The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1872-04-20
THE PACIFIC
Commercial Ab6ertlser,
SATURDAY Y, APRIL 20.
The Electric Telegraph.

We have taken occasion TO revert several times
to the advantage that would result to these Islands
from the establishment of a relay station in the
group for Geographic lines connecting the Pacific
coast, and Japan on the west and have pointed
out that, in view of the fact that two, if not three
routes are open to the projectors of cable enter
prises, 1t would be sound policy on our part to
incline opinion in favor Of the Islands, by guaran-
teeing such help as none of the other halfway
stations are able to give. Instead of passively
accepting such good as the advancing tide of
human progress may cast upon our shores, we
should shape coming events while they are as yet
but casting their shadows over the seas.
1t may be said that we cannot do much to give
direction to any line or lines that may be contem-
plated, but we certainly can do more than any
other mid-Ocean station and establish our right
to be considered a lice people.
The commercial relations existing between the
United States and Australia, are already of such
a nature as to demand the establishment of tele-
graphic communication between the two, and if
we become identified with these schemes in their
inception We may be sure that we will reap
benefit therefrom.
As an initiatory step, we would advocate the
establishment Of a land line from Coco Head to
town for the purpose of reporting vessels, &C.,
instead of the slightly Anticipated semGphore now
in use.
In answer to inquiries made by US, we have
received from the Electrical Construction and
Maintenance Company of the Western Union
Telegraph, the following letter
SAN Francisco, March q, 1872.
MEsSRs. BLACK Il AULD-Genhe7nen In reply to
yours of the 18th inst. addressed TO Mr.. Ladd. L
have to say, | should advise the use of the Magnetic
Dial Telegraph instrument on the line you propose
with it any telegram may be sent lin English) at
the rate of twenty words per minute, half an hours
practice making n person perfectly familiar with
lis workings and competent to transmit any mes
sage. These Instruments we furnish at $3.50 each
(two being required) in San Francisco. Should
you, however. require to transmit information in
one direction, /. T., from the outer station to town,
we can furnish an electric bell by which the opera
tor at the outer station can transmit a series OF
- taps One-twO one two
Notwithstanding 81. which in the code might
mean steamer Montana bound in. The bells Tor
this system would cost about $50 for each station.
Nine miles Of telegraph wire would cost...........S $500
= do :, - Ae'S u imp go
10 cups battery, at three 1000
20 insulators (5 per mIe) at 70 cts.-..........-.. 5625
Making cost OF material here. .-.-.-.s5662
In addition to This you will require 225 poles not
less than 20 feet high set in the ground not less
than four feet.
am, very respectfully.
STEPHEN ID. FIELD,
Electrician.
The cost of maintaining this system is very
small, and at any and every desired point on the
island one of these bells could be placed to convey
information in regard to passing vessels, storms, &c.
As far as the management of the battery is
concerned, as that would be located in town, it
could be constantly under the charge of those
who would fully understand it's workings, and all
reasonable probability of accident be done away
with.
There can be no doubt that if such u line as we
speak Of was once established, its advantages would
be so well appreciated. that in a short time the diff
ferent islands of the group would be connected by
cables, and our people be more united in COM
mercial relations as well as in a social point of view.
And We are confident were the subject brought
before the Legislative Assembly about to assemble
by means of a memorial, emanating from the
merchants and business men of this city, the
small sum requisite would be appropriated to in
augurate electric telegraphy in these islands. by
establishing the initial line of wire between here
and Coco Head.