The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-01-21

Bell Co.. ordinance adopted July 9th,
1902. And subject to the further
condition that during the continuance
of this franchise the company shall
give service throughout Sumter coun-
ty and wherever lines extend within
radius of twenty-five miles of Sumter.
without further charge than the re-
gular monthly rentals as regulated by
said ordinance provided similar con-
dition be imposed upon all competing
companies. In consideration Of the
franchise they will furnish five free
telephones for the use of the city-one
for the Clerks Office, two for the fire
department, one for the police and
one for the Mayors Office, and to abide
such further regulations and require
ments as the City Council may from
time to time impose.
Messrs. Dick and Chandler moved
that the petition be granted.
Mr.. Schwerin said he did not think
Council could consistently accept free
service from the Sumter Telephone Co.
when they had declined anything
gratuitous from the Bell Co.
Mr.. Boyle move that the Bell Co.,
ordinance of July 9Th, 1902, be now
adopted as general ordinance, but
there was no second.
In answer to questions DR.. Baker
said that the Sumter Telephone Co.,
is putting in metallic system, and
expects to complete the work by Oct
ober 1st. They will continue to operate
their country connections.
The Sumter Telephone Co.'S, petition
was granted by vote, Mr. sSchwerin
voting against it.
Mr.. Hardy, Jr., resumed the floor
and urged action by Council in refer
ence to the Bell Co.'S. propositions.
He said Council had considered the
matter sufficiently and as intelligent
men should know whether they desire
to accept or reject.
Messrs. Dick and Boyle moved that
the ordinance prepared by Lee &
Noise and adopted July 9Th, 1902, for
the Southern Bell Telephone and Tele-
graph Co. be now adopted as General
Telephone Ordinance embracing amend
ments granted the Sumter Telephone
Co., tonight and that no offer from
any company shall be considered unless
in conformity with such general ordi-
nance.
Messrs. schwerin and Epperson
offered as substitute that the offer
and ordinance of the Bell Telephone
Co., be rejected. The substitute was
voted down and the resolution of
Messrs. Dick aud Boyle prevailed.
The committee on heating the Opera
House reported as follows:
Your committee appointed to in
vestigate the causes of the poorly heat
ed condition of the Opera House beg
leave to report that we have gone over
the ground carefully and find:
l. That the sashes Of the upper
windows are not in working condition
and cannot be shut, hence offer a
most convenient escape for any heat
that may be generated below.
2. The elevator built for hauling
the massive stage properties and trunks
has never been enclosed, hence draft,
source of constant annoyance and coun-
teracts most of the benefit derived from
the heaters.
3. The furnace is incorrectly put
in, practically without draft to the
hot air chambers.
4. The stoves furnished some years
ago are burned out and are not only
inadequate in size, but positive
danger to life and property.
5. There is we find. not exactly in
connection with the duties assigned
this committee, matter that should
be looked into at once by a competent
man, i. 9. The falling of certain plas-
tezing.
6. We beg leave therefore to recon-
mend that the defects in our heating
system be remedied at once by the
purchase of three stoves, as per es-
innate hereto attached, and that the
furnace be repaired-and that the
sashes be fixed and put in repair with
all necessary glazing, and that an es-
innate for work on elevator be obtain
ed with that Of the fire escape now in
progress.
F.. W Hurst.