The Delta independent., 1904-07-29
The Colorado Telephone Company.
To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

10 WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The rapid growth o; the telephone
business throughout the state has re-
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 ada.
cent communities and are Of themselves
a public necessity and benefit. The
highways are primarily constructed and
maintained for the purpose cf facilitat-
ing communication and are rightfIly
reserved for the general benz fit OF all
the people. The state, recognizing this
fact, has made all such roads public
property and does not permit Of any
interference by private parties with such
highways.
While the telephone lines are owned
by corporation, they are used as
public utility and any Interference with
than is general damage to the commu.
nifty. II any one has legal right to
travel along country road they have
Just as good a right to talk along the
same road by means Of the telephone
wires aad interference with this ccnver.
sation is as much detriment to the
general community as il ia 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
we would place high poles in our lines
Tor the convenience OF the farmer desir-
ing to move his hay stacker along 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 stackers 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, the necessary number Of men
to open the line at any given time, pro-
viding q reasonable notice has been
given to our nearest Office. We feel that
this proposition is perfectly fair to every
l 4 II. u.
acting within our legal rights in this
matter.
Inasmuch as we 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 1t 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 iu-
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
intendent's 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 20.
L. M. Burgess.
General Superintendent.
Denver, Colo. June 30. 1901.