again flow INTO
| tho gas industry,
It Is proposed 70 accomplish the above
| objects by utilizing all proper agencies
| for that purpose.
On motion OF Arthur Hewitt Of Toronto.
the following resolution prevailed un-
| animously
BE it resolved. That emphatic pro-
| test be made against the wasteful use Of
gas oil in maintaining candle power
standards ID the cities Of New York
! Philadelphia. Brooklyn, and any other
! cities where these wastcful and non
! economic standards still exist, and that
| the chairman OF the emergency committee
/ tie instructed to convey the purport
Of this resolution to the proper authority
in all localities where candle power
/ requirements are prescribed
George r Cortelvou. president Of the
/ American Gas Association, urged that
every means be employed to show the
public the facts about the gas industry
| lie expressed confidence IN the Judgment
/ of the public, one il knows the truth
The economic conditions affecting the