From the Golden Days of Yesteryear. . .

The Bell Telephone Company of’ London, Ontario, has responded to the challenge of the People’s Telephone Company and lowered its rates. Telephones in residences have been reduced from $25 and $30 to $20 a year, unlimited, and for doctors’ and dentists’ offices from $35 to $25. (The Electrical Worker, September 1898)

A correspondent from the English publication Echo imparts the information…that the telephone will produce more insanity than anything else that was ever invented, “from the small doses of electricity continually shot into the brains of those who use it” (The Electrical Worker, September 1898)

Mr. James Burgess, a member of Local 41, Buffalo, New York, has succeeded in forming a local of electrical workers in Toronto, Canada; and our Brothers across the water are very desirous of having the Brotherhood made international. Let each local discuss this matter thoroughly and write articles to this paper and exchange ideas on this very important step….Our Brotherhood could be made international by referendum vote, or the locals in Canada could send delegates to our next convention. There are so many different opinions on this very important step that it should be made a special order of business and thoroughly discussed by the members. Other labor organizations have extended the hand of fellowship across the border and have profited by it. We should be broad in our ideas of unionism; and remember, the man in Canada has the same at stake that we have and should get the same protection. It would not do to have rival labor organizations; they would jeopardize each other’s chances of success. But for us all to join in one body would be of mutual benefit to all concerned. (The Electrical Worker, November, 1898)