City of Houston v. Southwestern Bell Telephone Co.

These are cross appeals in a suit to restrain the enforcement of an ordinance enacted by the City of Houston, Texas (hereinafter referred to as the City), prescribing rates for telephone service, based upon the claim that the rates are confiscatory.

The master to whom the case was referred found that the rates were clearly confiscatory and the District Court, while modifying his findings in some respects, confirmed his report and in its decree enjoined the enforcement of the ordinance. A federal constitutional question ’'bé'ing involved a direct appeal brings the case to this court for review.

T…