The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1900-07-31
HELLO! HELLO!
Our Bellefontaine Telephone System

telephone service in Bellefontaine, and
other places, to the various independ-
ent systems that have sprung up in this
and other States. These independent
systems have united for long distance
service, so that each is now able to
reach many of the towns and cities in
this and adjoining States, and in time
will have a general system.
There was time when the Bell Com
pany had monopoly, and its rates
were SO exorbitant that small cities
and towns were not able to enjoy the
great advantages of telephone SER
vice. The monopoly said, "Pay our
prices, or do without telephone SER
vice." and the majority did without.
The public is, therefore, indebted to
these independent lines for all cheap
telephone service they now have. The
Bell Company, seeing that it had over
reached itself, has put down rates, and
is now seeking to put up plants, where
| it before refused to let the people en-
Joy the privileges of their service.
They are now seeking to get franchises
in several cities where local companies
are already operating. and in some
cases have succeeded. Wherever this
is SO, the people must maintain two sys-
TENS, at double expense, or have COM
munication with only half of those with
whom they des re telephone connec-
tion. This being SO, every one will see
that it is of infinite Importance in
towns and the smaller cities, that there
be only one system maintained.
The Bellefontaine Telephone Company
organized when the Bell Company re-
fused to give us service. They have
worked diligently and faithfully to inn
prove and extend their system, and to
give US long distance connection with,
other towns and cities. AS instruments
have improved, they have taken out
old ones and put in improved ones.
They have enlarged and changed their
keyboards, putting in the latest inn
provements. They have accommodate
ed new patrons and increased. their SER
vice as fast as they could secure instru-
ments. They have been laboring OF
late to change their old ground circuit
to negative circuit, in order to do
away with the crossing of lines, and
the cross talk, and the want of privacy,
that has been SO annoying under the
L sssss- $50 = &c..
For almost four months the company
have been having force of men en-
ployed reconstructing and enlarging the
plant. Over q mile of cable has been
have been set on end, many old lines
torn down, and everything done in
Isuch manner as to increase the capa-
lefty, both in the outside construction
and in the exchange equipments, only
the best material being uscd, as well
as the best instruments. The work is
not near completed, but they expect
within few weeks to meet all requests
for phones, and to be ready to receive
applications for two hundred more, and
hope within month or two to be able
Ito connect any subscriber within TWEEN.
Ity four hours after the application is
received.
The toll lines owned by the Bellefon
taine Telephone Co. are now all metal
ic circuit, and can give long distance
service to most points in Ohio, and
many in Indiana, while there are YET
some towns and cities which have only
the "Bell" system, and therefore car
not be reached for some time.
The Bellefontaine Telephone plan1
will soon take its place in the catalogue
with her Water Works, Gas Works and
Electric Light plant. giving the best O
service at reasonable prices. Ani
while it is not owned by the city, yet
it is owned wholly by Bellefontaint
men who are interested in the welfare
Of the city. The directors are c. E
Yoder, w. Clay Huston, w. w. Fisher
E. J. Howenstine and G. M. Stevenson
gentlemen who have assiduously work
ed to improve their plant in every way
to give efficient service, to have all EN-
ployees patient and obliging, and t.
give our city the best service possible
at most reasonable rates. We congrat
ulate them on their success, and wisl
them continued prosperity.
THE SICK.
Mr.. Levi Wissler, who is sufferin,