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WHAT THE BELL PEOPLE ANSWER % Statement In Reply to an Editorial. CHARGES DENIED. They Have no Telephone Monopoly* The Company is Managed by Southern Men In Interest of Clients? Some Figures Uiveii. In a late issue of THE advertiser somo sovero criticisms of the methods and history of The Southern Hell Tele phone and Telegraph Company wero made. Sinco that time THE Adver tiser has been called upon by Mr. A. J. Miller, special ropresentativo of the Coneral Manager of that Company who has taken issue with some of our repre sentations, thk Advertiser cheer fully gives place to the statement of the Company. mr. mim.kr's statkmknt. Availing ourselves of the courtesy of Tub Advkrtiskr to correct certain statements in a rccont issue, wo would state as a preface that we are con II dont that no intentional injury to our Company was intended, but believe that many of the allegations are based upon incorrect information. Primarily, we are accused of being an oppressive monopoly?exacting and ovorbearing. Instead of being a grinding, grasp ing monopoly, as this article would in dicate, we have no monopoly at all, there being hundreds of independent and competing exchanges in our terri tory and in many places wo have been importuned for the past three years to build competing oxchangos where there was a homo tolephono company but, with two exceptions, we have In variably declined to enter the field with a local exchange whoro there was one already in existence, and theso two exceptions wero after such press auro had boon brought to bear upon us by the business communities and city officials that wo could not consistently refuso the eamo and still claim to be willing to cover the field. Just to tho contrary of tho article, it Is our desire to covor tho Hold with strictly first class Hues, moderate rates, first-class local exchanges, reasonable rates, good service, and to deserve and rocoive the commendation and patronago of the public. It is further stated that ten years ago our charges for residence telephones in Greonvillo and Columbia ?was from $48.00 to $00 00. This is wholly incorrect. As a matter of fact, we have not, since the beginning of our business, charged as much as $48.00 per annum for residences telephones in el thor Greonvillo or Columbia. For many years our highest rate for resi dences telephones in either of these places was $80 00 por annum for un limited special line service and at pres ent time that is our highest rate on residence phonos in those cities. The highest rate we charge in Columbia for a business phono i,s $48.00 per an num and for that WO furnish common battery, central energy, supervisory system sorvlco, metallic circuits aud long distance instruments. This rate is charged in Columbia, with vigorous opposition, while tho same rate 13 only charged In Columbus, Georgia, (and a nuinberof other cities about tho same size of Columbia,) where there Is no opposition. Futherrnore, In Greenville S. C, whore a $4.00 rate had existed, with the elimination of opposition, there are between 200 and 300 of the old subscribers who have signed an agreement for a rate of $3.50 and also aerreed not to patroni/.e any other than the Bell Co. for a poriod of 5 years. In Spartanburg tho same thing is true. Since opposition has boon acquired we ?will reduce the rate from $4.00 to $3.50. Tho same applies to Union where with opposition our rate was $4.00, but since opposition was eliminated, tho rate is reduced to $3.50 and the subscribers are perfectly contented. Further statements made In your pa. per as to what we would do if we should buy out the Laurens Exchange, or any other Exchange do not credit us with any superior business judgment. We can't afford to charge exorbitant ratos, even if we wero so disposed. It would be a short-sighted policy to do so, as that would only invito competition and again bring about a situation of riv alry, ?to. It is the policy of the Com pany to inaugurate such rates as will preventfUrthor opposition. Finally attention invited to tho men who control and operate the Southern Bell Telegraph and Telephone Co. They aro in no wise strangers, the lead ing men of tho corporation all being Southern men. Mr. W.t. Gentry, the head of tho concern and its Genoral ? Manager is a native of Virginia, who has devotod twenty years to this busi ness. Ho stands high in business cir cles and has the unbroken record of do ing 'exactly what ho says he will do. Tne same is true of tho Assistant Gen eral Manager,, Mr. J. W. Crews, who is ?lau ? native of Virginia. Superin tendent Chapley Is a native of Pensa cola, Fla., Superintendent Sims of Ala bama and Superintendent Hobson of Savannah, aro all Southern men, and these are tho men who stand at the head of this Company and control all of its policies. They are therefore In a sense, your home, people and fill the demand th/t Is so often made for home competition. Again, it will be said that a Corpora tion has no soul. In a sonso this is true, but those who compose it are to ho trusted as much asmon in any other line of buslness.QThey are a compet ent part of our social system, and en titled to as much, but no more confi dence than others. ? It th'ereforo resolves itself into a mat ter of what tho experience of their past record will present in the fulfill ment and fidelity to same. In this mat ter and upon thy sort of an investlga tion, the Sou^ern Bell Telephone NEWS FROM MT. BETHEL. 'Mies Alice Fergueon began the school at this place last Monday morning with a good number of pupils. The Rev. Mr. Haddock preached at Poplar Springs church Sunday 28rd ult. and waged war oil masonry. Thanksgiving services will be held at Haimony Church Fifth Sabbath morning by Rev. Mr. Lowdermllk. In the afternoon on that day a rally will bo Leid In tho Sabbath School at Mt. Bothel. Miss Sarah Sullivan who is in college at Due West came home on a visit last Friday and returned Monday morning. The yield of sweet potatoes is greater than it has been for years, but there is general complaint of them rotting. Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Simpson visitod relatives in Pickens and Greenvillo last week. Most all of the farmers of this sec tion have gathered, ginnod and sold their cotten. More small grain has boon sown than common and is looking unusually well. Mr. E. G. Mitchell has tho boat burr clover patch wo have soen this fall. Mrs. M. says there is nothing that will excel Burr clover for milk cows.. It increases tho How of milk and yield of butter and gives to the buttor a very fino color and flavor. Agricola. THE PRIDE OF HEROES. Many soldiers in tho late war wrote to say that for Scratches, Bruises, Wounds, Cuts, Corns, Sore Feet and Stiff Joints, Bucklen's Arnica Salve Is the best In tho world, Same for Burns, Scalds, Bolls, Ulcers, Skin Eruptions and Piles. It cures or no pay. Only 25 cents at Laurens Drug Co. and Pal metto Drug Co. Ten Cents Cotton. We aro prepared to take caro of a quantity of cotton on storage and ad vance money on same. Now Is tho time to storo your cotton for a profit. Don't sell too fast, or it will give out too quick. J. Wade Anderson, Om President and Manager. thT KYLE hay Press Farmers tako care of what you make. There Is as much in saving as there is iu making, and If you balo your bay, fodder, oats, shucks etc., at the proper time you not only save room and lime, but you savo 33 per ccut of the nutrl clous matter that evaporates whon It Is not baled. Tho Kyle Hay Press fills a long felt want with farmers. It is tho best yet made. The opinion seems to be unanimous th at tho KYLE HAY PRESS is unexcelled by any press on the market. It Is going to the front, already a great number of thorn have been sold, you only need to try It to be pleased. It Is easy oper ated by 2 men and 1 horse. It Is cheap, durable, simple In construction and easily mounted. It is the only press that can be made or repaired on tho farm, it has no casting to break and cause long delay. No other press has this advantage. It is the only press that the farmer can afford to buy, it pi' j s for Itself out of the first crop. Evury farmer can own his own press, and bale his hay at the proper time. A. L. HUDGENS, Laurens, S. C. notice ?OF? County Treasurer. THE County Treasurer's Books will be open for collection of State, County and Commutation Road Taxes for fiscal year 1901 at tho Treasurer's Office, from October 15th to December 31, 1902. All persons owning property or paying taxes fur others in more than one Town ship arc requested to call for receipts in each township in which they live. This is important, as additional cost and pen alty may not be attached. Prompt at tention will bo given those who wish to pay their taxes through tho mail by cheoks, money orders, etc. Persons .sending in lists of names to bo taken off, are urged to send in early as tho Treas urer is very busy during tho month of December. Too Tax Lovy is as follows: Lauroos Spcoial School. 3} mills Fountain Inn Special Sohool.. 4 " Qraycourt Speoial School.... 2 " Waterloo Special Sohool. 2 " Cross Hill Special Sohool_ 3 " Mountville Speoial Sohool.... 2J " Clinton Speoial Sohool1 M Ordinary Tax.14 " Ail able-bodied male citizens betwocn the ages of 21 and 60 years are liable to pay a poll tax of $1.00, except old sol diers, who aro oxempt at 50 years of age. Commutation Road Tax $1.00, in lieu of working tho public roads, to be paid at the time, as stated above! Como early and avoid tho rush. It is said there will bo no extension this time. J. H. COPtOLAND, County Treasurer. Laurens, S. C, Oot. 3, 1902?td. Atlantic Coast Line, CONDENSED SCHEDULE. Wilmington, N. C , July 21, 1002. Through Train from Charleston to Greenville. No. 52. No. 63.. 7 00 a iu I.v Charleston Ar 0 20 p m '8 35 a ra " Lanes " 6 20 p m 0 50 a m " Hum tor " 4 56 p m II00 am Ar Columbia . Lv 8 40pm 12 20pm ? Prosperity '? 224 pm I? 42 pm " Nowberry 14 210pm 125pm ?' Clinton " 125pm 147pm " Laurons " 210pm 3 05pm " Greenville ?? 1222 pm 3 30pm " Spartanbnrg ?? 1215 pm FROM COLUMBIA, S. O. No. 53 Daily, 4:55 p. m. Arrive Sumter 6:15 p. m.; George town 0:15 p m, Florence 7:50 p in, Dar lington 8:15 p mi, Hartsvlllo 0:30 p m, Uennottsville 0:37 p m, Gibson 10:30 p in, Fayetteville 10:25 p m, Wilmington 11:26 p m, Rocky Mount 12:45 a m, Wol don 1:50 a m, Petersburg 3:26 a m, Richmond 4:12 a ra, Washington 7:54 a m, Now York 1:53 p m. No. 54 Dally, 6:66 p m. Arrive Sumter 8:20 a m, Florenoe 0:35 a m, Darlington 10:30 a in, Choraw 11:45, a m, Wadesboro 2:50 p m, Harts vlllo 11:20 a m, Marlon 10:53 a m: Wil mington 1:40 pm, Fayetteville 12:35 p m, Rooky Mount 3:50 p m, Weldon 4:53 p ra, Petersburg 6:44 p m, Riohmond 7:45 p m, Washington 11:40 p ra, New York 7:18 a m. Pullman sleeping oars New York to Tampa. Pullman dining cars New York to Savannah. For rates, schedules, etc., write. W. J. Cralg, Gen. Pan. Agt., Wil mington, N. O, H. M. Emerson, Asst. Traffic Mgr., Wtlminoinrt. N. O. . You Didn't Know! That our buyer has just returned from New York and Baltimore where he "scooped" some of the li BVEFt BROUGHT "TO LAURBNS FOR December and the Holiday Trade You Didn't Know 4 J ir That in these lols he picked up several large lols of MEN'S CLOTHING, which we are offering much below their real value. . . .'' I iA a , " ff^e Princeton" YOU DIDN'T KNOW that he scooped a big lot of Boys' Knee Suits and Children's Vestee Suits. YOU DIDN'T KNOW that he found wholesalers in need of money, and in order to get some they let ; our buyer in on the ground floor and parted with some of the newest and up-to-date things in Dress Goods, Waiting, Fan cy Table Linen, Lace, Window Curtains, Etc. .-- 0>.:V>-? C0P*?lOT ,. Hit ?Y TM recMHeitic*. "Tl\e Garlton 6*1 <JL JIL You Didnjt Know that in this lot he scooped a big lot of MilbEnds that we will run at the following prices? astetet-^** 2000 yards 5-oent Outing at. 3o. vfc A big lot, of Ladles' Hats 25# less than 2000 yards 7 and 8-cent Outing at . 5c. & value ? 1000 yards 25-oent Fanoy Jacquards at 19c. A big lot of Ladies' Skirts 25% less than A big lot of Jackets less than value. value. A big lot of Quilts and Blankets less than $p A big lot of Ladies' Suits 25% less than value. value. You didn't know that the term New York cost does not figure in the values we are offering because we bought them less than cost, and therefore give you the advantage of it. Now you know. Call quick and avoid the rush, as all will be put on sale as fast as they arrive. We expect the largest business this month of any December of our exist ence. We know what you want, and we have it! We know what's a fair price, and we charge it. We know what value is, and we give it! Davis, Roper Co Famous Underbuyers and Undersellers of Merchandise, Our Store is Aglow with Wares Pretty and Practical. Little Priced, Larger Priced but Always 'WAY Under Priced. "Our Qoods are Bright Our Prices are Right Our Store a great sight We turn competition to flight." A Call at Our Exhibition of things for artistic homes, will certainly be of benefit to your. A Holiday Fairyland of beautiful Wares. We are Selling Everything at REDUCED PRICES! f? We believe in"lioing ami let lire" //' we sell lots of goods (d a small profit we will bare something to keep us busy, and in the end make as mach as the our who sells fewet Hoods (// a IdJ'gt profit. Come and buy from us. II 'e will i Q ^9 ^ profit. Come and buy from us. We will ^S. ? Save you Honey on || Dry Goods, Clothing and Shoes.|| Buy good Winter Shoes from us. We have Bargains in Blankets, See -them at, once. We have a great, bargain in Towels. Ask to see them. You will miss much IT you think this notice is nonesense and neglect to come to see. i I ! 8 The McCord Mdse. Co.8 Olaurens, s. c. '4$ 8 R. P. riilam We offer to our Farmers the chance to buy goods, especially Groceries, at? CLOSE PRICES. .We sell all Supplies, the best kinds, at. L/O W FIGUR OS. and make your dollars go furthest by trading here. Try us and sec for yourselves. Our Undertaker's Stock is Complete. We cany u wcl selected stock of everything from $ ? $ $ ft the cheapest Colliti to the best Mc -k.'i^vtk'^-'l.tJL . ~ i: - r~>. ? .1,1._ i_ _ ._ ?^^/ ) i draped iu cloth. A First-class Hearse \H\U Wj& 1/ H ??' \ .'V when wanted. We can furnish white ** "' '""'*"or black horses when desired. At night or Sunday'Phone R. P. Milam's residence or call on [. Mills Hunter at J. A. Copeland's residence. Respectfully j It. P. MIL AM & CO. dw r wWi 'Ii M f ill A Thanksgiving Summons! "Whon the frost- is on the pumpkin" and the season's crops are <yai hered in it is time to givo thanks. Though Winter'sic,\ blasts maj rage without, there'll be cheer and comfort at tho Thanksgiving f?-:c-t within. Are you going to oat vour dinner al hoinoV Then you'll waul t ? preseni your best appearsnec, especially if there is a house full ol compuny. Ar you nin<j to eat your dinner with friends or relatives? Then you'll wuui lo pul your l>esi foot forward a way from homo. In either cvont, you will want something new in the way of wearables. We would liko to roiuind you thai we have ever^ hinjj for your Thanksgiving Outfit. We can lit you on I from head to fool . In wearables for man and boy is hero in wide variety and al lemplinuh liille prices. You will enjoy the holiday all the more with fresh, stylish apparel you will want to put your bosl foot forward before your friends. J. E. MINTER <& BRO., Leaders of Low Prices. WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? Why we can and do sell Best Goods for least Honey! Because we sell for cash only and therefore l<>^' uol hing from had accounts. Qecause we exchange or rofund monoj on any article not satisfactory. Becauso where you see an article advertised i?\ us, It's always here at the price advertised. That's Why?We sell a Lady's Jacket worth $8.50 for $6.90. That's Why?We sell a Lady's Jacket worth ip?.oo for $4.48. That's Why?we sell heavy Fleeced Underwear worth 25 for 20c That's Why?we sell heavy ?? Union Suits worth 65 for 48c That's Why?we sell a beautiful Marseilles quilt woith $1 for 75c In our Millinery Department you will always find the most stylish productions, at a price lo suit you. Come and see us. Satisfaction with every purchase, or your money back. riBP Dial's Corner.