The Delta independent., 1904-08-12
The Colorado Telephone Company.

To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The rapid growth o; the telephone
business throughout the state has rs-
suited in the construction OF lines along
most OF the public highways. As you
undoubtedly know, these lines are for
the purpose OF giving yourself and your
neighbors telephone service with adis-
cent communities and arc OF themselves
a public necessity and benefit. The
highways are primarily constructed and
maintained for the purpose Il facilitst-
ing communication and are righifully
reserved for tho general benefit of all
the people. The state. recognising this
fact. has made oil such roads public
property and does not permit Of any
interference by private parties with such
highways.
While the telephone lines are owned
by.a corporation, they arc used as
public utility and any interference with
than 10 a general damage to the commu-
nifty. II any one has legal right to
travel along country road they have
just 10 good q right to talk along the
same road by means OF the telephone
wires and interference with this ccnver.
sation is as much q detriment TO the
general community as II f. bridge was
taken out by some private person. max.
ing the road impossible.
With this preliminary explanation
wish to call your attention to the status
Of this company as regards the moving
of hay stackers through our lines. We
have heretofore taken the g. ound that
wo would place high poles in our lines
for the convenience OF the farmer desir-
ing to move bis hay stacker siong given
road, or. IL at sny time the route was
changed we would furnish labor to open
our lines temporarily for the same pur-
pose.
In some cases We have been put to
considerable Inconvenience by reason Of
farmers moving stsckers through our
lines without notice, not only causing
us expense. but deprivsng themselves
and their neighbors Of continuous
service.
From this time on We will say to all
owners Of hay stackers that we are per
fectly agreeable to furnish. without
charge. tho necessary number Of men
to open the line at any given time. pro-
viding a reasonable notice has been
given to our nearest Office. We feel that
this proposition is perfectly fair to every
one concerned and that we sre clearly
acting within our legal rights in this
matter.
Inasmuch as ~e are public utility
corporation and depend upon people for
our patronage, we wish TO have the good
will Of the entire community. but we
must. like any one else, protect our
selves against injuries and wrong. 10
doing so we also protect our subscribers.
yourself. your neighbors and the public
generally.
In case It becomes necessary at any
time to move your stacker through any
Of our wires. you can always get our
agent by telephone and he will be In
structed to assist you and facilitate
your work in every possible way. Should
our agent fail to give you prompt atten.
tion you can call the General Super
intendents Office at Denver, by tele-
phone. without charge. We will not
permit our wires to be torn down with
out notice and in future cases Of :thi
sort. will be compelled to take legal
steps to protect our subscribers.
The Colorado Telephone 10.
E. M. Burgess,
General Superintendent.
Denver, Colo, June 80. 1904.