davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
The Facts of the Telephone
Situation in Louisiana
CUMBERLAND TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY
Incorporated
What The Company Asks
~ ]. Epps BRowN. President.

The available supply Of money for invest
ments Is limited. The opportunity and de-
mand for new capital is unprecedented.
The telephone business must compete with
all other businesses, public and private, fos
this money
The investor viii put his money in the en-
terprise which assures him the best return.
To protect the rights of the public to receive
adequate service, the profits of the Telephone
Company must be SUFFICIENT to attract the in-
vesting public.
TO do this the Company must earn as much
as ten per cent upon Its Investment.
The company's investment is all physical
property: poles, wires and equipment exelu-
sively used in furnishing telephone service. No
: franchise, going value or any intangibles are
included. nor is there any bonds, stocks or
other forms Of capitalization involved
The amount Of the Gompany's investment is
what 1t originally cost to construct its physI-
cal property; the bare bones" of its telephone
plant. Practically all of the plant was con-
structed at low pre-war prices
It's present value today is much greater than
Its original cost
re reproduce the Company's plant at today's
prices, after making full allowance for its pres
ent condition. would cost 80 per cent more than
the investment
Ten per cent return upon the investment is
less than per cent upon the UGlIe of the COM
pany's property
No one questions the right Of the Company
10 earn fair and reasonable return upon the
CGtue of its property.
Measured by the profits earned today in other
business In Louisiana, the return the Com
pany Is asking to earn IS fair and Just profit
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27


srade ourselves that money viii soon
III cheaper All authorities agree
that Il win not. And If money is
worth more than 5 per cent there is
no use for us to continue going through
the idle ceremony of issuing bonds
on a 8 per cent basis because either
thev cannot be sold or else they must
Be sold subject to conditions, restric-
tions, etc.
So. Mr. Editor. bespeak your help
and influence in getting this matter
squarely before the public, the tax
payers, in your community so that
they can consider and discuss it; it
win then be their privilege and duty
to instruct their delegates to the con-
stitutionaI convention that they want
the new constitution to authorize a
higher interest rate on public improve
ment bonds (not exceeding 6 IL per
cent? or else they will have to say that
they are against all public improve
ment because it is idle to hope for
public Improvements if we cannot OBJ
tain the money to pay for them
through the sale of bonds.
| l say this frankly because it is my
fear and my prediction, based on a
close and intimate connection with
both the Louiiana and the general
bond market, that Louisiana public
improvement bonds on five per cent
basis win be practically unsaleable
for a indefinite time, with the result
that all public improvements must
be held up.
In conclusion, just a word in an
swer to the possible objection that
may be raised, viz, that the authority
for the bonds to bear not exceeding
s LIZ per cent interest, would neces-
state all bonds bearing that rate in
definitely. Such authority would not
make necessary any higher rate than
the, prevailing market rate, but it
would authorize the payment of that
rate as long as conditions made that
rate necessary in order to sell the
bonds. It would not in any way prev
emit bonds being issued on a per
cent basis whenever conditions re.
turn to normal but it would insure a
sale of such bonds now when the
money is needed for much needed i'm.
provements.
At any rate, let US get the issue
squarely before the taxpayers and vot.
ers and ask them to instruc their dele
gates to the convention that the in
terest rate on public improvement
bonds should be increased from 5 pei
cent to IL per cent or less let us
have some discuss on the matter any
way.
Yours truly,
LEWIS R. GRAHAM,
Bor1 At+n~rev, New Orleans.
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
and obstructing our every effort
Senator Pat Harrison.
INTEREST RATES ON PUBLIC
BONDS MUST BE INCREASED

Editor Star-Progress:
Dear Sir:-Increasing the interest
yield on public improvement bonds Is
a very vital matter that must be de-
cided by the constitutional convention
and the taxpayers and voters through
out the state should consider this mat
ter and make sure that the delegates
sent to the convention are in favor of
increasing the interest rate or inter
est yield. on public improvement
bonds.
Public improvement bonds-road
bonds, school bonds etc, are author.
lied by Article PSI of the constitution
of Louisiana and Paragraph ! thereof
provides:
nor shall such bonds
bear a greater rate of interest
than five 90 per centum per
= annum or be sold for less than
par"
Because the money is not available
from bonds which have been voted
public improvements, such as roads
etc., all over the state have been in
definitely postponed. And why is Il
that although the people have voted
the bonds taxes, etc., the improve
ments cannot be made? Not because
of any doubt as to the financial sound
ness 1or the legality of public improve
ment bonds issued under the laws o.
Louisiana, but simply and solely be
cause such bonds do not yield enough
interest to make possible their sale
under present financial conditions
Under our laws, as above set forth
such bonds cannot yield more thar
five per cent.
No financing is presently being
done by either public, private cor
porations on less than a six per cen
basis and only the highest class Sc
curity sells on a 6 per cent basis
Money fluctuates in value just a
cotton, sugar, rice. At present (anC
the financiers say the conditions vii
last for many years. money rates a
high. So, borrowers. whether pr
vate individual or municipality. mus
pay high rates. @
Great nations like Switzerland ant
Norway, untouched by the raYages o
war, have recently borrowed at rat
exceeding per cent Giant industrial
corporations like Standard Oil Com
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
THE SUPREME COURT AND The
ELECTION

The purity and greatness Oh tne
Supreme Court of the United States is
something tina It's dear to every Amerl-
cams heart and the fact that four new
members very probably will be ap-
nointed by the next president is a
matter for deep consideration III thlS
election. Four members OF the 0'uI
ora now eligible for retirement on &C
count Of age and it is probable there
will he four vacancies on the court
n he filled within the next four years.
; TboughtfuI people, therefore, will
nonder the point recently made by
covernor Cox to the effect that the
senatorial oligarchy has for its aim
not only the control of the executive
4brongb the election of Senator Hard
inc hit through him the appointment
80 sorr Members of the United States
Supreme Court, ad thus, TO Ilhu Inc
country to reaction for the DeCter part
of a generation.
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27


The Company asks to earn only such profits
as are necessary to protect the rights Of the
public.
The public needs and demands adequate and
efficient service, now and in the future.
TO furnish this service additional facilities.
costing many million dollars must be con-
structed.
This money must be gotten from the invest
ing public.
Investors will not put their money into an
established business unless they are sure of a
fair and adequate return upon their invest
ment.
They cannot receive a fair and adequate
return upon their investment unless the bust
ness earns fair and Just profit
The investor is guided by the profits earned
In the past, and the prospects of profits to be
earned in the future.
When the Company's profits are such as will
enable it to Obtain from the investing public
the money needed to furnish adequate faciIf-
ties to supply the demand for service, its earn
1ngs will be fair and reasonable
fair and reasonable profit is as necessary
Tor the protection Of the rights of the public
as 1t is for the protection Of the property rights
of the Company
What return is fair and Just profit de-
pends upon general economic conditions.
What was fair and Just profit in 1914 "a
not fair and just profit in 1920
The investor is entitled to, and demands
the same return upon his money invested in
tne telephone business as he receives on
money invested In other businesses
The profits earned In other businesses de-
Iermlne what profits the telephone business
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
DEFEAT AMENDME NT NO. =
SAYS THESE BODIES

An urgent appeal FOR the defeat Of
Amendment No. Z on November has
been sent out by q number Of New Or
leans organizations, including the
dock board. which sponsored the
measure at the last session Of the leg
islature.
Unless this amendment is turned
down. it is pointed out, two very i'm
portant tax exemptions now enjoyed
by the state viii be repealed.
Amendment No. Z proposes to re
enact Article $50 of the state consti-
tuition SO that industries located on the
New Orleans industrial canal viii be
exempt from taxation. It is SO wofded
however, that its adoption viii repeal
Act So of 1914 which exenDts from tax
alton money on hand or on deposil
and homestead loans. and Act 25S o.
1915, which exempts from taxation
American flag ships domiciled in Lou
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
REPUBLICANS AND THE FARMERS

During the eighteen months the
Republicans controlled the senate and
house, they failed to make adequate
concentrations to take care OF the
agricultural interests Of the country.
In the last congress, with the republi-
cans controlling the committees on
agriculture in house and senate, they
reduced the appropriation requested
by a democratic department OF agri'
culture over seven million dollars, and
reduced the appropriations provided
for by a democratic congress approx
matelv two million and half dollars
They cut out and reduced appropria
lions that were necessary to preserve
the livestock interests of the country
They refused to provide adequate ap
preparations to encourage and aid the
American farmer in the production
conservation and sale Of his crops.
Senator Harding was one Of these
conspirators in the senate against the
American farmer, and while we OF the
democratic party receiving the hearty
cooperation of Democratic admins
tration were making the fight for
weeks in the American congress to
prevent the present conditions against
which the American farmer and STOCK
man are now striving Senator Hard
ing and his reactionary republican
friends in the senate and the house
were challenging our every statement
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27

pany, Swift and Co, Bell Telephone
Co, etc, have recently paid from Z II
per cent to per cent. :
Cities Of the grade of Richmond,
Va, have just borrowed at s per cent
All the foregoing loans are for long
periods-zfrom ten to twenty-five years
demonstrating that these borrowers,
who have had the advice Of the best
financial brains in the country, do not
expect cheap money for many years to
come.
And even the United States Govern
ment is paying 6 per cent for money
which it borrows on U. s. treasury
certificates of Indebtedness.
This being the condition of the NOM
ey market, it is hardly to be expected
that Louisiana municipalities will, for
many years to come, be able to Dor
row money at per cent-the consti-
tutional limit.
A condition not a theory confront
us-what are we going to do about
our public improvements? Unless we
want to abandon all public improve.
mepts for many years to come, Louisi
ana public improvement bonds must
be on basis that will give the inves-
tor an adequate return from to 6 IL
per cent That, for instance, Is what
our neighboring state of Mississippi
allows on its municipal bonds.
There may be exceptional cases
where some local interest purchased
some special bond issue on per
cent basis-but except in such isolat
ed cases, 1 do not think that there has
been a straightout bona fide sale,
without conditions, of any public i'm
provement bonds in Louisiana, since
the beginning of this year. And all
the investment bankers inform me
that there is no chance OF them buy
ing any more bonds for long time
they are out OF the market
So, no matter what we may wish
it seems self-eyident that there must
be some change in the interest yield
on these bonds.
This may be effected by changing
the present law Constitutional go as
to permit either ~ that these bonds
bear not over IL per cent interest
or (2) that the requirement for a sale
''at not less than par" be abrogated, be
cuse if 5 per cent bond can be solo
for, say, IS, it yields per cent t.
the investor just the same as does 6
6 per cent bond sold for 100. Either
plan would relieve the situation, b,
increasing the interest yield, though
in my opinion, the first plan has many
advantages. But one or the, othe,
plan must be adopted, if we are t,
have any market for this class of pub
lie financing.
realize that there is an inheren
tendency to oppose any such idea s
this, which may cost, the taxpaye
mere, and this tendency is salutar.
because it exercises a restraining in
fluence on public officials who Away
find it easier to spend the taxes thai
the taxpayer to pay them
But we must all face the facts. w,
must make up our minds that TO
some time money is going to cos
nore-we shall accomplish nothing
but disappointments by trying to pei
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
STATE OF LOUISIANA,
PARISH OF ST. LANDRY.

BY virtue Of the authority vested in
us by law, and In pursuance to the
Proclamation OF His Excellency, the
Hon. John M. Parker, governor Of the
state Of Louisiana, we hereby order an
election to be held throughout the IL
m1ts Of the parish of St. Landry. La,
at the several polling precincts for
the following. purpose, to-wit:
For President Of the United States.
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
Far vice President d the united

FOR vice President Of the United
States.
For United States Senator.
For Congressman.
For Railroad Commissioner.
For District Judge.
For District Attorney
For Members of the School Board
OF the parish Of St Landry, La
For Constitutional Amendments.
For Constitutional Convention.
And we do hereby appoint the fol-
lowing named persons to serve as
commissioners and clerks of election
at the several polling precincts
throughout the limits of the said par
ish of st. Landry, to-Wit:
Opelousas-Co Commissioners: Law.
renee B. Sandoz, Alex. Swords, Ar.
chic Dunbar; clerk: H. D. Larcade,
Jr.
Plaisance- Commissioners Edgar
T. Dupre, Emar Lafleur, Adolphe Gull
lory; clerk: Damon Bertrand, Jr.
Bellevue Commissioners George
Wilson, Felix Dezauche, Leandre La
vergne; clerk: Frank Dimmick.
Grand Observation-Disclosures: A
D. Smith, John Oges j. ]. Barry; clerk;
Lionel Elmer.
Coulee Croche Commissioners
Remi Sibille, Cleophas C0meau, DR.
C. A. Gardiner; clerk: DR.. L. A. Gui
dry.
LeonviIle-Co Commissioners: Frank
Moreauy Regis Boudreau, Arthur La
haye; clerk: Antoine Speyrer.
Notleyville-- Commissioners: G. G
Devilliers, Louis Mouret, Emar Sicily
clerk: Dudley Devilliers.
Arnaudville- commissioners: Louis
Guidroz, Pierre Mistrot, Chas. Las
Bayou Commissioners: w
trapes, clerk: Frank Martin.
M. Rushing, ]. F. Anderson, James
Hicks; clerk: w. e. Harmon.
Melville Commissioners Sidney De
loach, F. NJ Able, R. H. Jones, Jr.
clerk: H. S. Joseph.
Waxia-Co Commissioners: H. g. Tay
lor,, Carl Woods, Chas. Duckworth;
clerk: holland Duckworth.
Commissioners: G. A
Mcdaniel, Harry Meyer, R. G. Haw
kins; clerk: UIysee Soileau.
Big Commissioners: Jesse
Vannoy, j. E. Hicks, E. v. Hudspeth;
clerk: Sylvan Goudchaux.
Commissioners B. s. Haw
L. A. Hazard, Henry Lowrey; clerk,
o. @. Foster.
Port Barre-Commfssi Adam
Mouille, C. V. Dejean, John Burleigh
! clerk: Collins Cormier.
! A
w. Krotz, Chas. Kinney, Henry Ster
mer; clerk: Chas. Ducote.
gten-Co Commissioners: Geo
G. Wartelle, Sam Plonsky, Manning
Wartelle; clerk: George G. Blan
chard.
Garland - Commissioners: Isaa
Goetz, W. NJ Culbertson, John Deere
clerk: G. L. Stephenson.
Whiteville- commissioners: Adam
Stagg, Oscar Provost, John Bacon
clerk: Isaac Stage.
Grand Prairie-Commissioners Cleo
phas Douce, III. Robert, Juste Lafleur
clerk: NJ. ]. Doucet.
Barbreck- commissioners ]. +
;Milburn, u. 8. Fisher, j. H. Baldridg
Jr, clerk: Leon Campbell
FaaUetaique-C Commissioners: P. N
MCGEE, Maxile Savoie, Edraste Ii
doux; clerk: Louis v. Savoie.
Commissioners: C. N. Be
trand, Robert McCfelland, Theo G. d.
jean; clerk: Dallas P. Pitre
Plaquemine Point: Commissioners
Jos. A. Deiean, Chas Bourque, Jr
Joseph P. Cormier; clerk: JOSEF
Boone.
Eunice-Co Commissioners Lennie S;
Voy, s. J. Morris, AWE Fuselier; cler
James L. Hammers.
Witness our hands, this 18th day {
the month of October, A. L., 1920.
HENRY LASTRAPES,
L. L. DANIEL,
L. A. GOSSELIN.
Board Of Supervisors Of Election {
the Parish OF ST Landry Ia
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27

isiana ports and engaged
trade
Discovery Of this detect
amendment was made BY the
leans association Of commerce
Immediately sought legal opIn,.
verify its belief Mr.. Henv
a well known New Orleans atto,
and Hon. Luther 2. Hall. assislasi
torpey general, have advised s.
the adoption Of the amendment
The state homestead league
lied building council, the NAME.
rers bureau the New Orleans as.
ton Of commerce, and the dock rs.
are on record against Amendment \.
Seven.
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
LOST

A large pink Cameo, betweso s
postoffice and the Clarion orr.
Monday, October IL A rswa4s
its recovery and return to clarm
flee or Miss Gertie Fux. S
The star-progress. (Opelousas, La.) 1917-1921, 1920-10-27
FOB SALE

One hundred and sixtythree (16S)
arpents of land, located two miles
north of opelousas. For information
apply to
c: 2. DUNBAR & BRO.
oct20-tf.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
Starr Fi,ibusterinn-
(unfted prees.l

WASHlNGTON. Dec. n oppon
euts Of the emergency tariff bill today
started tactics to delay the bill in the
Senate even before its passage By the
House. 1t was officially announced.
Senator Harrison. of Mississippi.
started filibustering, demanding q
roll call As soon as the senate met
Senator Ashurst. OF Arizona. urged
Harrison to withdraw his request but
Harrison insisted, then Senator
Thomas. OF Colorado. talked at length
on dye stuffs. immigration. the Col
umbian treaty and other subjects.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
|PETE HERMAN, BEATEN
LAST NIGHT, SAAS FOR
LONDON BOUT, JAN; IS
trhs Associated Press,

NEW YORK, Dec. 30 Pete Her
man. who lost the bantamwt,ght
championship last night to Joe Lynch
on decision. sails for London today
to meet Jimmy Wilde. flywe.ght
champion. in twenty round bout IN
January 18th.
There is nothing in the agreement
requiring US to fight for the cham
pionship title and the bout is still
on as far as ! know, Sam Goldman
manager of Herman. said.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
CLARA SMITH BACK
IN TEXAS AND WILL
RETURN TO ARDMORE
aThe AssocIa,ed Press.l

Ell. PASO. Dec. 23.ciara Smith
has returned to her fathers home,
spending last night there, and plans
to go TO Ardmore. Okla. to answer
the charge OF murder OF Jake L.
Hamon on November 26th- She fed
to Mexico after the shooting. return
ing voluntarily She was accompa-
nicd by Sheriff Garrett of Oklahoma
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
sen. CHAMBERLAIN
Of OREGON MAY BE
OPERATED ON SOON
UNITED Press.)

WASHINGTON. Dec. 49, Senator
Chamberlain, of Oregon. in the
emergency hospital here since Mon
day. may have TO undergo an opera
tion for kidney trouble. 1t was said
at his Office today.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
PRESIDENT WILL SPEND
QUIET CHRISTMAS DAY:
employees GET TURKEY
fThe Associated press., !,

WASHINGTON. Dec. 23 President
Wilson plans to spend quiet Christ
mas at the White House. Today he
presented employees with turkey ard
children living On the road 10 the golf
inks with presents.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
funited press.)

LONDON, Dec 2s. Sim Fein
documents showing completely In :
German plot in 1913 will be made
public within few days. Prehaier
Lloyd George informed tho House ol
Commons today The incriminating
hterature Was captured IN recent
raids on Sim Fein leaders the pre-
m5er said
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23

PENSACOLA, Dec. 2s--The British
schooner Ronald, loaded at st. An
drews, ready to sail. was burned to
the waters edge today. The lumber
'aden vessel was insured by French
company for two hundred thousand
francs
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
VAR IS PRoeL lNED
BEIyEEN F|uE AND
ITALY, SAYS ROME

LONDON. Dec. % ID Annunzio to-
day proclaimed state Of war be-
tween the Fiurne government and
Italy and has forbidden the population
TO leave Fiume. says Rome dis
patch
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
MRS. COACnMAN OF
JACKSONVILLE DIES
FROM AUTO INJURIES

JACKSONVILLE Dec. 23-Mrs
Walter Coachman, injured in an au-
,omobiie accident Tuesday. died at
Lakeland last night.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23

daughter was carrying on and should
nave notified the elders. What would
|.ou say about that. and what 90 you
suppose the Angel Gabriel wrote IN
his book about il
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
Tariff Bill Goes Over.
fThe Associated Press.)

WASHINGTON. Dec. 23, On the
objection of Senator Harrison. Of
Mississippi. consideration ty the Sen
ate OF the emergensy tariff bill has
been delayed until next week.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23
-FOUR NEGROES SHOOT,
KILL AND ROB WHITE
MAN At RALEIGH, n. G.

RALEIGH, Dec. 23. Percy Pleas
ants, stopping to aid four negroes
seemingly in distress, was shot killed
and robbed this morning. oficers are
In pursnii
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23

WASHINGTON. Dec. 23.-The Sem
ate is following the House plan and
arranged to adjourn until Monday.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23

New Jersey Man Shot in Saloon :
Headline That Is usually vital
spot 70 shoot New Jersey man. too.
y e. Brown reports a rain fall Of
-66 OF an inch during the rainstorm
OF last evening, and the slight show
ers today.
The Daytona daily news. [volume] (Daytona, Fla.) 1903-1926, 1920-12-23

l5}nr Tho aims Of the father upon
11nn has been reversed IN q
tch Re1ermed church at Pas
III. Deasel. head of the
~ away with Miss Trina
keFx ~ The choir. He came
~ po6hiue his repentance IN
~ Teeption last Sunday and has
f6es ana father Of Trina. +
aye beea put out OF the
(fo The elders say the
pnsf ha4e known how their
Arizona republican., 1920-11-28

good speaking and singing voice and is
destined to win the Phoenix playgoers
on the opening act this afternoon.
The production this week is fully up
to the high standard already estab
Hshed by the company which has been
brought to such a plane of excellence
on account of the scarcity of road
shows this season. Where would you
find a better cast of principals than
Ed Redmond. George Banta, Marie
Rich, Bobbie Deane, Jay Allard, Irene
Noblett. Mary Fladeland, Rose Pome-
roy, Eddie Young, James Hughes,
Wayne Campbell, Glen Hood and that
nifty, snappy American Beauty chorus
would be the envy of any of the road
managers today.
why Grow Old" contains an inter
esting well sustained story and enough
of the drama for a dramatic stock
company and enough big song and
melody numbers for an ordinary mu-
/ steal comedy. A few of the late music
hits to be offered this week are: oh
Those Blues Away" Wasn't Anybody
There to Meet Me- Just a Gypsy
Dancing on the Moonlit Sands" Irish
Were Egyptians" blue Rridge Blues
and some new novelties by the Har-
mony Quartette Bobby Deane. Jay Al :
lard, Irene Noblett and Glen Hood. The
Brandon Stock company is deservin 3
of the title ''the biggest show in the
world for the money"