The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-11
A FAVORABLE REPORT.
The Washington Telephone CompHn.
Bill Recommended for Passage.

ne " '''f.'"s
Bill Recommended for Passage.
Representative Pearre of Maryland.
from the Committee on the District Of
Columbia of the House Of Representatives,
yesterday presented a favorable report on
the Washington Telephone Company bill.
The report follows:
The purpose of this bill is to secure
cheaper telephone rates for the citizens of
Washington and is the result of long con
tinued effort of its citizens in that direc-
ton For some years there has been much
agitation Of the subject of cheaper tele
phone rates, which eliminated in an
amendment to the appropriation bill pro-
viding for the expenses of the government
OF the District of Columbia and passed at
the second session OF the Fifty-fi fifth Con-
gress.
This amendment undertook to fix a
limit for telephone rates in the District of
Columbia at $50, with graded service.
An attempt to enforce this law resulted
in the equity suit of James s Manning
and others VS.. the Chesapeake and Poto-
mac Telephone Company, No. 19.3Ss in the
Supreme Court OF the District OF Column
bia. in which the amendment was held to
be unconstitutional and void in February
OF this year.
The incorporators named in this bill
presented their proposition 10 the com
mittee in the early days of the present
session, and the committee has carefully
heard their representatives and the repre-
sentatives of others with propositions
somewhat similar in character. These
hearings have bppn pNhauStiye
the committee, after suggesting Tu-
merous amendments to the original
bill designed. for the protection of
the citizens and the securing Of their
rights, reports the pending measure. This
bill is endorsed by the Board of Commits
sioners of the District Of Columbia, by
the Brightwood Avenue Citizens Associa-
ton, the Georgetown Citizens Associa-
ton, the Columbia Heights Citizens AS
ISOLATION, the Business Mems Association
OF Washington. with a membership of 500.
and by the Telephone Subscribers Asso-
citation. composed of 500 members.
1T will be observed that the Commits
sloners of the District have the right TO
prescribe the conditions and regulations
under which all conduits provided in the
bill may be laid, and that the same shall
be planned and constructed SO as to form
a part OF the general subway system
Whlch the commissioners are authorized TO
prepare.
The incorporators are prohibited from
selling the charter or franchise under pen
atty OF forfeiture. The company, when or
gained is restricted IN the sale of its
property and franchises by q provision of
the act subjecting the purchasers to all it's
restrictions and liabilities and by the i'm
position upon their other properties OF all
the restrictions, liabilities, and penalties
OF this act.
This bill limits telephone rates in the
District TO $50 for residences and s4S for
business houses. The present rate of tele-
phone service is s120 for residences and
sl25 for business houses, for the metallic
circuit, with additional charges beyond a
limit of a mile from the centre Office. The
bill requires metallic circuit"
The bill will be called up on the next
District day.