The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-07-29

titon signed by over 800 citizens. protest
Ing against the granting OF the fran
chso asked for by the American Tcle-
phone and Telegraph Company. Mr..
Powers and others were present TO adyo-
cate the petition.
Tho petition is as follows:
"Richmond. Va. April j.. 1897.
"Wc. tho undersigned. citizens Of Rich
mond feel assured that the granting Of
local telephone franchise in this city 10
the Long-Distanco Telephone and Tolc-
graph Company would result in the per
pctuation Of the monopoly from which
our people have so long suffered. would
put this city 20 that extent under the
permanent control of Federal judiciary.
and would result in serious injury 10 the
best Interests of this community.
owe. therefore most earnestly protest
against the granting hy the Council Of
tho proposed local franchise. and au-
thorze and request Mossrs. Robert W
Powers. John S. Elicit Frank H. Deanc.
John S. Herwood John j. Cary. B. y.
Munford, y. w. Bowo. q. G.. Valentine.
John r. Cary. Samuel Cohen. James j.
Crump. IT, Sttcrding Samuel IT, Pulliam.
J. T.. Mosby, r. a. Patterson, Junius A.
Norris Norman V. Randolph Daniel S
Mccarthy and g. Watt Taylor. TO pro.
sent our views in person before the Couu-
ell, and to take such other steps as may
in their judgment be wise and proper 20
protect the interests and rights OF the
citizens in the premises
MIR. POWERS ARGUMENT.
In speaking TO the petition. Mr.. Powers
said he was actuated solely by the in-
tercsts OF the city. lie reviewed the hs-
tory OF the Southern Bell Telephone Com
pany since the granting OF its franchise
and the course 81 had pursued during that
time He called attention 90 what had
been done 10y local capital. and to tho
duty of the Council toward that COM
pany.
The need OF long-distance telephones
had never been greatly felt. and even If
so the prices put them ont Of the reach OF
the average citizen. He was not opposed
20 having the advantage but was un-
willing TO do so at too great price.
Mr.. Powers did not undertake an elabo-
rate argument but I'm a plain, business
like manner presented the views Of the
Citizens Committee and put the whole
question as one Of honor as well as purely
business, presenting many phases needing
careful consideration.
In conclusion, Mr. Powers commended
and read TO the Council the editorial from
The Times OF yesterday morning on this
subject.
COLONEL CARY.
Colonel John y. Cary said his views had
been expressed by Captain Guigon and
Mr. Powers. and ne had little to say I'm
addition. It had not been long since gov
ernment by injunction was discussed 10y
the people. If the attitude Of the Bell Tele-
phone Company was to be sustained by
s.ff
IN the folds Of an anaconda.
Colonel Cary, as did Mr.. Powers. argued
the Quqesdon as one Of business and
honor.
"You would inlct a heavy injury upon
your own citizens by granting this franz
chise, said ne. If the Richmond Tolc-
phone Company had not constructed IT'S
present plant the city would now be with
out telephone communications. and graft
tude, and honor demanded that the Coun-
eli should stand 10y that company which
had entered the field in good faith.
While the long-distance telephone was
useful. he did not regard it as indis-
pensable lie begged that the Council
should not allow itself "to be geduccd bv
the persuasive oratory Of the Senator
from Lynchburg."
Major Norman Y. Randolph opened bv
ohiectinC 20 an allusion made by General
Mcancy TO the word American. which ho
construed as a reflection on tho people Of
Richmond.
He said the petitions presented repre-
scnted every class OF the business inter
ests Of the city and should receive atten-
ton.
Mr. John s Elicit. president or tho
state Bank OF Virginia endorsed the re
marks Of the Citizens Committee
MAJOR DANIEL
Hon. John w Daniel I'm opening. said
he did not think ne was q dangerous man
despite the remarks Of several Of the
speakers.
Tie declared that the policy of the whole
country had been 20 invite capital. and II
Richmond ala otherwise. she would be
alone. The policy of the country was to
dinuse knowledge by every means.
Major Daniel denied that he was pres
ent 20 fight the local company. but simply
TO defend his own He took issue with
those who declared his company was
monopoly. The word was defined as a
sole right 10 do any given thing. He de-
MED that the company he represented
had tho sole right 10 sell sound. and went
into lengthy argument TO prove his con-
tentlon.
Ile charged that the Richmond Home
Company sought to become q monopoly.
Major Daniel denied that the local COM
pany had right to try to shut off COM
petition.
40 TACIT UNDERSTANDINGS.
Arguing the question OF good faith Mai
Daniel held that no exclusive franchises
had been granted to the home companv.
Another charter was granted the same
night. The Common Council. ne said
could not have tacit understanding with
any one. Laws must be written and nlofn
SO that every one could understand them
The city had no right 10 give exclusive
privileges on its streets
Tho speaker referring 10 the charge
that the Bell and his company were iden-
tical. said they were not The directors
OF one company might be the same as
those I'm another as was frequently the
case i'm other branches Of business
I'm summing up 40 tho conclusion ~
speech Of over two hours Senator Daniel
said ne promised II the franchise was
granted. 10 furnish good telephone SER
vice.
rhe statement had been made that tho
company had threatened TO go by and
leave Richmond out of the line. This
word was too strong. but 10 had been "in-
tmated" that something OF this nature
might be done.
Senator Daniel made a earnest plea
for his company.
HOW THEY STOOD.
At the conclusion Of Senator Daniels
speech. Mr. Wallersteln said he did not
think the Council met TO hear da.cus-
sion a. 10 the meaning OF the word
American" nor to entertain threats
lie was in favor Of "a long distance fran
elise bat dld not favor local privileges.
lie however ala not Ike the tone OF
Some Of the speeches made In which the
city was threatened with being left out
o. the line unless local franchises were
Mr. Wallerstein said he aid not form