Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 3.djvu/623

 THE PHILADELPHIA GAS WORKS 609

from the extremities toward the holders rather than from the holders toward the extremities, so that, if the appropriation gave out for a particular line of pipe, it would have a blind beginning and a blind ending.

During the discussion of the United Gas Improvement Com- pany's ordinance the Municipal League published the following as part of a leaflet :

"When was Director Thompson right before or after the United Gas Improvement Company made its proposition?

BEFORE.

"On May 23, 1896, the Ledger quotes Director Thompson as saying in reference to the proposition made by the Baker syndi- cate : ' I am prepared to stand by all the statements I have ever made regarding this matter .... This syndicate says it will spend $5,000,000 to improve the works and furnish gas at the present rate. If I can get $1,500,000 to spend on improvements, I will give the citizens of Philadelphia as good gas as the syndi- cate can, and better, for 75 cents per 1000.

"'The city does not want a profit from its gas works. Our object is to furnish citizens with good gas at the lowest possible figure. The price was a few years ago $1.50 per 1000. This was reduced to $1.00 per 1000 cubic feet. With the proper equipment, I can give excellent gas for 75 cents. I am certainly opposed to the city parting with her gas works and shall do all in my power to prevent their being sold or leased to private parties.'

AFTER.

"On October 6, 1897, before the subcommittee having the proposed gas lease under consideration, Director Thompson presented a report through his assistant to the effect that the sum of $4,864,300 would be necessary to secure an economical manufacture and proper distribution of gas for a period of three years from January i, 1898. He estimated there would be required for