The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-11-24
A Gard Trnm the standard.

To the Richmond Public:
IT has come 10 our knowledge that
further strenuous efforts are being mane
by our opponents 10 postpone the con-
sideration Of the telephone franchise by
the Boad Of Aldermen as long as pos
siblo. by continuances, or by the ap-
podntment Of a special committee 70
investigate certain alleged charges
against the STANDARD Company.
We think # IS proper that the public
whom we propose TO serve shall be re-
minded in this connection that the Rich
mond Standard Telephone Company has
been recommended by a committee COM
posed Of Colonel Cutshaw and Mr.
Thompson. fhe city's chef electrician,
and has been twice fayorably reported
by the Street Committee. as the best tele-
phone for the city 10 adopt; that these
alleged charges have been circulated py
hand-bills from irresponsible parties
connected with the management OF the
Home Telephone Company, for the past
six weeks: that they have repeatedly
announced themselves ready 10 prove
that our company is a fraud. When at
the last meeting Of the Council, the Home
people were unable 20 secure further
delay. they stated that they were pre-
pared 20 prove various fraudulent acts
which would entitle the Standard COM
pany 10 the cond smnati0n Of All honest
men. and though their time was extend
cd from half an hour 20 an hour and a
half. and they were repeatedly urged 10
produce the proof promised, instead OF
vague illusions. they failed utterly and
absolutely 10 prove one single charge, or
produce one scintilla OF evidence against
as.
on the other hand. ! believe that every
person present viii admit that the Stan
dard Company was fully and
absolutely vlndicated ond proven by
documentary evidence 20 be worthy OF
the confidence Of thd public. as was
shown 10y the test vote In the Council. OF
fourteen 10 seven for our franchise. Sub
sequontlv. IN the 1oighborhood OF j
O'Clock I'm the morning. similar fran
chise was granted 20 the Home Com
pany.
II this fight against us has not been
wagod In the interest OF the Bell monop-
oily il has. az least. been carried on by
company whose very contracts or SUD-
scrption warrant the superstition that 1t
VIII sell its franchise 10 the Bell Com
panv, If such be obtained.
We believe that the giving Of fran
chise 80 two new companies will be value
I'm injury TO the best interests OF the cit-
zens. and perpetuate the unrestrained
monopoly under which they have suffered,
and we are confident that every day
delay must operate to the disadvantage
Of the public and solely 70 the advan-
tage Of the Bell Company.
We had, therefore intended asking for
~ special meeting Of the Board of Al
dermen for Wednesday night. TO consider
this matter. as upon that body we
confidently rely 20 put an end 10 this UNI
scomly TRADE Of abuse, and give the pub
lie better and cheaper telephone service
al an early date, but, at the suggestion
OF Judge Christian, senior counsel for
the Home Telephone Company. who de-
sired delay. we have resolved to ask that
the call issue for q special meeting Of the
Board on Tuesday evening. December 81.
the date named by Judge Christian as
satisfactory 20 him.
Meanwhile we are tired OF hearing the
baseless charge by irresponsible parties
that we are connected with or operating
in the interest Of the Bell. 1t is abso-
lutcly false. as are all the other charges,
and those who pretend 70 make the
statements Of their own knowledge. make
them knowing them TO be- false
We are making n legitimate. earnest
fight against the Bell Company. just as
the Postal Telegraph CO. IS waging its op-
position against the Western Union Co.
Very respectfully,
JOHN G. ROBERTSON.
President Richmond Standard Telephone
Company.
A. b. Guigon. General Counsel.
Couches. COuches.
EOuchcs. COuchcs.
foucheS. Coucheg
SYDNOR Il HUNDLEY
Leaders. IN and 7l3 east Broad street