Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 February 1914 — SUBSCRIBERS PROTEST TELEPHONE SERVICE [ARTICLE]

SUBSCRIBERS PROTEST TELEPHONE SERVICE

Petition Signed and Sent to Public Service Commission Alleges that Service is Inadequate

The first step taken toward fighting the plan of the Jasper County Telephone Co. in securing a raise in its rates is 'the filing of a petition with the Public Service Commission alleging that the service as now furnished is inadequate and the equipment wholly insufficient Section 57 of the act providing for the commission provides that a hearing shall be given the company and the public whenever a petition signed by ten or more persons is filed. This is. a counter action to the one taken by the telephone company in filing an application for the right to raise the .rates. The petition filed was prepared by Attorney A. H. Hopkins and was signed by B. Forsythe, G. H. MeLain, C. B. Steward, Dr. A. R. Kresler, S. C Irwin, Ray D Thompson, Mrs. John Jessen, Frank B. Ham, E. L. Hollingsworth, Ed Oliver, T. M. Callahan, P. W. Clarke, G, J. Jessen, C. Kellner, J. 1). Allman, First National Bank, J. N. Leatherman, Chas. J. Dean, J. A. McFarland, E. D. Rhoades, Dr. E. C. English, J. G. Culp, Korah Daniels, Geo. H. Healey.

People have continued to flock to The Republican office all week to commend us on our attitude 'n the matter. They have all of them said that they are ready to put up 50 cents or whatever amount is necessary to protest against the increase in rates. Mr, Thompson, head of the telephone company, called to inform the writer that he did not deem our position fair. He said it was not right for the subscribers to be represented by attorney. Since that time the company has decided to use one or more attorneys to represent it There can be no doubt that the company will do all in its power to get the rates raised and if the public is not represented by an attorney or two, who have information of the cost of equipment and the cost of maintenance the telephone company will have a decided advantage and the rates will be raised. The time is getting short. The hearing is set for Friday, Feb. 27th, and The Republican suggests that a meeting of a number interested be called and plans adopted.