Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 71.djvu/321

Rh number of subscribers connected with Bell exchanges during the past twenty-five years, and to note the steady increase in growth that is recorded during the past ten years. In 1882, the average number of subscribers connected with Bell exchanges was only 91; in 1906, it was 558, an increase of more than six fold. This compilation is based on the statistics presented in the annual reports of the parent company, as of December 31 of each year:

In 1884, some of the Bell licensee companies gladly furnished periodical reports to the parent company giving detailed explanations as to the method of operation and maintenance, the number of subscribers, calls per subscriber, etc. Other licensee companies objected to any and all parental supervision, and especially to furnishing the monthly reports from which data of a uniform character could be compiled. Then, as many licensees were not under the direct management of the parent company, failure to prepare and transmit the desired reports could only be deplored. Again, some of the newer companies that had been established on a speculative rather than an investment basis objected to the proposed adoption of uniform methods of operation, maintenance and construction, although the economy and advantages in standardization in methods and practise, as well as in construction and equipment, were clearly apparent to the unbiased mind. Nevertheless, the parent company did succeed in securing many statistics that are now invaluable in illustrating the progressive growth