anaheim-gazette 1915-05-06

HIGHER CHARGE FOR LOCAL GAS PREDICTED INCREASE AT ORANGE TO BE PROBABLY FOLLOWED IN OTHER TOWNS CITY OFFICIALS OPPOSE MEASURE, TALKING OF MUNICIPAL OWNERSHIP Higher rates for gas at Orange to be followed, it is supposed, by an increase of rates at Santa Ana, Anaheim and Fullerton, seems to be the policy of the Southern Counties Gas company. Hearing of the gas company's proposition to raise rates at Orange was heard by Railroad Commissioner Loveland in Los Angeles last week, and a decision will probably be handed down by the commission shortly. The company asks for an increased rate from 75 cents to $1.00 per thousand feet, and a raise in the minimum charge from 50 cents to $1.00 per month. Application of the gas company for increased rates was vigorously contested by city officials of Orange as well as by officials of three other Orange county towns, where raises will probably follow an increase at Orange. A discussion for organization of municipal gas plants has begun at Orange and Fullerton and it is proposed to have the four county towns combine in laying pipelines and furnishing natural gas to the people proposed gas for 1915-16 a corresponding drop in consumption would result in a rate too high to be understood. "A service charge will increase slightly the cost to about 10 per cent of the consumers. Still, the large consumer has so long borne this burden of the small consumer that if we do not look this matter straight in the face, and cease this discrimination, we fail to encourage those who can afford to be extravagant. "Now considering last year's method employed in arriving at a straight rate, we have the simple division of $1,917,676 required revenue by 2,800,000 M cubic feet gas, the estimated amount of gas to be sold in 1915-16. This gives a result of 68.45 cents per 1000 cubic feet of gas. "The equivalent heat units, not volume, in manufactured gas would co. $1,027. That is to say, it would take one-half more manufactured gas than of the combination herein suggested to produce the same heating value or result. "Another basis of rate-making is the consideration of a minimum of, say, 50 cents per consumer, allowing him to use up the volume of gas necessary to attain this minimum charge at the fixed rate per 1000 cubic feet. "While this might stimulate the small consumer to use up his full quota, it would not reduce the rate more than 2 cents. It would assure the companies of a certain fixed revenue, but would work a hardship on the small consumer without giving any attending benefits to the public at large. It would not eliminate the discrimination, such as the service charge would do, but would tend to throw the burden on the large consumer for a portion of the small consumer's ex-" month. Application of the gas company for increased rates was vigorously contested by city officials of Orange as well as by officials of three other Orange county towns, where raises will probably follow an increase at Orange. A discussion for organization of municipal gas plants has begun at Orange and Fullerton and it is proposed to have the four county towns combine in laying pipelines and furnishing natural gas to the people through municipally owned lines. Fulton Grave, president of the Los Angeles Utilities Board, has recommended a higher gas rate and increased efficiency for that city. The following three summed up considerations as a basis of fixing gas rates are made to the board: (1) A service charge of 35 cents per month with 1000 BTU (heat unites) gas for not less than 180 days and 850 BTU gas for the balance of the year at a uniform rate of 55 cents per M cubic feet. (2) A straight charge of 68.5 cents per M cubic feet for 100 BTU gas for not less than 180 days and 850 BTU gas for the balance of the year. (3) A minimum charge of 50 cents per month with an allowance of 750 cubic feet of gas, of 1000 BTU, for not less than 180 days, and of 850 BTU for the balance of the year at a rate of 69.5 cents per M cubic feet. At present the gas rate is 68 cents a thousand cubic feet. In this gas the companies are compelled to serve an average of 718 heat units. The average heat units to be contained in the gas specified in the recommendations of President Lane is 925, or a considerable increase of heating efficiency. The first proposition provides a service charge of 35 cents and an additional charge of 35 cents and an additional charge of 55 cents, as the uniform rate, making the cost reach 90 cents per 1000 cubic feet. The second proposition recommends a charge of 68.5 cents, or half a cent more than is now being charged in Los Angeles. For comparative purposes this may be compared with the present rate, except that more heat units are added. President Lane recommends that the present suits against the 40-cent gas rate, established arbitrarily last year by the council, be dismissed, as his conclusions indicate the advisability of this action. In his report, President Lane goes back into the history of the gas con- While this might stimulate small consumer to use up his full quota, it would not reduce the rate more than 2 cents. It would assure the companies of a certain fixed revenue, but would work a hardship on the small consumer without giving any attending benefits to the public at large. It would not eliminate the discrimination, such as the service charge would do, but would tend to throw the burden on the large consumer for a portion of the small consumer's expense. "We should not overlook the apartment house situation with its free installation of meters, its reading of meters, billing and collecting. This is a considerable item of expense which the balance of the consumers pay. A reasonable charge should be made for the rental of these individual apartment meters." FRUIT MEN MEET AND DISCUSS PRICES Interesting and Profitable Session Held At Orange Friday With nearly fifty prominent fruit men, including the directors of the Orange County Fruit Exchange and the directors and managers of various packing houses of the district in attendance, a discussion of the citrus fruit industry was heard at Orange Friday evening that was of vital interest and benefit to those interested in the production and marketing of fruit. The meetings accomplished much toward promoting co-operation in upbuilding the industry. A banquet in the Orange Commercial Club rooms was a pleasing social feature that accompanied the meeting. Covers were land for 47. The speakers of the evening were G. Harold Powell, head of the California Fruit Exchange, and C. C. Teague, the manager of the great Limeneria ranch at Santa Paula. Mr. Powell spoke extensively on various phases of the citrus industry, its marketing and handling operations with a view of eliminating decay. He touched strongly on the feature of publicity and advertising, mediums through which he stated, it is hoped to cut down materially on the margin of profits paid by the grower to the jobbers and retailers. Going further on this point, Mr. Powell illustrated with charts of data gathered from exchange agents in thirty service, when now or later. Local George Bishop aming in Los Angeles Mr. and Mrs. Will up to Los Angeles auto. R. Nyboe and wits from Leadville, has taken a position cafe. Frank Cook and were visiting at the ry on North Los A week. Charles Conliff have been for the thorough ner in which they new Flasher build white brick front o with the best work larger cities and be commended for masonry Other bus town by them are detail. A. E. Hilles, prop House dry goods stack of ptomaine p day. He had part ned schrimp for B and shortly after ill. Mrs. Hilles was lcal summoned to take to his bed mained at his place with the help of M President Lane recommends that the present suits against the 40-cent gas rate, established arbitrarily last year by the council, be dismissed, as his conclusions indicate the advisability of this action. In his report, President Lane goes back into the history of the gas controversy and lays the foundations for the conclusion he has reached. He showed the uncertainty in the flow of natural gas, which is delivered from the Midway field to Glendale for 14 cents a thousand, by recalling the break in the line between Taft and Glendale. The gas delivered to local companies at Glendale, for consumption in Los Angeles, being sold at 14 cents a thousand, there arose a controversy in Los Angeles. Engineer Barker of the Board of Public Utilities submitted one rate, the board shaved it to another, and the Council lowered it to 40 cents, with the result that a suit for injunction was started by the gas company. The Council then employed William Mulholland to make an appraisal of the Los Angeles Gas and Electric Corporation, and it is this appraisal that governs President Lane in arriving at his figures, upon which he bases his recommendations. "Until we have a meter which will measure heat units we will have to measure volume, although it is one of the poorest methods of measuring value," said President Lane in his report. "Something must be done to bring about an increased use of gas in order to keep the rate from increasing. This past year indicated that with increased heat units there is a decreased consumption. The average heat units used during 1914 was 718 BTU per cubic foot of gas, with a resulting falling off of 10 per cent per consumer." "With increased heat units in the Mr. Powell spoke extensively on various phases of the citrus industry, its marketing and handling operations with a view of eliminating decay. He touched strongly on the feature of publicity and advertising, mediums through which he stated, it is hoped to cut down materially on the margin of profits paid by the grower to the jobbers and retailers. Going further on this point, Mr. Powell illustrated with charts of data gathered from exchange agents in thirty representative cities of the United States and Canada, composing 5,600 quotations, through which he proved that the jobber and retailer prices did fluctuate with the changed prices of the shipper. He stated that, while in some instances there were apparently too large a margin of profit made by them, on the whole the margins this year were not excessively unreasonable; also that there had been placed on the United States and Canadian markets this year 21 per cent more oranges than ever before. Mr. Teague, who is the leading authority on lemon culture in the state, gave advice on the handling of lemons in shipping to prevent decay, and also paid the local lemon industry the complement of saying that Orange county lemons were the equal of his own product, which is recognized as the top-notch of the market. He stated that the soil of this district was very similar to that of Santa Paula, and the mere science of handling the fruit was the only difference in its quality on the market. The pastor of the First Baptist church, Rev. B. Whiteside, tendered his resignation Sunday. He has accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist church at Sulphur Springs, Tex. Since Rev. Whiteside located in Fullerton four years ago a $25,000 church has been erected and the membership increased to 350. "Billy" Lake is able to be out again after several weeks of illness. The Ideal Home Every man has his ideal of what he would like to have in his home—the sort of home that he can build for the money that he has to spend. You have your ideal even if you cannot draw it out on paper. To assist Home builders and place the latest ideas within reach of everyone, our Lumbermen's Association through its regular department has prepared and published at an expense of some twelve thousand dollars a most beautiful and complete Plan Book of Modern Homes—stepsavers they are termed, cozy, convenient and economical. We court an opportunity to show you and to tell you about this service, whether you expect to build now or later. Competent Builders Cheerfully Recommended Competent Builders Cheerfully Recommended GIBBS LUMBER Home-Made Homes Anaheim, Cal. Local Notes George Bishop and wife were visiting in Los Angeles Sunday. Mr. and Mrs. William Leslie drove up to Los Angeles Sunday in their auto. R. Nyboe and wife are recent arrivals from Leadville, Colo., Mr. Nyboe has taken a position in John Cassou's cafe. Frank Cook and wife of Redlands, were visiting at the home of Mrs. Terry on North Los Angeles street this week. Charles Conliff and his brother Jim Conliff have been recipients of praise for the thorough workmanlike manner in which they have erected the now Fisher building. The artistic white brick front compares favorably with the best work in many of the larger cities and the contractors are to be commended for their knowledge of masonry. Other buildings erected in town by them are substantial in every detail. A. E. Hiles, proprietor of the Opera House dry goods store, suffered an attack of ptomaine poisoning on Saturday. He had partaken of some canned schrimp for his noon-day meal, and shortly afterwards became very ill. Mrs. Hiles was sent for and medical aid summoned. Mr. Hiles refused to take to his bed and steadfastly remained at his place of business with the help of Mrs. Hiles continued Sidney Holman on South street, crossed his path. Robbins was travelling at a good rate of speed, and in order to avoid running into the Holman car he swerved sharply, passing to the rear of the Holman machine. He struck the curbing on the opposite side of the street with such force that his car was seriously damaged, but nobody was injured. The machine was brought in for repairs while the party was taken home in another car. During our Pure Food Show, May 10th to May 22nd our Goodyears Tires have been reduced to the following prices: 30x3 Plain, reg. price $9.35 our price $8.55 30x3½ Plain, reg. price $12.15 our price $11.25 32x3½ Plain, reg. price $13.95 our price $12.80 34x3½ Plain, reg. price $15.80 our price $14.50 33x4 Plain, reg. price $19.90 our price $18.25 34x4 Plain, reg. price $20.35 our price $18.65 Other sizes at same discount. Stern & Goodman Merc. Co. Fullerton, Calif. The tourist auto excursion from Long Beach through the principal towns of the county was conducted as per schedule on Friday, that being the initial trip. It is said that three trips a week will be made and the new comers will be shown all points of interest along the routes. The promoters claim that they will carry many passengers during the year and that the inauguration of these excursion Year of Achievement, No Watchful Waiting Continued from Page 1 them at headquarters in both cities, besides a quantity are kept on hand for those desiring them when making the trip to the fairs. Henry Adams believed the buying of a large number of Orange county badges was money well spent. The emblem designed is much sought after, and it makes a fine advertisement. The badge consists of a satin covered button, showing a miniature orange. At the big fairs a great demand has been created for them. Mr. Wallace reported progress was being made in getting recognition from federal engineers in reference to Newport harbor, and at the next meeting a full report of activities will be presented for the edification of all concerned. John A. McFadden of the legislative committee said that any suggestions relating to merited legislation would be gladly received by the committee. He said they would fight against all legislation inimical to good government. Mr. Wallace remarked that since he had been placed in the chair he felt himself handicapped in not being able to bring up the matter of the road surplus and endeavor to have some of that money applied to the coast boulevard, all of which occasioned a ripple of good natured laughter to go around the hall. A. S. Bradford of Placentia having attended the San Francisco fair was asked to give a brief report on what he saw at the big exposition. Mr. Bradford said the exhibits are fine and that the California building is simply wonderful. Words can hardly express the beautiful effects of the myriad fruit pictures, and one must come in personal contact to fully comprehend the beauty of it all. A. A. Mills stirred up a mild hornet nest when he ventured the assertion that Anaheim raised more and better Valencia oranges than any other section of Orange county, and that we were absolutely frostless. He claimed that the Mother Colony brand topped the Eastern market for many days during the last season and was prepared to do it again. He voiced these sentiments in his contention A. E. Hiles, proprietor of the Opera House dry goods store, suffered an attack of ptomaine poisoning on Saturday. He had partaken of some canned schrimp for his noon-day meal, and shortly afterwards became very ill. Mrs. Hiles was sent for and medical aid summoned. Mr. Hiles refused to take to his bed and steadfastly remained at his place of business and with the help of Mrs. Hiles continued the day's business. He is now entirely recovered. Harwood Robbins of Long Beach, got his auto badly wrecked in a collision with the curbing at the corner of Los Angeles and South streets on Sunday evening. At the intersection of the two streets an auto driven by The tourist auto excursion from Long Beach through the principal towns of the county was conducted as per schedule on Friday, that being the initial trip. It is said that three trips a week will be made and the new comers will be shown all points of interest along the routes. The promoters claim that they will carry many passengers during the year and that the inauguration of these excursion trips will be beneficial from an advertising standpoint. Lecturers accompany the excursion and enlighten the tourists as to the advantages of the county. The board of trade has looked with favor upon the venture and in all probability the excursions will be the means of bringing many permanent settlers into the county. Anaheim Union High School Auditorium Saturday Evening, May 8 At 8:00 p.m. Under the auspices of Union High School THE GREAT AND ORIGINAL GIUSEPPE Creatore and his Band of 50 Program Extraordinary! Direct from the San Diego Exposition and Triumphant Success at the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco. Prices, 25c and 50c. On sale May 4, 1915, at Heying's Pharmacy. A. A. Mills stirred up a mild hornet nest when he ventured the assertion that Anaheim raised more and better Valencia oranges than any other section of Orange county, and that we were absolutely frostless. He claimed that the Mother Colony brand topped the Eastern market for many days during the last season and was prepared to do it again. He voiced these sentiments in his contention that all inquiries relative to Valencia orange land should be turned over to the Anaheim chamber of commerce for disposition. Mills maintained that if you really want a good Valencia orange and lots of them you must come to Anaheim. Ralph McFadden couldn't stand for that and arrose to make a few remarks in contradiction of that contention. He averred that Placentia raised as many Valencia oranges as did any other community. He said that any one who argued differently, "did not have good control of his senses." And an enthusiast from over Olive way opined that the reason the Mother Colony topped the market, was because their Banana Brand was not being offered for sale upon those days. This gentleman further stated that his was the only silmon pure frostless belt, and that when they shipped Valencia oranges to market they always grabbed the big money. And even a Newport Mesa booster had the timidity to say that they were getting upon the Valencia map and would be soon heard from. Mills tried to get the floor in rebuttal, but the chair ruled him out of order as he had already had his say. The clouds cleared and the chair brought into being an excursion committee and named Messrs. Metzgar, Dutton and Le Marquand to act in that capacity and lend their aid in arranging excursions to points of interest whenever practicable. Capt. Ahlborn addressed the meet- Don't Forget New Days More Only Cut in prices Orange County ever saw on all kinds CINITURE, and "SINGER", "WHITE" and "WHEELERN" Sewing Machines, and many other makes—Cheaper ever dreamt. Genuine natural bow-back chairs, 50c. x 72 matting rug, 40cts, regular price, $1.00, etc. International Furniture Co. ANAHEIM CAL. Movement, No Waiting From Page 1 In both cities, are kept on hand them when making rss. believed the buying ing and said he felt alarmed lest the harborites would absorb all of our industries, in that they claim to be rivals for the successful propagation of the Valencia orange. They have discovered a harbor at Newport Beach. Let them perfect that enterprise before enouching upon the citrus preserves. There has been a great deal said about the harbor, now let something tangible be brought forth. He was advised that folsoome data upon that very point was age at many points along the beach. The piling under the Southern Pacific pier suffered severely, and the depot, which rests on the pier, sank several inches as the result of the pilling being taken out below it. Along the shore west of the pier the tide swept the sand away, destroying road and sidewalk at several points. At Twenty-fourth street one of the new ornamental light posts, just erect, was swept away, and the electric Elevation, No Real Waiting Matters in both cities, they are kept on hand them when making arrests. Believed the buying war of Orange county may well spent. The is much sought after fine advertisement, as of a satin covered miniature orange, a great demand has them. Reported progress was getting recognition among in reference to, and at the next report of activities will be the edification of all men of the legislative that any suggests to merited legislature received by the said they would fight colon inimical to good marked that since he in the chair he felt in not being able matter of the road surger to have some of led to the coast boule occasioned a ripple daughter to go around of Placentia having Francisco fair was brief report on what big exposition. Mr. the exhibits are fine california building is Words can hardly beautiful effects of the sources, and one must contact to fully beauty of it all. Armed up a mild horrent ventured the asserment raised more andanges than any other county, and that likely frostless. He Mother Colony brand earn market for many last season and was again. He voiced in his contention ing and said he felt alarmed lest the harborites would absorb all of our industries, in that they claim to be rivals for the successful propagation of the Valencia orange. They have discovered a harbor at Newport Beach. Let them perfect that enterprise before enouching upon the citrus preserves. There has been a great deal said about the harbor, now let something tangible be brought forth. He was advised that fulsome data upon that very point was now being collected. Mr. Hagen of Orange in speaking of the hearing before the railroad commission of the gas company's request of a raise in the minimum rate charged at Orange, said the whole county was vitally interested in that matter. The proposed raise as it refers to the city of Orange was in the nature of a test case. The gentleman stated that while the gas company declared it had an investment of $41,000"In the city of Orange, it had been learned upon investigation that that sum was only $21,000, and it was said perhaps that igure would be lessened. Mr. Mills made a long talk about alleged excessive charges being put over on the people by the gas company and the Edison company, and says this organization should use the big stick and go after them. Mills claims that when the gas company makes an excess charge of ten cents above the minimum, the Edison people's ratio was $100. He says the committee on railroad and transportation is looking into the matter. He also claims that in the city of Orange, where the gas company receives ten cents over a legitimate rate on its investment, the Edison company takes $50. It was the consensus of opinion that the county as a whole would combat the contemplated raise "Is any taxpayer present satisfied with the surfacing that has been put on the county roads and on the state highway in this county north of Fulerton?" asked Mills. "Will he please stand up?" Not a soul stirred, and when the futility of the request was seen everybody laid back and had a good laugh. Mr. Armitage advised the issuance of advertising literature and plenty of it, as many people are heading towards California. He averred that every town in Orange county should get into the advertising band wagon and tell the tourist all about their age at many points along the beach. The piling under the Southern Pacific pier suffered severely, and the depot, which rests on the pier, sank several inches as the result of the pilling being taken out below it. Along the shore west of the pier the tide swept the sand away, destroying road and sidewalk at several points. At Twenty-fourth street one of the new ornamental light posts, just erector, was swept away, and the electric wire conduit in the street was uncovered. Hermes' grocery was threatened and partially undermined. The walk before the O'Mera block was undermined and damaged, and part of the road taken away. A bakery along the front was flooded. The narrow street west of the pier was a channel of water, late at night, and that section was under water for a time. At East Newport and Balboa some damage was also inflicted by the tide and wind. The wind subsided Saturday and it is believed that the danger from the late storm is now passed. FINANCIAL OUTLOOK IS VERY BRIGHT Balance of Trade In Our Favor is Great on Account of European War Great commercial expansion for the United States as a result of the European war was forecast by Secretary William C. Redfield of the department of commerce, in a speech at Philadelphia, before the American Academy of Political Social Science. Both Germany and Great Britain, the secretary said, were in danger of losing their supremacy in the foreign trade if the war continued. "No one, I think," he said, "would be surprised find the United States second in the world's competition, nor if the war shall long continue, be astonished to find her first." Mr. Redfield, whose subject was America's international trade as affected by the European war, reviewed commercial conditions in world trade prior to the outbreak of the war, showing that Great Britain, Germany and the United States ranked in the order named in competition for foreign business. He said that the United States when hostilities began found itself unprepared to meet the situation either financially or in a commercial way. contact to fully beauty of it all. up a mild horr ventured the asser m raised more and ranges than any othange county, and that ly frostless. He Mother Colony brand turn market for many last season and was at again. He voiced in his contention relative to Valencia uld be turned over to member of commerce Mills maintained that unt a good Valencia of them you must. couldn't stand for make a few remarks of that contention. Placentia raised as oranges as did any. He said that any differently, "did not of his senses." Last from over Olive the reason the Mother the market, was bena Brand was not beale upon those days. Further stated that his on pure frostless belt, they shipped Valencia get they always grabney. Newport Mesa booster to say that they were Valencia map and board from. get the floor in rebutruled him out of orready had his say. deared and the chair an excursion commed Messrs. Metzgar, Marquand to act in lend their aid in arons to points of inpracticable. addressed the meet- KILLED BY HORSE From injuries received when he was kicked in the abdomen by a horse last Friday, Edward Sleckert, aged 74, is dead. He lived at Santa Ana with his wife. It was three hours after the man was kicked before he received aid. His wife saw him make his way to his room, but he said nothing to alarm her. On reaching his bed he sank down, and suffered agonies before his wife happened to go to the room. The old man had been unable to call out. Afterward Mrs. Sleckert remembered having heard faint knockings that she now thinks were signals to her to come. The man died of internal injuries. High Seas at Newport. Driven by a terrific wind, an extraordinarily high tide tore at the ocean front at Newport Beach and Balboa Friday night, inflicting heavy dam- America's international trade as affected by the European war, reviewed commercial conditions in world trade prior to the outbreak of the war, showing that Great Britain, Germany and the United States ranked in the order named in competition for foreign business. He said that the United States when hostilities began found itself unprepared to meet the situation either financially or in a commercial way. "A floating debt of perhaps $400,000,000 has been paid in goods and not in gold. Some of the gold we had exported to pay what we owed before the war has come back to us in pay for debts due us. It amounts since the first of December to over $600,000,000. We are gaining money as a nation at an astonishing rate. "The nations of the world turn to us for cash. The nations turn to us, both belligerent and neutral, not only to furnish them goods, but to lend them the money with which to pay for the goods they buy from us. We are lending the world money and we are selling the world goods, and both to such an extent that our foreign financial outlook and the condition of our export trade has taken on within ten months an entirely new significance. "Two factors will affect America favorably in the coming days. One is the loss of goodwill by her competitors through enforced absence from business. The other is the injury to her competitors through broken or suspended organization. This is not all. The organization in many cases has been not only broken or suspended, but the units which composed it have been slain. Bad as are the loss of the goodwill and disruption of business, far worse is the loss of the skilled hand and the trained mind." Under-sheriff Jack Iman was intown Tuesday on a business mission.