The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-10-06
HOPE EXPRESSED THAT PHONE
 RATE INCREASE CAN YET BE
 SETTLED BY CITY AMICABLY
Judge Lane and Attorney Sokey in Conference Yesterday Citizens Continue to Express Views on Queston-Co.
 Gentry's Recent Explanation Reproduced

any step on the part of a corporation which tends to run up the cost of liv- ing"
 N. l.. Steele: '1 believe the eoncensus of opinion s against the increase in rates uf the Southern Bell Telephone company. However, I believe there would be no kicks over a timid increase were the two companies to combine their services"
 J. T. Slater, secretary of the freight bureau of the Merchants and Manufac- turers association. The fact that tele- phone stock is the highest priced stock on the market is good reason to my mind that there can't be such a great loss in the business, for there would not be such splendid dividends. Therefore. think the rate increase is unfair and uncalled for"
 c. T. Stafford, secretary of the Builders and Traders exchange: "The increase of rates for the telephone service of Bir- iningham is entirely inconsistent with the lest business methods. I can never be convinced that increased business 6e- creases returns. and that the more patron age 1t has would necessitate an increased drain on those patrons"
 T. A. Weller of the Bessemer Coal and Iron company: "The Bell Telephone com pany had the nerve to send me a notice the other day that the rates would be in- creased. and I think it is the limit of human endurance. I am in favor of con- solidation of the two lines especially if it means lower rates"
 Al c. Garber. cashier Merchants and Mechanics bank: T believe that sll corporations here should be adequately compensated for their service. However, it is hard for me to understand how any company can lose money as it's business grows. l cannot see how merger would affect the situation"
 Ferd Marx: T am opposed to the in crease, and am opposed to any merger. merger would not help me any. and think the statement that the Bell com Dany is losing money is rather exagger- ated."
 Dr. J. W. Hughes Tt is a strange business principle to me how any one loses money as business grows. I an, opposed to the increase"
 General Louis Y. Clark: "It is a new principle in business to me how any cor poration ss it's business grows loses money. l have not looked into the Bell proposition closely, but unless some other evidence were adduced then I would be opposed to the increase"
 Joe Steed. the moving picture man in Ensley, said: T hope they remove the Bell phones entirely. I am going to have the Peoples phone installed in my resi- dence as soon as possible"
 pr. A. w. Averyt: T am sure the Bell people will have to move, and we will do everything possible to help them out of Ensley."
 J. M. Donaldson. Ensley real estate man; T have had the Bell phone re- moved from my office already. The ser vice has been very poor and the :n- creased rate is not justif1able.'
 H. w. Bostick, traveling man living in Birmingham, said; T am seriously op- posed to the proposed increase in rates or the Bell phone on the grounds of ser vice. 1T we were getting service which warranted the present rates, I don't know as l would kick but considering the service they are now giving us. it is bad to think of having to pay more"