Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1892 — NATURAL GAS FAILING. [ARTICLE]

NATURAL GAS FAILING.

Reservoirs of the Fluid in Ohio and Indiana Amost Empty. That the reckless consumption of natural gas during the last ten years has almost emptied the vast subterranean reservoirs of this inflammable fluid seems certain. From many, points where natural gas has for years been almost the only form of fuel used come accounts of decreasing pressure in the wells, constantly failing supply, and in many cases total cessation of the flow of gas. At Lima, Ohio, Fort Wayne, Connersville and other Indiana towns the deficiency has been so great as to compel the closing of many factories. In hundreds of Instances families which relied on gas for heating and cooking purposes have Veen- obliged tbYecur to,coal stoves, and occasionally suffering has been caused by lack of fuel where adequate precautions against a failure of the natural-gas supply had not been taki n. Warning Circular Issued. Th ? following circular, recently sent out to its- patrons by the Salimonie Mining and Gas Company of Fort Wayne, Ind., one of the largest purveyors of natural gas in the State, shows the straits to which consumers are reduced: To Our Patrons: The supply of natural gas Is certainly failing throughout our field, and the experience of cities in Ohio promises to be duplicated in Indiana. After considering the matter for some time our board reluctantly consented to the expenditure of 4120,000 more for the betterment of our supply and service to consumers. The expense is both great and hazardous in view of the experience of other cities. The additional lines and wells are now being pushed as rapidly as possible, and with fairly good weather we hope to give better service in the next three weeks. We fear from present indications it will be necessary to turn off all factories, but this step will not be taken until absolutely necessary. In the meantime we would advise all manufacturers to secure a supply of coal and be prepared to have gas turned off at any time on short notice. We sincerely hope our friends will bear with us and do their utmost to assist us in the present emergency. Lima. Ohio, three years ago had a rock pressure on her line of 340 pounds, being much above the Indiana Meld; to-day it has fallen to 90 pounds and pumps are being put in to help force the gas to consumers. All her churches, school houses and public buildings have been shut off entirely and not a boiler is supplied at any price. This circular is not issued to alarm the public, but to enlist their co-operation and bring about a proper use of gas and avoid all waste and extravagant use of the same. Natural gas is certainly the "champagne of fuels” and should be so used. He who wastes a foot of it now is not only an enemy of the company! but also a public enemy. We are arranging for a display of gas-saving appliances, which we will have ready by the latter part of next month, of which you will be dulv advised. Salimonie Mining and Gas Co.

Ancestors of Illustrious Men. The fa'her of Ampere, mathematician, was a dry goods merchant of small means. The father of Turner, the painter of the “Slave Ship," was a barber and hair dresser. Bek Jonson was the son of a bricklayer, and for a time himself worked at that trade. Hogabth’s father was a small tenant farmer, who disapproved of his son’s taste for art. The father of Henry Wilson, Vice President of the United States, was a poor farmer. Sophocles, the Greek poet, was the eon of a blacksmith whose wife hal been a slave. The father of Sir Humphrey Davy was a wood carver, and intended his son for that business. Latimer’s father was an honest, Godfearing English peasant who prayed with his children. Gray’s father was a scrivener, or copy st, and designed the poet for the same occupation. The father of Palestrina, the composer of sacred music, was a cook, or, as some say, a waiter. Marshal AVgereau was the son of a grocer, and left that business to enlist as a private soldier. Marshal Bessieres was a farmer’s boy, and after enlisting as a private, rose from the ranks.