Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 March 1899 — THAT FRANCHISE EXTENSION. [ARTICLE]

THAT FRANCHISE EXTENSION.

The Jasper County Telephone Co’s franchise was up again last Monday night, before the Common Council. Details will be found in another column. A ten year extension is just as objectionable to the people of this city as 20 years, or any other period. A score of men, outside of those immediately interested, cannot be found in the city, who desired an extension for ANY period at this time, and especially so when granted without any compensation therefor. Why this unseemly haste to give away, this now conceded, valuable right or privilege? The present franchise has four years and four months yet to run. It can not be said that the city does not’need the money. The local tax rate is among the highest in the state. Only two or three weeks ago $1,069 was paid out of the corporation fund because the boasted self-sustaining water fund was without a dollar to its credit. It can’t be said that the Telephone Co., has already been mulcted in taxes, for it has paid none whatever. It can not be said it is given away because it is worthless, as some of the last sales of stock were made above par, and it is reported to be earning 12| per cent, dividends, and the local plant is reported to be valued at SB,OOO. Newspapers do not always reflect the sentiments of the people, but in this franchise matter, The Democrat is sure that it does reflect the sentiments of this community. and that if this matter is left in its present shape there will be some lively times ahead for the telephone people.