Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 32, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 July 1917 — GUTS THE PRICE OF GASOLINE [ARTICLE]

GUTS THE PRICE OF GASOLINE

And Thereby Starts a Uvely Gasoline Fight. Cheaper gasoline, one of the dreams of Jasper county people for the past few years, bids fair to become a reality. Since Mark Schroer closed his garage on East Washington street Jay W. Stockton has taken active steps toward organizing a stock company of automobile owners, the purpose being to sell gasoline and other supplies at a minimum profiL Gasoline has lately been retail ; nc here at from 23 to 24 cents a gallon, while in Remington and some of the neighboring towns it conic he purchased for 2 and 3 cents less. Pending the installation of the necessary equipment Mr. Stockton arranged for the use of a Standard Oil wagon from which to retail gasoline. The wagon was placed on Mr. Stockton’s lot adjoining the garage building and a placard reading “Gasoline 21 Cents.” placed thereon. Shortly after noon Friday a representative of the Standard Oil company made his appearance and ordered the sign removed, which was done. Mr. Stockton explained the situation, stating that the sign was on his own property, and it was then replaced, and gasoline is still being retailed at the cut price. The Standard recently abolished all service stations, it is said, and retailers are thus enabled to charge any price they please. The octopus would no doubt like to refuse to sell gasoline to Mr. Stockton lut cannot consistently do so, and consequently. it is reported, the other garages of the city have quit Buying of the Standard and get their supply of gas from the Indian Oil company. While the fight is on the people are the gainers and can sit back and complacently smile, hoping for a continuance of the situation.