p. 25

23

capital stock of $500,000. The reader will at once
conclude if the estimated expenses are not sufficient
under all circumstances.

THE GAS QUALITIES OF THIS COAL.

S. B. Cobb, Esq., Pres't of the Chicago Gas Light
and Coke Company said, after he had made an exper-
iment with this coal at his residence, that he believed
it would make as good, if not better Gas than the
Company was now making from Erie Coal. He also
stated that so soon as the Gas Co. had completed
some extensive improvements now making at the
works, this coal should be fairly tested in a separate
bench of retorts, and a report made. Mr. P. T. Bur-
tiss, Superindendent and Engineer, also stated that
there was no doubt but the coal would make a supe-
rior Gas. If this should prove to be the case, there
is very little doubt but that the Gas Company would
purchase this coal for Gas purposes. The Gas Com-
pany now consume about 30,000 tons per annum.

In all the estimates of profits that can be realized
by the Company, we have in no instance alluded to
the profit of manufacturing the screenings and slack
coal into Coke. This article accumulates very rapid-
ly where heavy mining operations are carried on, and
it is often the case that a company will give it away
to anyone who will take it. But to cover all contin-
gencies, we will estimate its value at one dollar per
ton at the mines.