The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-04-07
new TELEPHONE co.
Long Distance Company Wants
Toll Franchise in Topeka.

A new telephone company wants
franchise in Topeka and an ordinance
granting a franchise to the Kansas
Long Distance Telephone & Telegraph
company to build a lire through North
Topeka has been introduced by Council
man Howe Mr.. Howe stated that he
introduced the ordinance by request.
and knew nothing about its merits The
ordinance was read and referred to the
committee on streets and walk.
The council was evidently considerably
interested in the new ordinance. and
several Of them insisted on hearing the
whole ordinance read. although It was
only necessary under the law to read
the title. It is said that the Kansas
Long Distance company has been en-
deavoring for some time to get the or
dinance into the favorable considera-
ton of the council, but has failed.
The position which the new concern
occupies in relation to existing tele-
phone companies is somewhat uncer-
tain. Some claim that it is really a Belt
telephone project, and others state that
it is fighting the Bell, and is friendly
to the existing Independent system. In
company explains its existence as fol-
lows
''The Kansas Long Distance 'Tele-
phone and Telegraph CON pany was in
corporated under the laws of the state
of Kansas, January 80, 1902, with a cap
ital stock of $500. 000 Its charter conferS
the right to build, operate, maintain,
buy. sell and lease long distance tele-
phone lines, telephone toll lines, farm
ers' telephone lines, telephone exchanges
and telegraph lines.
THE main purpose of the organiza-
ton was to afford ample long distance
facilities in the many operating indie
pendent telephones in Kansas, and to
arrange for an interchange of business
between this cOmpany's system and the
long distance systems Of other states.
Several long distanc companies have
been projected in Kansas, none of which
has accomplished much beyond effect
ing a paper Organiza ton. But the in
dope ldent telephone companies have
realized that a comprehensive system
of long distance lines is absolutely nee
essary in UNFOLDING the integrity of the
indenendent movement in Kansas. and
that there can be no true competition
until such a system is properly con-
structed.
Our long distance lines should not
be classed as toll lines nor should it be
assumed that they will con pete with
the Independent toll lines For it is the
intention that existing independent toll
lines and exchanges shall serve as la
terals and feeders for our long distance
lines, and we shall not compete with
this so-called lateral traffic"
The company proposes to complete its
line in Topeka, in the best possible
manner, within nine months or forfeit
the franchise. The ordinance provides
the route for the line as follows:
IT he line shall enter ParamcTe street
from tre Granville country road and
pass along the south side Of Paramore
street 10 KaLsas avenue, down Kansas
avenue one block 70 Saywell street,
along the north side of Sayweu straeJ
to Western avenue. down the west side
of Western avenue TO Morse, along the
south side of Morse to Gordon, along
the south side of Gordon to the city linz
its; and the right is further granted
to construct and maintain the neces-
sary poles, fixtures and cables on along
and over such other streets as may be
necessary to complete the long distance
telephone lines named in the charter OF
the company. But nothing herein con-
tained shall be construed as authorizing
said company to establish a local ex-
chance in said citV.,