The Minneapolis Tribune, March 21, 1902, p. 6

WILL IMPROVE THE SYSTEM

Frederick P. Fish, of the Northwestern Phone Service, Talks.

FOR BETTER EQUIPMENT.

He Says the System in This City Will Be Much Improved.

Frederick P. Fish, president of the American Telephone and Telegraph Company, of which the Northwestern Telephone Company is a part, arrived in Minneapolis yesterday and had a conference at the offices of the Northwestern company with Caspar E. Yost, president of that company, and C. P. Wainman, general manager.

Mr. Fish said to a representative of The Tribune that his mission here was to look over the property and confer with local officers as to improvements, extensions, etc. He left for New York last night.

"It is the intention," said Mr. Fish, "to so improve the Northwestern system that its equipment will be perfect. A great deal of work will be done during the year and an expenditure of $500,000 will be necessary to put the lines where we want them. A great part of this will be used in increasing the underground wiring in both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

"Mr. Yost, as president of the Northwestern company, will pay frequent visits to Minneapolis, and Mr. Wainman, in whose capacity we have the utmost confidence, will decide in what directions expenditures will be made.

"It is the intention to give Mr. Wainman sufficient capital to carry out big plans for improvement of the system, which have been for some time ready, but which he has not been able to put into effect owing to lack of capital under the old regime. It will be seen in that he does not lack the means for completing all projects that will make this part of the world satisfied with its telephone service. A considerable amount of money will be expended also in improving our lines all over Minnesota and the Dakotas."