Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1913-10-22
TERMS
THE TELEPHONE SITUATION.
No. II

The Messenger came back (at LAST.
We refer to its reply to the Monitors
statement regarding the telephone
situation in Vermont, in which we
took occasion to use the term 'natu-
raj MONOPOLY in words which the
Messenger thought sarcastic. We
have no particular contention with the
Messenger as to whether there is such
thing as a natural" monopoly or
not. We would not undertake to dis
mute the theories of Richard Theodore
Ely Though some scholars do) as to
economic problems, an authority whom
the Messenger quotes.
Yes, the Monitor rather enjoyed the
Messengers "class in economics"
which that paper pleases to term It's
instructions to this paper, and Will not
attempt to dispute the teacher ut isn't
uice). but why leave the points at
issue and delve into the theory of
'ssocial and natural" monopolies?
The Monitor did speak of the Messen-
gers natural monopoly defense of
the telephone interests in Vermont,
but our statement was headed ''The
Telephone Situation" and dwelt on
the subject The Messenger in copy
ing it changes that head and sub
stitutes, "Natural Monopolies I'm
known"
So far as the telephone situation in
+bo
doesn't give hang whether there is
such a thing as a natural" monopoly
or not What concerns us is whether
there is or is not telephone monopoly
(social or naturaD in Vermont {;
whether that monopoly, if such there
is, was or was not built up to control !;
whether the present investigation of
the situation in Vermont is or is mot
justified; and whether the governor is
or is not correct in his position in the
case.
notwithstanding the telephone stu
alton in Vermont and not the theory
of monopoly-let US take the case in
Orleans county. For years we en-
ioyed independent service at rate
that was generally considered reason
able. The New England company had
only few toll lines here The indie
pendents occupied and controlled the
field and gave tolerably satisfactory
service. The independent owners grew
comfortably we'll off and everything
was harmonious. Here was monopoly.
I'VE will not attempt to name the
brand for fear of offending.) Seeing
paying territory and not being able
to purchase the independent system,
the New England company push some
lines into the field, finally organize the
Passumpsic company. offer free service
for time to new subscribers anC
meet the prices Of the independent
lines in certain instances. The fight
was on, and because of business
methods of the intruder which only
unlimited capital allow, the independ
ents were forced to sell.
(The Messenger said that natura
monopolies depend for their existence
or natural forces as distinguished
from social arrangements. " If w,
were discussing economics the Monito
would ask the Messenger whethe
natural forces" or social arrange
ments'' brought the New Englan,
system into the field and forced tn
Independents to succumb?)
Ne would remind the Messenger tina
this is more evidence, to our way O
thinking, that there is a telephon
monopoly working in this state, tina
it intends to control, that the evidenc
is sufficient to warrant the investiga
ton now being held and that tn
governor was right in forcing it to a
issue.
Space does not permit our copyin
the entire article of the Messenger bu
here is one of the closing paragraphs
And the Messenger would like to as
If the Monitor would find it advantage
Gus to have two telephone systems i
it's town? Perhaps it has two nov
and if it has how does it like to pa
two services where one would suffice
there were not an attempt to enfore
competition?
We believe that we are expressir
the sentiment of the people here whe
we say Barton has found it advantag
Gus to have its second telephor
system. AS for paying for two ser
ices: what does it matter wheth
we pay for two services and get it
whether we pay for two services al
get Only one?
Let us explain what we mea
When the Passumpsic CONG any pu
chased the Peoples line in this coun
the price paid was approximately $50
600. There was necessarily conside
ahle duplication of telephone instr
ments. lines, switchboards. good W