The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1904-05-13

General Manager of the Cumberland
Telephone & Telegraph Company in
the Commercial-Appea of Memphis OF
recent date, l have TO say that it has
been well understood and well adver-
/ tlsed in Columbia that notwithstand-
ing the fact that the Citizens Tele-
phone Company increased ITS business
rate from S1.O0 per month to 81. 81
per month, it has been necessary to
make assessments, or secure contribu-
lions (either way you take it, from
the subscribers, in order to meet
deficits.
ION one occasion, remember that
the stockholders met in the Opera
House and subscribed toward deficit
fund, an amount approximating 81, 900.
That at another time, Immediately
following the cyclone, an assessment
was made. 1t is, therefore, hard to
understand how DR.. Porter could Sc
cure his own consent to make the state
ment that our Company is succeed
ing finely, is out of debt, and is pro-
vided with a sinking fund for repairs
and extensions. y People who know
anything about repairing telephone
lines are aware of the fact that the
Citizens lines out in the country are
in bad condition. and will require an
expenditure of considerable sum of
money TO put them in proper shape
AS TO Who Made Overtures.
"As to the statement of DIR. Porter
that Mr.. Hume came to Columbia re-
Gently and sent him word that he desired
an interview, ct ectera, L desire to say that
on several different occasions, DR.. Porter
voluntarily brought up to me the ques
ton of the Citizens Telephone Company
making trade with the Cumberland
Telephone T. Telegraph Company, and
requested me to communicates with Mr..
Hume. did so at DR.. Porter's request.
Mr.. Hume replied that he did not believe
that such trade would be considered
by his people, but l urged him to at
least accord DR.. Porter an interview.
Shortly after that Mr.. Hume, with
other telephone officials, were through
Colombia making an inspection of the
long distance lines, and | reminded him
of DIR. Porter's request, and he told me
that he would be back through Colum
bia in the course of a day or two and
that if Dr. Porter desired to see him
that he would meet him
When Mr.. Hume returned from Pulas
XII stated TO him that | had seen DR..
Porter and he told me that he desired to
have an interview with Mr.. Hume and
that he would be glad to meet him at
the Bethel House, at the Cum bertrand
Telephone & Telegraph office or at his
own office. Mr.. Hume stated to me
that it made no earthly difference to
him where he met DR.. Porter, but he
desired me to be present at the inter.
view.
Met In DR.. Porter's Office.
Accordingly, we went to Dr.. Porter s
office and were very courteously receiv-
ed and treated by Dr.. Porter. DR..
Porter stated in the beginning of the
Conference that while he aud others
would like to make trade, he would !
have hard time with some of his coun-
try stockholders and therefore asked |
Mr.. Hume to suggest some proposition |
which could be submitted to the coun
Try stockholders and that would likely |
suit both. Mr.. Hume stated that he
lad given the matter 40 thought what
,ver. and had no proposition TO submit
Dr.. Porter then stated that he would
rive the matter further study and per
APPS consult with soma of his directors
" stockholders, but stated that in view
If the tact that he would have TO deal
With so many country people he would
ike for the fact of our meeting to be
,ept secret, and Mr.. Hume replied that
lie would treat the conference as conf
lentially as the Citizens Company treat
d it,
i was born and raised in this county
nd have been citizen of the county all
ny life, and | believe that my character
or seracity is as high as that of any
ther man in the county, and | make
his statement in justice to those who
ave right to know the facts, and |
m surprised at DIR. Porters's recent
Yours truly.
FRED LATTA
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