Telephone Conduit Work Halted on Broadway

After tearing up a part of Broadway near the Newton Creek, Camden, preparatory to laying the underground conduits for the Bell Telephone Company, the contractors were called off yesterday. This was the result of opposition on the part of Street Commissioner Mohrman, who claimed that the company has not the right to go on with the improvement until City Council finally approves the action of the Street Committee which recently adopted a resolution providing for the burying of the wires. While City Engineer Farnham has approved the plans and specifications of the company's proposed conduits, Street Commissioner Mohrman has thus far refused. When it was learned that the work of opening the street had been proceeded with, Mayor Ellis, City Solicitor Bleakly and Commissioner Mohrman held a conference. Before any line of action could be decided upon the Bell Company, by telephone, imparted the information that the work had been stopped. In the meantime the rights of the city will be safeguarded, even if it is necessary to call on the police to do so. Mayor Ellis says he will be guided solely by the advice of Solicitor Bleakly.