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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Apr 22, 1899
Page
10
A Massachusetts resolution asks the legislature to consider a bill placing telegraph and telephone companies under a public commission. It cites existing railroad and utility oversight to extend protections to consumers and adjust service price disputes. The committee on legislation is urged to advocate before legislative committees.
Governor Wolcott states Massachusetts prosperity hinges on safeguards for corporate investments. He argues the policy protects public welfare while allowing profitable service ventures, noting vested interests should yield to public good.
Delegates of the Central Labor Union resolve to endorse the state telephone regulation bill known as the Post bill and urge the legislative committee to aid its passage.
Adopted in Worcester Massachusetts in 1898 the platform calls for state supervision and legal reduction of telephone rates. It argues that telephone service today is a luxury for a few and should become an affordable convenience for many.
The Boston Post reports broad public support for the Post bill to put telephone firms under state supervision. Key figures including Alderman McDonald and P J Kennedy back lower rates and regulation, while opponents try to derail it. Proponents cite stock gains and public interest. some call for broader public ownership.
The Rev. A A Berle of Brighton Congregational Church supports House bill No 134 regulating the telephone business as a step toward public ownership. Rev Richard Fuller of the Independent Church denounces monopolies and tariff protection, criticizing private control of telephone telegraph coal and Standard Oil.
The mercantile affairs committee held a hearing on House bill 134 with Representative Whipple of Breckton leading. Attendees included Mayor Quincy ex Representative Mead James A Bailey George Albree and others urging state oversight of telephone monopolies. Ex representative Mead supported competition over regulation while others warned of Middle class erosion from corporate power and high rates for North Cambridge subscribers highlighted.
Congressmen Naphen and Roberts and ex congressman O Neil endorse the bill. Ex mayor Perry advocates stronger action. Post-Hon M M Gunniff urges all Democrats to back the measure.
The article reports three Massachusetts lawmakers favoring the Post telephone bill. Rep Henry F Naphen supports passage and suggests adding an indicator device for call registration. Rep Ernest W Roberts backs the bill in spirit, prefers direct legislation, and calls for lower rates. Rep Joseph H O Neil concurs, urging measures to cut charges.
Ex mayor A A Perry of Somerville praises the Post telephone bill as a step forward while urging vigilant public oversight. Michael M Cunniff of Boston backs the measure urging Democratic legislators to support it as a core platform principle.
Editorials from Brockton Times and other papers urge Massachusetts state supervision of the telephone business. They argue competition will lower charges, rail against monopoly power, and demand swift legislative action to regulate rates and open the field. The piece cites the Bell System and fears of broader regulation if Massachusetts acts.
Prominent merchants urge passage of the post bill asserting it will advance public interests. Critics say current rates are excessive and demand swift supervision. Mr. Louis Strauss of Leopold Morse & Co. supports the measure, hoping it will succeed.
A list of Boston area companies and firms aligning with the post bill includes Larrabee & Co. Chase & Sanborn Thomas O Callaghan Co Doe Hunnewell Co Norcross Bros D C Heath Co Bliss Co Ivers Pond Piano Co and many others such as American Tool & Machine Co Massachusetts firms and banks. The compilation names manufacturers publishers insurers and financial houses showing broad support across business sectors.
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