The Delta independent., 1904-07-22
The Colorado Telephone Company,

/ y "HOM IL MAY CONCkhS.
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 adja-
cent communities and are OF themselves
a public necessity and benefit. The
highways are primarily constructed and
maintained for the purpose Ct facilitat-
ing communication and are rightfully
reserved for the general benefit OF all
the people. The state, recognising 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 a corporation. they are used as q
public utility and any Interference with
tbam 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 aud interference with this ccnver-
sutton is as much q detriment to the
general community as il ~ bridge was
taken out by some private person. max.
ing the road impaesabIe.
With this preliminary explanation !
wish to call your attention TO the status
VI this company as regards tho moving
of hay stackers through our hnes. We
have heretofore taken the g. ound that
we would place high poles in our linea
for 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. N r iii
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 deprivsBg themselves
and their neiehboH OF continuous
From this time on. We will say to oil
owners Of hay stackers that we are per.
fectIy agreeable to furnish, without
charge, the 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 tina,
this proposition is perfectly fair 10 every
one concerned and that we ere clearIy
acting within our legal rights 10 thii
matter.
Inaemuch as we are a public utility
corporation and depend upon people fol
our patronage, We wish to have the good
will of the entire community, but VI
must, like any one else, protect our
selves against injuries and wrong. Ii
doing SO we also protect our subscribers
yourself, your neighbors and the public
generally.
In case 1t becomes necessary at Sd,
time to move your stacker through an,
Of our wires, you. can always get oul
agent by telephone and be- will be 10
structed to assist you and facilitat.
your work In every possible way. Shoult
our agent fail to give you prompt attcn
ton you can call the General Super
intendent's Office at Denver, by tele
phone. without charge. We will no
permit our wires 10 be torn down with
out notice and in future cases OF :thi
sort. will be compelled to take lega
steps to protect our subscribers,
The Colorado Telephone Co
E. M. Burgess,
! --s. " General Superintendent.
Denver, Colo, June 30. 1904.