The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1877-12-22
Wireless Telegraph.

The Washington correspondent OF
the Hartford Times sends the following
tc his paper: In these days of telephone
wonders, nothing, if it is within the
range of anything like probability, sur
prises us. Information has reached here
recently that Prof. Loomis, who has been
in the mountainous regions oi West
Virginia for some months, conducting
a series of experiments with his proposed
aerial telegraphy, has demonstrated
finally that telegraphy without wires is
practical. His manner of operating,
which has on previous occasion been
described in this correspondence, has
been Endorsed by many scientists. 1t
consists of running wire up 30 GER
tain attitude, reaching a particular cur
rent of electricity, which, according to
Prof Loomis, can be found at various
heights. Al any distance away, this
same current can be reached by wire,
and communication can be had immedi-
ately, The apparatus necessary to bring
about this wonder is very simple and
inexpensive. 1t has been fully ascer-
tanned that Geographic communication
does not take place over or through the
VI. L
same communication continues when
these electric currents applied by nature
are used. Prof. Loomis has, as said be-
fore, telegraphcd to parties eleven miles
distant by merely sending up a kite at
each end of the distance, a certain
height, attached to which, in place or
the ordinary string, was the fine coppef
wire. When both kites, though seven
miles distant from each other, touched
the same current, communication was
had between them both, and messages
were sent from one end to the other by
means of the ordinary Morse instrument
in connection with the instrument in
vented by Prof. Loomis. This showed
that the theory on which he had worked
for many years was the correct one, and
that by the proper means, such as sta
tionary wire arranged from natural or
artificial enlinerces, could be operated
successfully at all times. 1t is true that
aerial telegraphy may not be much of
certainty during violent storms or cleo
trio showers, but it will not meet with
more distractions than the ordinary
wire telegraphing, which is not ut all
sure during the periods spoken of. 1t
will be a long time before aerial tele-
can be carried on between
places which are but short distance
apart, if indeed, it ever will. In such
cases the wires will continue to be used,
though for long distances, such as for
telegraphing from one side of the ocean
to another, the aerial telegraph will take
it's place entirely. Professor Loomis has
a scheme now on foot for a series of ex-
periments from point on one of the
highest peaks ON the Alps, in Switzer-
land, to similarly situated place in the
Rocky Mountains on this side of the
world. If this succeeds, of course his
will rank in importance with
that of the electric telegraph itself, and
be even greater than that of the tele-
phone. All of the money necessary to
carry on the experiments has already
been promised, and it will not be many
years, if it turns out to be success, be-
fore ocean cables will be one of the lost
arts, as having played its part it will be
laid aside. The cost of aerial telegraphy
will not be over one cent when the
other is one thousand dollars.