Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-03-10
LOOK AT CONDUITS.
STREET COMMITTEE WILL DE-
VOTE TODAY TO PHILADELPHIA.
YESTERDAY IN The METROPOLIS
Further Investigation of the Long
Distance Telephone System-some
Pleasure Combined With the Bust
ness OF the Day I'm New York.
From staff Correspondent OF the Dis
patch)

| From a staff Correspondent OF the Dis
patch.)
NEW YORK, March 9.-The Richmond
Committee on Streets, which Is here look
ing into the practical operation OF the
American Company's long-distance tele-
phone system, has made the best use OF
to-day that was possible under the cir
cumstances. They visited the general
offices of the company again. talked over
matters further with General Meaney
prosecuted further their inquiry into the
workings of the underground systems for
electric-wires. and spent the remainder OF
the day sightseeing.
There was light rain during the latter
part of the afternoon, which somewhat
Interfered with the pleasure of the visit
ors.
Upon the arrival OF the committee in
Philadelphia tomorrow at noon they will
be met By Superintendent Hovey, of the
American system. and Chief Walker, OF
the Electrical Department OF the city OF
Philadelphia, and shown the fourteen sys-
TENS Of underground conduts I'm use there.
The American Company has 800 miles OF
wire in that city.
GET HOME THURSDAY.
The committee expect to reach Rich
mond Thursday morning, though the party
will be smaller than when it left on Sun
day. Mr.. Ebel had to leave tonight to
attend to important business at home. Mr..
Pollock. after taking the Philadelphia trip,
will return to this city. and then visit his
relatives in Rhode Island, and Mr.. Bloom
berg will stop over in Baltimore TO spend
few days with his brother, who is in
business there.
The Street Committee at its last meeting
fixed upon the 18th instant as the time TO
pass finally upon the question of granting
the franchise asked by the American Com
pany. 1t is not certain that this course
will be adhered TO. but If it is General
Meaney will be present and advocate the
claims of the corporation which he so
ably directs.
General Meaney's business-like talk be-
fore the committee after the dinner al
Manhattan Club so impressed the mem
bers of the committee that they invited
him to be present at the next session OF
the committee for the consideration OF
this subject and give the same general In
formation TO the other members who
could not take the New York trip.
General Meaney. who IS very practical
and direct I'm his style Of speaking shows
thorough familiarity with the entire sub
ject Of telephony. and his frankness and
straightforwardness has greatly impressed
the Richmond delegation.
AS TO THE LOCAL COMPANY.
He was asked during his speech last
night If in his judgment the Richmond
Telephone Company could give a satisfac-
tory Gervce at present charges. He very
automatically excused himself from a di-
rect reply, but referred to several in
stances, notably in North Carolina, where
companies charging higher rates have not
been able to pay a cent dividend or even
pay their officers Then, touching the
general subject of profits from this BUSH
ness, he said the public was greatly In
error in the opinion that large sums are
made each year.
The American Company has never made
over per cent. on its investment nor
has the Southern Bell ever made over s
per cent. The work Of building long
distance lines south from Washington has
begun, and General Meaney assures the
committee that his company proposes 10
cover the entire South. whether It is
permitted to enter Richmond just now or
not He prefers, however 10 make Nir-
ginia's capital the southern centre and
distributing point, and, therefore, TO put
1t on the main lines going from Wash
ington south and from Norfolk West.