The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-12-19

during the next twenty-three years
as it has in the past" Lieber said.
William Fortune, who presided,
stated that there is mo disagree
ment on essential points in this
matter"
Opportunity for harmonious pro-
cedure is presented. There may be
some legal questions which need
to bo settled by agreement" he
said.
No Feeling of Antagonist
Dick Miller, Chamber president,
who called the meeting, pointed out
that the conference was designed to
be constructive and was not to be
considered antagonistic toward the
utility.
I'VE hope to use these committees
to combat selfish interests in this
matter" Miller declared.
The public function of the utility
has not ceased and will not cease in
1880, stated James w. Noel, legal
affairs chairman.
"The public trust goes on as long
sa the corporation exists The pro-
cedure and the time for a friendly
suit to protect the trustees in these
matters is not a subject for public
discussion at this time, but rather a
matter for conference between the
city and the gas company" Noel
declared.
Frank M. Fauvre, formerly presi-
dent Of the Broad Ripple Gas Com
pany, which brought artificial gas
to Indianapolis, declared the stock
holders have a moral obligation to
surrender the stock when the COM
pany or public raises funds to take
over the properties. This move
should have support of the peoples
Eager for Experiment
"There is a disposition to dis
courage a municipality taking over
a business concern. A gas company
would render as much public service
as the postoffice, which is not
paying proposition financially.
would like to see the experiment
and see whether there is not still
enough integrity alive to run bust
ness for the public as it should be
operated.
There is too much tendency to
discourage the idea that man can
run collectively what man can do
individually"
Dave Coulter, realtor, moved that
the legal affairs committee offer
vices to the city administration
as a means of "tying-up" the
municipality with the civic rep
reSentatives.
when you get into this matter,
you find more questions than you
ever dreamed Of Gus Schnull, a
trustee, said. First of all is the
question of personal liability. You
can't blame us for looking into that.
I'm my opinion, the city should
act Immediately and attempt to get
court decision before 1890 The
matter of personal liability is real
one and it would not be right for us
to go ahead and do things we might
regret"
Conscience at Ease
Notwithstanding attacks on many
sides, conscience Of directors is
quite at ease, Franklin Vonnegut, a
director, asserted.
eve have a good large surplus
now" he said "We had a surplus
not half as large four or five years
ago, which went glimmering. Our
credit was bad and banks wouldn't
loan sufficient money. The situa-
ton might recur if we are not care
full.
1.-THE gas company probably will
have its downs again. If past
prosperity continues we will get
along smoothly, but we will need
all the money we have, We have
to go along like any other business,
and keep step with modern i'm
provements."
Suggestion that work on legisla-
Jlon be started at once was made by
William o. PickenS.
Urges Speedy Action
Power of the city to take over
any utility should be considered"
he said. There should be legisla-
ton continuing the present board
of trustees, or its successors, to be
appointed, as at present, to con-
tinue operation of the plant for the
city.
Such legislation should be intro
duced soon and not when the legis-
lative session is half over"
Edward o. Snethen, attorney,
criticized plan Of trustees to await
decision of the court of last resort
before turning the property over to
the city.
why force the city to spend
large sums of money to employ
counsel such as Newton D. Baker,
when everyone is agreed the city
should have the property. 1t seems
just little inconsistent" he con-
tended.