The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-02-04
A WORRISOME PROBLEM.
WHAT SHALL BE DONE WITH THE
GREAT MASS OF wIRES2
The Legislative Council Wrestling with
the Subject, on Complaints of Afro
cious Telephone Service After Dark
Some Opinions.

During the past few weeks complaints
against the telephone company have arisen
from every quarter Of the city. The serv-
ice was simply atrocious, particularly after
dark An sorts Of reasons for this state OF
affairs we're advanced, though it is probable
that wire experts or electricians smiled
srimly over some Of the theories. At all
events, tho whole trouble was laid at the
door OF the telephone company, and the
censure heaped upon it was mountain
high. Just what effect these complaints
bad in stimulating the company TO investi-
CATION and improvement is not known,
but II set the Legislative Council to con-
siderng the situation.
The matter has been before the council
some time, and at a late meeting 1t was
referred to President MADDEN, Mr.. Sam
uel lIirsch and Mr.. 4. j. Graham. This
committee held meeting Thursday which
was attended by representatives Of the tel
ephone, telegraph and electric light COM
panies. A full and free discussion, in
which were advanced theories and sug-
gestions, was had. At the close there was
little more known than when the confer
ence began, but move toward solution
was made. The committee determined, at
the request of the electric light representa-
tiyes, TO have all electric currents from
the lighting companies shut of between
the hours of and O'Clock last night.
This was done, and those who had
occasion to use their telephones dur
, ing the interim are requested 10 report
results 10 President Hadden before 5
o'clock this afternoon. The APPEAL staff
took whirl at the phone, closed their
eyes aud endeavored TO detect change for
the better, but somehow the experiment
gave TO them little promise OF relief from
that quarter. The test may not have been
fair one. however, as there are two in
strumcnts in the Office operated by the
same wire.
President Hadden was interviewed on
the subject by an APPEAL reporter, and in
reply TO the question, what are you
going 10 do about it2" said;
81 don't know; that question will prob
ably be settled tomorrow afternoon by the
concentrated science and wisdom OF the
wire-men and committee. The matter
presents problem that can only be solved
by a combination OF this sort. II the cur
rents were all projected in a given di-
rection, il would be an easy mat
fer TO prevent any disturbance, for
we could assign each TO separate
streets AS il Is, the wires cross each 9th
er In every direction and when one Is
broken the Others suffer. In all this the
fire alarm wires get the worst OF II and the
city is put TO great expense. For instance,
there are wires belonging to the telegraph
companies, two electric light companies
aud one telephone company. Let u wire
belonging TO either OF these companies
break, it falls ON the fire alarm wire, sounds
the alarm and the department turns out.
Whenever the department is called out
that means expense 10 the city. have all
along been in favor OF kind OF joint or
ganization 10 take charge OF all the wires
In the city, the expense OF maintaining
which should be borne by own
ems. This would he ON the same plan
as n belt railroad, over which all trains
could enter the city. Under plan
OF this kind, proper regard would be paid
10 all wires alike. As II Is, let q wire he
longing 20 ono company break, and in re-
pairing IL they sometimes play thunder
with al the others"
"But in case Il is developed by the test
that the deficient night service Is due to
electric light service, what will iollowI"
They will be made 10 move the electric
light wires further away from those OF the
telephone company, which was in the field
first"
"Arc you not, then, going TO have the
wires placed underground"
''Now, where did you get any such idea
What, make the companies owning the
wires go 10 all that expense ? Why, il
would bankrupt them, and II such policy
were insisted upon II might drive them al
from the city,"
During the delivery Of this little speech,
there was n sinister look rom the Arboart
side OF the Tycoon's eyes, but the reporter
Is unable 10 state definitely whether II
originated FROM outraged sympathy for th'
companies or disgust at his ignorance. i
the latter prompted II, then the reporter
has excellent company, rs will be seen by
the following opinions from representative
business mon:
Capt ]. II. Martin, President Mcr
chanls' Exchange-l think that the un
dcrgronnd idea is capital one, aud shoul'
be done. The wires arc a great nuisanc
above ground, especially In case Of iircs
Besides this IL Is cheaper and safer Tor ia,
companies 20 have them underground
Once underground in proper order, no re
paiz, at least not one-ienth that Il take
above ground, would have 20 be made
The underground system is enforced Il
other cities and don't see why II SHOULD
not be done here. think II tho elcctri
companies would try Il once, they woul
soon regret that they had ever ha
their wires on these long, naked poles.
Mr.. q. w. Macme-I have all along In
sisted that the wires should be put undc
ground, not only for the better scrvic
expected Of them, but for the non-obstruC
ton Of the streets. The sooner they ar
put nnder ground the better Il will he f.
The companies and the city, too.
Col. W. NJ. farnngton-I have not give
the subject any thought at all, but Il seem
90 me that under the ground is the plac
for these wires. ! certainly do not war
them running over any Of my houses
Under the ground these yircs are harmless
but above Il they are capable OF dom
much damage TO property.
Mr.. A. Y. Harris Certainly think IN
wires should be under ground. There
where they properly belong. Tho ordii
nncc compelling the wires 10 be 10 laid
rigdly enforced In other cities, and don
zee why Il can't be done In Memphis.
hope the movement will not stop until q
OF the wires are buried out Of sight
Col. !. +. JoficnonIt Is the prop,
place for all electric wires, and they ongl
10 have bccn there a long time ago.
would really add TO the appearance of q
city, besides. from what | can learn, u
wires really do more efficient service undI
than above ground They are not apt