The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1899-05-05
CITIZENS WILL Be HEARD
ON THE PETITION OF THE MASSA.
CHUSETTS TELEPHONE COMPANY.

CHUSETTS TELEPHONE COMPANY.
journed Hearing Before the Com mite
on Ordinances-NIr. HoIbrook Guess
TONED Further-Another Meeting to
be Hold Next Thursday Night.
The committee on ordinances held an
other adjourned hearing last night on
the petition of the Massachusetts Tele-3
phone company, the hearing being held
in the aldermanic chamber. Mr.. Hol-
brook, vice president of the petitioning
company, who was testifying when adj
journment was taken Wednesday night,
was again called last night.
Questioned by Mr.. Alling Mr.. Hol-
brook said that the new company had
not decided on the make of telephone
which it would put in and had exhibited
the Meriden telephone simply as one OF
many cheap kinds that might be used.
Mr.. Alling submitted to him copy of
the articles of association of the new
company. Mr.. Holbrook refused to an
sWer a question as to the corporations
law of New Jersey on the ground that
it was an irrelevant question. Mr.. Al
ling then questioned as to the connec-
tion of Simon Borg & Co. with the New
York and Boston Telephone company,
and asked the terms on which Simon
r. tn hA
telephone company. Mr.. Holbrook said
that he had no statement to make in re-
gard to that. In answer to question
Mr.. Holbrook said that his company ex-sl
pected to operate telephones on every
street where people wanted phones at
reduced prices, probably through Church
street, for one. He said that the new
had no subscribers at present,
but that he knew of three prominent
business men who are now subscribers
of the old company who will take the M
new phones as soon as the new COM
pany is established because the presenu
rates are too high He only knew by \
hearsey what streets here were now oc-
cupied py underground conduits. He
said that the new exchange would be
located within the city limits, but would
not be more explicit, but suggested that
It might be on the Yale campus or In
Trinity church, this suggestion being
greeted by laughter from the Interested
listeners, who occupied every chair In
The chamber.
Mr.. Wagner at this point stated that "
he thought that Mr.. Alling was attempt
ng to delay the matter and said that
lie was asking questions irrelevant sim
ply to gain time Mr.. Allilng had just
asked about the Delaware concern and M
he New York and Boston company and
stated that he was endeavoring to find
he responsible parties who asked the
privilege of tearing up the streets OF
New Haven. Considerable time waB
hen spent by wrangling Of counsel.
Mr. Seymour said that the new conn
'any was not applying for rights in the
avor of one company and with the idea
f having another company do the work,
'ut said that the two companies were
onnected financially to some extent.
Chairman Dewell ruled that the matter
nder inquiry related only to the Mas
achusetts Telephone company and
would not admit questions concerning
ther companies.
Mr. Alling then continued his cross
Examination and brought out the fact
hat hearings on admitting the Massa-
husetts company were not finished In
II Massachusetts cities and that no APP
locations had been made in some cities
that state.
Judge Stoddard taking up an estimate q
f the cost of the plant of the new COM
any asked Mr. Holbrook as to what
treets the new company's wires would
e placed on Mr.. Holbrook again stat
that they would be placed wherever
ney were called for. Judge Stoddard
sked:
do you expect to take up the paves
lent on Orange street?"
II decline to answer"
"On West Chapel street,"
II decline to answer"
II notice an item for payment for cer-
lin items among others, taking UP NJ
avement, does that apply to pavements
our streets?"
ct decline to answer that question.
hat report explains itself and decline
answer questions concerning 1t. / am
ot an engineer"
HAS the Massachusetts, company any
with any company with refer
ice to the construction of any part of
S plant in New Haven?"
mo sir
rs it your understanding of the situa-
on that Simon Borg & Co. are to make
for the construction of the
ork?"
'"They are joined with us in making
lie contract"
"Have you a contract to that effect?"
1--WE have such an understanding"
I'm your understanding with Simon
org & Co. is a construction company
so involved?"
Nothing has been said about any"
"Is there any contract between your
mpany and Simon Borg & Co. in writ
60"
No sir"
WAS there any other estimate of cost