Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 3, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 September 1890 — NATURAL-GAS SUPPLY. [ARTICLE]

NATURAL-GAS SUPPLY.

Indianapolis Journal. The majority of the scientists who are here believe in the theory that the supply of natural gas- in Indiana, as elsewhere, is not inexhaustible. In other words they are of the opinion that the present supply is being drawn from pockets or reservoirs and not from a continual generative process. Prof. W. J. McGee, who has been here since the first session of the association, is a member of the United States Geological Survey, and is looked upon as an authority on geological subjects. Three years ago he made a special tour of inspection through the gas fields of this State and since then has been watching the development of the industry here with special interest. “I can only say what Prof. Orton has said,” he remarked to a reporter, • ‘and that is that the supply of natural gas will fail. It may be a long time yet, but it is sure to come-” • ‘And what do you base your theory on?” he was asked.

“Largely upon past history and present knowledge. All the gas discovered in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Ifidiana has been found in reservoirs. No great holes, but in strata that invariably form themselves into the shape of a dome. In that strata the gas has accumulated perhaps for ages. History shows that the first wells have always either given out completely or else they yield salt water or oil.” “Is there anything to refute the theory that a fresh supply of this gas is being continually generated?” “No there is not. And in fact it is highly probable that the process of generation is beiqg carried on. But that is not the point in question. At its best natural gas is generated very slowly. That has been proved to a certainty by experiments with marsh gas which resembles natural gas very closely. The supply in the natural gas reservoirs of which I spoke is the accumulation of ages and when thousands of wells are sunk the quantity drawn out is far in excess of that which is generated. When the present supply is used up the generation will be so slow that if all of the gas in the Indiana fields which are now the largest and most productive in the world, were turned into one exit the output would not be sufficient for practical use.” Prof. Coulter, of Wabash College, is of the same bpinion as Professor McGee: “The generative process may be going now,” said he, “but I am frank to say that I do not believe it is a thing that we of the pros*, ent day need fear. The failure of the gas, which in time is inevitable, is so far distant, I think that money invested in Indiana gas plants is perfectly safe.” Prof. O. U. Fox, of Washington, is another believer in the reservoir theory. “Of course,” he said, “we base our statements on theories but I think there can be no doibt about the supply of natural gas being limited. And for that reason President Goodale did a good thing last night at Anderson when he advised the people to check the extravagant use of it as a fuel.”