New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-22
NEW TELEPHONE co. PROPOSED
WILL OFFER \ SERVICE AT GREATLY
REDUCED RATES-DENIAL THAT
CROKER Is BEHIND IT

report printed in one o; Yesterdays newspapers
10 the effect tha, Richard Croker and Senator Ed
ward Murphy. jr.. were interested In n projected
telephone company was vigorously denied yeser-
day by one Of Mr. Croker's business and political
associates The article in question connected the
names Of the two Democratic leaders with the
American Telephone Company. which has Offices on
the ninth floor OF the Townsend Building. at Broad
way and Twerty-hfth SIS. This concern has not
been incorporated yet. and no steps have been
take 70 obtain charter though this will be done,
according 10 John A. Wallace. who IS connected
with the concern. when the necessity arises.
Mr.. Wallace yesterday said TO Tribune reporter
tina, he and his associates had the exclusive right
OF sale for the present city of New-York OF the
telephone instruments manufactured by the West
ern Telephone Construction Company, OF chicago
These instruments are In practical operation IN
Newark y J.: Richmond Va: Charleston. 5. c..
and numerous cities ana towns throughout the
country. In addition 20 these public exchanges the
Instruments are in use In private plants in Wash
ington Chicago and this city. Money was ready.
he said for the formation OF a company TO enter
the field IN competition with the New-Iork and
Ncw-Jersey Telephone Company, at rates which,
according 10 the off rias OF the latter company
would he rulnous 10 H.
While M Wallace was unwilling to say who
the hackers OF the new enterprise were. he intl-
mated that they were among the most influential
business men and capitalists OF this city. Although
the details Of the plan had not been declded upon
he said II was certain thai telephone charges under
the new company's system would be from '56 TO so
vear according 70 the cost of installation. In
Manhattan where wires must he placed under
ground. the maximum rate would be chargea' IN
the other boroughs where wires might DC sus-
nended from poles the rates would depend on the
distance from the central exchange and the num-
Der OF subscribers 10 the service IN the neishoor-
hood All the rates quoted were for an uh!lini'eo
service
As regards Mir Cookers alleged connection with
the concern Mr.. Wallace said: NO politicians SO
far as know. have any financial interests III 'he
proposed company. In enterprises IKE ms ,S.,ys
volving the right 20 the OF the citys suO"ays
and m. right 10 Law new cOnduits or erect pores
and string wires. the man who would caiVldty ~
leaders would be a fool The only way TO get con,
cessions from the LEGISLATURE ana the ~ 20
AUTHORITIES Is TO interest the party leaders II the
Jornirart uarfy Is as anxious as II has claimed 10
he 70 get cheaper elephon service for residents OF
%ow.Sork. NOW is thr lime for # to prove It's
cooi faitHh' Al the rates / have quoted the com
pany can make plenty ~ money ana us od'"e''
are satisfied 20 make the effort . ,
- = Shayue president OF the Merchants anu
Manufacturers board Of Trade, who mas oeeh
active in his efforts 70 secure 'oWeI te'ci n,nr
charges in this city said YESTERDAY thar ne heig
stood that ncW telephone coh!pdn3 49, "a ,,e
talked or but ne did not know who was DehIlu II.
Mr. Shayne said that II slch a cEP'eog1d sub
formed II would have AT least zen thvisaIlu
scribers within sixty days, and twenty Ihousa''u
III sbayne was one Of the committee when Weni
% Atbonv TO urge the passage OF the brush plII
reducing telephone charges. This Dlll gIe'' nan
naonIe who nave studied its course In the Legs
- boiievc will not ne reported from the COM
,oi..ae M which Il was referred. but another m
reduced by Senator BT0yn will be repor'eI IaL"ra
coEnnarIes under the jur5sdFd6n Of the state Kai-
road Commission. VIII n hak power 10 * 70, he
rates Taese rates the ' 70 Pp1r the company
20 make pron; OF 10 per cent on its Investment