National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-03-22
THE coMpANY's REPRESENTATIVE.

THE coMPANY's REPRESENTATIVE.
When the vote on the report was called for Mr.. NJ
L. Hopkinsrose, and addressing the chair said that
although not member of the association, he rep
resented the Telephone Company and would like
to make an explanation.
Mr.. George w. Cochran said he objected to any
one representing the Telephone Company being
heard in the meeting of the association, orally or
otherwise. The company should transact any busi-
ness relating to the subject with the executive
committee of the association and not with its mem
bers. The speaker was compelled to yield at this
time, owing to the deafening and continuous ap-
plause which followed his statement, during which
Mr.. Hopkins vainly attempted to be heard. When
order was restored vote was taken ON the report,
resulting in its being unanimously adopted.
The chair announced the report adopted, when
Mr.. Hopkins again asked leave to make an ex-
PLANTATION. Emphatic objections ensued from all
parts of the house, and Mr.. Hopkins very unwil
ingly resumed his seat.
Mr.. Edwards submitted the following, which
was adopted:
Rcsolued, That the secretary of this association
serve copy of the resolution adopted by this as
phone and after the LIST day ofApril next on the
National Capital Telephone Company, of this Dis
trict attaching to such copy the names of all the
members of this association so disseminating its
use.
The chairman stated that the meeting was one
of the members of an association, and no one else
could speak until the business was transacted for
which they had assembled. If however MIR Hop
kins desired it, he could make an explanation az
terward, provided the association wished to hear
him. Loud cries of " No! no Let him see our
committee"l. Mr.. Cochran stated that the eXecu-
tive committee had waited on the Telephone Com
pany several times seeking information, but had
been ignored instead fgiven light. The company
had insiduouSly attempted to take the association
in by going among its members and making tenn
porary bargains, which he was pleased to say, in
most instances, had been Indignantly spurned.
The committee had waited until the 10th instant
for reply from the company, but had not yet re-
ceived one.
Mr. Hopkins-I am here for that purpose.
Mr. COchran-Sit down, sir; you have no right
here.
Mr. j. J. Edison rose and said he had been study
ing the subject for some time past, and had now
made up his mind to join the business men in
ordering his telephone to be removed. He thought
however, that Mr.. Hopkins should be heard in de-
tense of the company. He was able to say for that
gentleman-
Several voices-We don't want any second hand
pleading here. Has Mr.. Hopkins brought creden-
tials from the company? If so, let him present
them to our executive committee they alone can
deal with him.
Mr.. Edison asked Mr.. Hopkins if he had such a
document and receiving a reply in the negative
resumed his seat.
Mr.. John A. Baker said the pledge of the associ-
alton required the company to make its condi-
lions known to the executive committee. 1t was
of liberal and fair minded men, and
would do nothing hasty. Another pied ge of the
association was that unless satisfactory terms
do Ire oil oil
used by members of the association would be
given up after April l. 0vcrtures had been made
to individuals by the Telephone Company. and
they had been referred to the executive committee
for action. 1t was a settled fact that unless the
treated with the executive committee
the telephones would be discontinued after the
LIST of April. Whether subscriptions expired or
not by that time, upward of 800 subscribers would
order their telephones out, for no one who had
signed the pledge of the association could credit
ably to himself continue its use.
Several members asked how to shut off COM
whereupon Secretary Pratt explained
that by shifting Of the pegs no calls could be
made.
Mr.. Motley Anderson said he was glad to see such
desire for business. He was ready to give up his
telephone Immediately, and, beside that, would
order the wires off his house. He would not treat
with the Telephone Company unless he received
notice from the executive committee.
Mr. Edwards suggested that no action be taken
relative to removing wires until the association
moved in the matter as unit. To protect sub
crbers whose service had not yet expired he would
offer the following resolution to cover the matter
Res0,red That any losses, for payments in ad-
vance, to members By reason of the discontinue
1nce of the telephone, or growing out of the mat
ers at issue between the company and this associ-
alton, be borne equally by all of its members, TO be
adjusted by the executive committee.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Mr. J. H. Sayille said his time was out now, and
ne had put in the peg and cut off the service ZAP
)lause.
Mr. c. Fl. B. White said he did not want the i'm
preston to go abroad that
GAG LAW
had been used in the deliberations of the associa
ion in not permitting a gentleman TO speak for
he Telephone Company. II any gentleman came
rom the company he was treating the association
with disrespect, for time had been given for over
ures to be made to the executive committee prior
o the 18th instant. The meeting was for members
If the association, and no one else had been in
Tited to speak.
Mr.. Baker asked fit was understood that the 1st
lay of April every subscriber, whether he had
more time to not, should put his peg in the
telephone and discontinue its use.
Mr.. Judd-SuppoSe We fix an. hour for that
When the clock strikes nine the morning of the
st of April let every member of this association
shift his peg and the company may cali until
loomsday for an answer. daughter and pro-
onged applause.l
The secretary road the names of the signers of
he pledge, stating that they now numbered S27
Eighteen more names were then added, Masking a
otal of 3i5.
Dir. Whtaker-Why not shift our pegs to- night?
see no reason for waiting any longer.
II was suggested at this point that conference
mad been agreed upon for to-day between the !
Telephone Company and the executive committee, |
md motion to adjourn then prevailed.
MARYLAND NEWS.
IL. n III In...A.--