The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-12-17
CITY COUNCIL MEETING.
The Bell Telephone FraRehise AgaiD Con-
sidered---Leagtsy llebate---Refesred
Back 10 Committee for SahElis-
sien to Attorney.

SJaEy COUNCIL MSG III %ISGG 1lcsi SSo9ioh
at So,cicck Wednesday night. Present,
Mayor A. B Ssuekey and Aldermen
Chandler, Dick. q. Epperson,
Finn Hurst. and SchgFesin. Absent,
SEQ. F.Eppeyson. -.
Minutes Of December 1st. and 4th
were read and approved.
The police committee reported the
purchase Of rubber coats and boots
for the police officers.
The finance committee reported that
Z the Clerk and Treasurer's reports for
September and Octobes had been ex-
anined and found correct and that
bills referred to them had been ap-
proved.
Alderman Dick called attention to
the defective heating apparatus IN the
Opera House, and moved that COM
m;ttee be appointed TO investigate ana
report to Council. Aldermen Dick
Hurst and Chandler we're appointed:
The committee appointed 10 consider
I the application Of the Southern Bell
TELEPHONE and Telegraph Co, fer the
privilege Of erecting and operating a
long distance and local exchange IN
Sumter Submitted written report as
follows
Your committee to whom was refer
red the application of the Bell sFele-
phone and Telegraph Co., for the
privilege OF erecting and operating a
long distance and local exchange would
resnectfuly recommend the adoption Of
the ordinance submitted by the com
pany on condition that they incorporate
their contract with the city the
following stipufations further than
already oEered by them to Wit In
case the Bell Company succeeds TO, or
assumes control of the lines OF the
Sumter Telephone Co, they viii con-
time the present out Of town collnsc-
tions fer Eve years at the following
rates for three 81 minutes talk-le
cents for l5 miles or less 20 cents for
over l5 miles and not exceeding %
miles. The service of tho Bell Com
pay to he satisfactory and first class
metallic circuit system ork of con-
struefion to begin within go Gays from
adoption and publication Of ordinance
and exchange to be complete and ready
for service within u months.
d. 3. Chandler,
e. NJ Hurst.
j. A. Sh#erIn.
Messrs. King and IT. HARDY, Jr.,
representing the Bell Co, were pre-
sent. Mr. King presented and read q,
contract and ordinance to she follow
ing efec55
Section Grants permission for
erection by the Bell Co., It's successors
and assigns, Of the necessary lines
upon the roads, streets and highways
OF the ciity. 6s .
Section Q Provides that erection Of
ssreat Displaced by the erection Of poles;
lines shall he done under supervision
OF the Street Committee, the Company
to replace and repair any sidewalk OF
OF in case of their failure SO to do.
then the city may make repairs and
collect cost from the Company.
Section 8. The company agrees 30
provide one cIoss.arm on each pole for
police and FIRE alarm system free OF
q Section The company shall E,e
subject to ordinances now IN eziss-
enca or hereafter adopted relative to
the use Of streets by telephone and tefs-
graph companies
Section 5. The company assumes
liability for any damage which may
arse from injury to persons or pro-
perty By reason OF the work authoriz-
ed. or bg neglect Of its employees.
Section 6. The company shall hle
with the City Clerk its acceptance OF
this ordinance within 60 days from the
day goes into effect.
Section Z. The ordinance shall <be
Ia force from date of its Adoption and
publication. The company herein
agrees to furnish for the city's suse
three telephone stations, service free,
and any additional stations the city
may require as two thirds OF regular
rates. The company agrees not to m
crease rates attached to the ordinance
for period OF five years. After that
tine rates are not to be greater than
for similar class Of service In cities
of Ike size where Bell telephones are
used. H the. Bell company success
TO or assumes control Of the Sumter
]. Telephone Go, will continue the pre-
sent outsof town conections for five
wears at the following rates for three
minute conversations: fifteen miles or
less. 10 cents; twenty-five miles or
less, 20 cents. The system to be
metallic circuit, first class and salts
factory
Mr.. Boyle suggested that the present
proceeding was out of order, as
Council had already adopted an ordin-
ance permi itting the Bell Telephone
Co, to operate an exchange in Sumter.
He therefore moved to reject the
present proposition, but this motion
had no second.
Mr. r. B. Belser, of the Sumter
Telephone Co., presented written
offer on behalf Of his company to
operate their exchange under the pro-
visions and limitations OF the ordin-
ance adopted by Council in July IN
favor Of the Bell Go.
Mr.. Schwerin moved adoption Of the
ordinance and acceptance of contract
offered by the Bell Co.
MIR. Chandler said while he had
never opposed the Bell Co., he had
been faYorably inclined to the local
company on account of their out OF
town connections which are most
valuable to the merchants. The Bell
company now agrees to furnish this