The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-12-11
TUESDAY, DECEMBER II, 1906.
THE TELEPHONE SITUATION.

There nothing in the proceedings of
either branch of the city council last evening to
indicate that there is any basis in fact for the
industriously circulated of late to the effect that
in pursuance of carefully and secretly prepared
plan measure giving the Providence Telephone
company an exclusive franchise in Providence
would be rushed through during the closing hours
of the existence of the present city government.
Last evenings session was not OF course, the
final one to be held by the city council in office
and it will be possible, if there exists any such
scheme has been commonly reported, to bring it
forward at the meeting to be held on Friday even
ing or at any other session that may take place be-
fore the city council of 1906 passes out of office.
However, there is tangible evidence that
such action ever has been or is now contemplated.
and the rumor that a scheme had been prepared in
the interest of the Providence Telephone company
appears to have had its origin in idle and rrespon
sible street gossip
But assuming such plan TO have actually
been formed, there is little likelihood that any at
tempt will be made to carry it through in the face
of public sentiment that is plainly and emphati-
cay hostile to any such snap legislation. In this
matter of telephone franchises the people will insist
on absolutely fair treatment for all the interests
affected as well upon justice toward themselves.
They would frown upon any attempt to give
to the Providence Telephone company exclusive
rights within the city until the wisdom and equity
of doing have been clearly established by impair
tia investigation and until the people themselves
have had an opportunity to be fully heard
Probably this whole telephone controversy
would have been satisfactorily settled long ago had
the representatives of the Home Telephone COM
pany been frank in their disclosures regarding
their corporation, the officers and stockholders in
it. the system it proposes to establish and the rates
it intends to charge, and had it more promptly
kept its engagements with the special council COM
mttee appointed to inquire into and pass upon the
worthiness of its petition.
Representatives of the Home company ought
to understand that the privilege it seeks is very
valuable and that it affects directly the entire
business community, we'll as thousands OF citi-
who make use of the telephone as a personal
convenience.
The establishment of second telephone sys-
tenn here would render it almost obligatory on those
engaged in business. industrial and professional
activities to subscribe both and it must be appar
cnt therefore, the fullest inquiry the part of the
representatives of the city and the most open and
unreserved disclosures on the part of those who
seek this valuable privilege necessary in order
that fair and just decision may be reached
The city council has the right to demand in
the interest OF the people the fullest particulars re-
garding the Home Telephone company, its manage
ment its stockholders, and its financial standing
Moreover before final action upon the petition is
taken the people themselves should be afforded
reasonable opportunity to express their views as
to the advisability of granting franchise TO COM
peting telephone company.
When the Home company meets these abso-
lutely essential requirements it need have no doubt
its petition will be given careful and impartial con
sderation and that action upon it will be in accord
with deliberate judgment as to what is best
for the community.