The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-08-17

for an increase. If both are granted 1t can be readily seen where the mer- chants would be. am in hearty favor of a combine of the two companies un- der the strict supervision of this com mission and hope it can be arranged. That would obviate the necessity of two phones and slight increase to the Bell company would certainly be unobjectionable."
 The last speaker was J. E. Morriss of the Tyler Grocery company and former alderman. He attacked the in- crease very earnestly. having previous ly testified to the inefficiency of the service: Tt would be only fair to grant the Peoples an increase if this Is given. am therefore inclined to favor supervision of this commission. This Is serious proposition and I earnest ly hope the commissioners will look closely into the proposition"
 MT. Morriss said the figures were er- roneously compiled as to the fixed charges here pointing out that certain charges should not increase because of a larger subscription list.
 The argument of MT. Morris was given the closest attention by those present and he was frequently asked questions by President Gentry and other officials.
 Complain of Service
 Preceding the suggestion of the Board of Trade members that merg- CT be worked out, the session was taken up with witnesses testifyng as to the service rendered by the Bell company.
 Those testifying were Fred Larkins, Dr. Percival Reed, W. D. Gresham, R. W. Ewing, F. H. Lewis, John l.. Park CT, E. R. Minhennett, and J. F. Morriss. With the exception of pr. Parker, who maintains 10 Bell phones, the witnesses complained of the service.
 The meeting adjourned until this morning at 10 o'clock when the testi- mony will be continued.
 Prior to the opening of the session yesterday President w. T. Gentry fur nished Comm issioner Lane a copy of a contract entered into in 1899 that the rates here would not be increased. The point was made by Commissioner Lane and Dr. Heflin that the contract was indeterminate, but Colonel Gentry said it expired in 1902. The contract Is here given:
 Copy of Agreement
 Whereas, certain differences have arisen between the people of Birming- ham, Alabama, and more especially the subscribers hereinafter referred to. and the Southern Bell Telephone and Tele- graph company, resulting in the intro- auction of two bills in the general as sembly of Alabama looking to the reg ulation and fixing of telephone charges in the city of Birmin gham, Alabama and,
 Whereas the said telephone com pany being willing to do all that may be required to render said legislation unnecessary, and being willing to enter into an agreement fixing it's charges for telephone service.
 Now Therefore, in consideration of the premises, and for other valuable considerations moving to the said tele- phone company, it is agreed on the part of the said telephone company, with the commercial club of Birming- ham, a body corporate, the Jefferson County Medical association, body corporate B. M. Allen, Wyatt Heflin. E. H. Cabaniss, Cabiniss and Weakley and Steiner Brothers. and such other subscribers to said telephone company, as may ratify and approve this agree ment, that the existing telephone charges or rates of twelve dollars per quarter for each business telephone, and nine dollars per quarter Tor each residence telephone shall not be raised or increased as against either existing or future subscribers, before the first day of November. 1902.
 Tt is understood, however, that thls agreement shall not become of force and effect should there be any act passed at the present session of the general assembly of Alabama proVld- ing for the fixing or regulating or such telephone charges.
 Tn witness whereof, the said south ern Bell Telephone and Telegraph com pany has caused these presents to be executed by Charles H. Wilson, It's duly authorized agent and general manager, on this. the I 7th day of February lS9s, four copies of like tenor and effect herewith being executed.
 SOUTHERN BELL TELEPHONE AND |
 TEI IsGRAPH co,
 M (. II. Wilson. General Manager. Witness: c. II. Brooks.
 s4~i ct Montgomery, Ala.
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