The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-30
TELEPHONE LINES MAY UNITE.
BELL AND TYSON COMPANIES
PROBABLE.

The Proposition COntempIates "A
Joint Use of Both Systems by the
Patrons of Either-The Matter I'm
der Consideration by the Bell PeO-
pIe-If the Deal Is Not Made the
Bell Company May Push Its Lines
Into Mr.. TysOn's Territory.
There is a prospect of the Tyson Tele-
phone Company entering into a contract
with the Bell Company by which the two
companies viii operate in mutual way. If
the proposed contract, which win reach Sa-
vannah in a few days, is acceptable the
arrangement by which the lines viii act
in conjunction will go into effect at once.
1t is said President Tyson has signified
his intention of accepting any rea-
sonable terms that may be proposed by the
Bell people. On being advised Of such terms
as it appeared would be mutually accept
able, Manager Polk informed the home Of
flee of the Bell company shortly after
which he was notified that a contract
would be drawn covering the terms under
which the Savannah exchange will allow
the Tyson company to use its wires.
What the conditions of this contract will
be are yet unknown. but it is thought
they will be liberal enough 10 justify the
Tyson company in agreeing to them. The
advantages as a result of the joint opera
ton, however, will be no more than what
is gained by the other company. The prop
osition Is to throw the wires of the two
companies together, not only for the con-
venience of the Tyson lines patrons, who
can then call direct to any part of the
city, without having The message written.
but for the Bell patrons, as well. who can
reach persons along the Tyson line with
out making trip TO the exchange. Such
a deal will enable Savannah merchants to
get in closer touch with their country pa.
irons along the line of the long-distance
telephone, and will in all probability prove
g general convenience in bringing increas-
ed profits 10 both companies.
That such an understanding has been
expected, it is said, is largely accountable
Tor the Tyson company changing the loca-
Ton Of its exchange from the business
center, where it was originally intended
to establish il, to BrOughton and West
broad streets 1t was believed al the time
that considerable difficulty would be met
IN getting rights from the city 10 erect
poes, which is also said to have had some
thlhg to do with changing the pace il
was at first intended to locate. Believing
there was prospect of reaching terms
WIN the Bel company, however it was
decided to establish the exchange outside
OF the business center, at least for the
hme being, pending the efforts to reach
some understanding. In the event it is
round this cannot be done, il will not be
too late then TO locate il nearer the bust
W. mol ,.,
ter commanded.
The belief is the Bell company will ex-
pect a rate paid it according 10 the time
the connection continues with the Tyson
line. 1t is stated it would not be pracd-
cane for IL to charge by the number of
uhes the lines were used, as the time
would vary 100 much. One patron would
possibly talk five minutes, whereas an
other would engage the wires a much long
er time. The very low rates the Tyson
company has offered however, will not
admit of a heavy tariff for the purpose
alone of connecting with the local ex-
chanSe. Anything in the bounds of reason
VIII meet the approval of President Ty-
son, however. who Is eager to give the
patrons of the long distance line the best
and most efficient service by providing
every possible means of transmitting mes
sages quickly and reliably.
Manager Polk of the Bell company can
not say what terms viii be offered until
he hears from the executive officers of the
company, who have been advised about the
matter He expects the contracts In
few days. and feels sure the conditions
viii be such as can be agreed to by the
Tyson company. Manager Polk thinks
the Bell company will encourage mutual
operation, because it will be of advantage
to the patrons of both companies. What
ever agreement is reached, however, VIII
probably be for a short period, as the Rell
company conlemplates soon taking up the
completion Of its projected line connecting
Sav9nnah and Augusta, by which it viii
reach considerable of the territory Of The
Tyson company and win parallel that line
from Savannah as far as AIeldrm.
The outcome of the matter VIII be watch
ed with interest by the patrons of both
companies AS the Bell company is in
position to lay down terms, however, the
disposition it shows in bringing about the
desired result VIII have a great deal to do
with its success. In the meantime the
Tyson company has a local telephone for
the purpose Of calling messengers and is
starting UP with bright prospects of sue
cess.