The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-07-31

consideration for some time the propo-
elton of II nnniber Of telephone oom.
panies nll of them promising to pay
money into the city Treasury, give the
city free phones aud 10 reduce the
ynte Of the present churges.
/. Some weeks ago Messrs. Helvin &
Brown, of New York. asked to be
given tile right to construct subway
system. ! lie other candidates for city
tavors protested against granting
she franchise desired by this company,
aud the war began. They claimed
shut it was al effort OF Mcssrs. lleivin
& Brown to get exclusive coutrol of
abe streets OF Norfolk. when oil
other electrical companies would
be forced to uso their wiies,
Nud that Messrs. Helvin n
Brown would soon hive monopoly.
She question was considered by the
Councils mud the Common branch
passed the ordinance giving the use of
fhe streets 10 HeivIn X Brown, but the
Select Council refused to concur and
the whole question was referred TO
special committee.
At The instance of this committee
meeting was held last night IN the
Common Council chamber and all who
lad any REASONS to assign why the ordi-
uance should not be passed we're IN
vited to be present to express their
views. The meeting was i'll session
from T:30 to IL O'Clock, but was not
largely attended.
Mir. Brickhouse presided. The oh
sect Of the meeting WAS stated aud Col.
Starke, OF the City Gas Light Com
pany, aud Mr.. Cole, of the Long Dis
tant Telephone Company, explained
their objections briefly.
The chairman said he would like TO
hear any person that desired to SPEAK
on the subject, and explained that the
meeting was called to hear objections.
MIR. Wilcox eaid he would state Tie
objections Of his company. but thought
ile should have the right to reply TO
she remarks of those who followed him.
he spoke Of the damage whicn might
result from the opening of streets to
the pipes OF the gas company.
THE BOND roo SMALL.
He contended that the bond to be
given by Messrs. Ielvin * Brown was
Inadequate.
lie held that the subways should be
60 constructed as to supply all demands
Cor number OF years. There WAS 10
specification ns TO he kind of subway
except such Il system as HelvIn y
Brown may chose to construct. He
was present for the purpose of getting
come idea from the gentlemen what
they expect 10 place III the city.
The ordinance WAS read by the
clerk. and Mr.. Helvin sn,d he came To
Norfolk last March, at which time Il
BETTER was sent ont by the Ordinance
Committee asking bids for competing
EIue OF telephone. one of these let
Gers came into his hands. He looked
b, y ppl To la,
elusion that Norfolk would be
growing city and eventually the
metropolis of the South.
lie said be counted 100 poles between
CRANKY and Church streets and came
so the conclusion that the thing for
Norfolk would be an underground sys.
Sem. lie wes n practical man and then
named the great works Of this charac
Ger he had constructed. He said he
1as u native of Virginia and loved the
State ns much as any man.
lie then argued that the advanced
thiukers OF the whole country upon
matters Of electricity endorse the nm
dergi ound system and gave the names
of eminent men who had testified III an
Injunction case III favor Of under
ground wires. Boston was one of the
greatest electrical centres aud there
are moro underground wires in lbat
city than III any other city III the
United States.
LIVE WIRES.
He spoke Of the danger to man and
beast from wires prostrated by snow
and winds and gave ali instance OF
little girl thst had been fearfully
burned by live wire.
In regard to the matter OF bonds. he
said the bond in New York was $780,
600, and in Norfolk $4,000. He
Thought the bond sufficiently large.
ln speaking of the ordinance, MIR.
Wilcox asked who prepared the ordi-
nance. MIR. Helven snid the ordinance
committee did so.
Was not the draft by your at
sorney?
Mr. Helven asked Col Slarks if he
prepared the ordinance and lie said no.
You arc answered, Mr.. Wilcox, said
Mr. Helvin.
No | am not. Did your have al at
aorney, prior to the employment of Col.
Starke?
No, sir.
TIE BOND.
Col. Starke interrupted Mr.. Helvip,
and said ha thought 1t would be I'M
proper to have IL bond from tbe Sub.