The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-11-01
MAGNETIC TELEGRAPH OFFICE,


THOs. RucHIE, esq, editor of the Union:
DEAR SIR somewhat surprised at noticing in the
''Union of this morning article headed, 'The tele
graaph-its improper use BY the wings"
Upon reading the article, found II by no means what
supposed from It's heading it would be.
The first paragraph particularly instead of attempting
of writing anything to the prejudice of the telegraph
its conductors and then states the duties of the operators
truly and fully as is in the power of language to do
IT.
The other paragraph 'that the first intelligence
of elections has been received through the telegraph
and that t has generally turned out to be very incorrect
when the true results have been received"
In instances grant the truth of the above, but
without admitting it to be the fault of the telegraph
1t is well known that the first results OF election
obtained at the polls by Listening TO verbal announcement
made by the judges, or by examining amid crowd, the
hurried summing up of from still more hur-
ried examination OF the result man with fyleaf o.
old book piece OF paper torn from old letter. and
a stump OF pencil that will hardly mark, in his hand with
only his knee for writing desk marks down, legiby
he can the figures as they announced He meets
friend who has, in like manner, obtained and noted the
result at some other precinct and they exchange morma
ton. These again meet others, who having other
means pencil down upon chip piece of shngle what
is told them and goes on the collection of returns
made up from all sorts Of chalkilgs doga until they
finally arrive at telegraph Office and on the wings
of the lightning, they sent into all parts of the
country have often wondered that they are as accu-
rate they turn out to be after more mature examna
ton.
The Union article goes on to say he first Geographic re-
turns have generally been favorable the wings and
too unfavorabe to the democrats" AS says this
ing those whoprepae such incorrect and false
information, to be communicated by telegraph. Ii it be
so, you have given the But you will permit me
most respectfully to plead null tel record An examna
ton of the books OF this office will show that there is
not much difference between the two great parties in
cevng favorable results and would call your particular
attention to The first Geographic results from Florida. as
KEY HIeGsd ~ the o., Gs they certainly were any
II is out of my power to defend my position by produ
cling the record the rules of this company require that
all the proceedings OF the Offices relative to the sending
and receiving of dispatches should be strictly confden
All that can be done by mortal keep the offices
of the Magnetic Telegraph Company pure from the at
mosphere OF politics shall be done by me.
politician everyw here where 1t is proper that
should be but when enter this office, leave my politics
outside of the door; and when discover that can be
bassed in the least by any political feeling in the per-
Torrance of my duties as president OF this company,
will resign the office.
You did me the kindness to publish circular, few
days since, which shows how anxious to do all in
my power protect the public from false information
will now add to this circular which yesterday sent
the press that am doing all can to insure them early
and correct information.
WASHINGTON, Oct 30 ls4s.
To each of the chief operators at the offices at WaMng
ington, Baltimore, PHILADELPHIA, and Jersey C,fy:
Upon consideration, | have come to the conclusion
that the resolution of the board OF directors, prov
ding for the keeping open of the offices after ten
o'clock at night, at the request of any responsible
person, persons, not intended to apply to occa
deeply interesting to the people of the United
States as the sending and receiving of the returns of
election for President and Vice President of the United
States therefore direct that each of your Offices be
kept open 10 the public, under the usual regulations
during the entire nights of the 7h sth 9TH and 10th of
November next, should be found necessary for the per-
Torrance of all the business offered.
The usual extra allowance will be allowed in your
monthly accounts for the extra labor imposed by this
order.
Every person connected with the Magnetic Telegraph
Company hereby requested to all possible
avoid any Partially, the appearance thereof,
during the excitement which will accompany the
larry directed to avoid all pecanary interest whatever in
the results of the election and also avoid any connex
ion with the receiving sending of dispatches except
far perform their duty faithfully this company
and TO the public.
B. B. FRENCH,
President Magnetic Telerraph Company