Arizona citizen., 1877-08-25
VarIOus Telegraph Matters.

The Signal Service, controlling the military telegraph lines has, on Au- gust II, made a still further reduction in rates-the second within a month. Teu-word messages can now be sent from San Diego to any one of the fol- lowlug stations for twenty five cents, currency, viz
 Folt Bayard, Silver City, Ralston, New Mexico; Tres Alamos, Tucson, Florence, Maricopa Wells, Phenix, Wickenburg. Prescott, Stanwix, Yu- ma, Camps Bowie, Goodwin and Grant, Arizona; Campo, California
 Originally, under charge of the Western Union Company, the rates in specie from San Diego to Prescott were S. When the line passed into the present management, the rates were at once reduced to 7j cents, cur rencyi last month they were reduced to 90 cents, and are now lowered to ? cents, currency.
 The chief signal officer has a right ta feel that he has effected propor- tionate saving in money to each and every patron of the line
 The present condition of a majority of the poles of the Arizona line Is de fectige. The poles cannot be replaced from line receipts, es no fund accrues. No adequate appropriation for repairs or renewal has been made by Congress, and ,he outlook is that unless the Cali fornia representatives unite with Ari- zona aud New Mexico delegates in in- fiuencing prompt legislation, the lines will fail to work from the decay of the poles
 The facts stated furnish strong ar gument in favor of permanent organ ization of the Signal Service. IL would seem that, after more than six years of trial, the time had come when is organization should no longer be made subject to the vicissitudes of oth- CT military necessities, in the detail and relief of acting signal officers who have been educated for the spe- cial service required of them in con- nection with meteorological and tele- graphic duties imposed. A bill look ing to such organization, passed the Senate, but was defeated in the House last session.
 We may further add that iu our view, the efficiency of the service is damaged by frequent changes of oper- ators from one station to another, es- ueciallv in all instances wherein hon esty and competency are unquestioned. The service Gncluding as it does me teorological observations and records ) requires men of far above the average in education. When the services of such qualified persons are once secur- ed, they should be encouraged by all just means within the control of supe- riors, to remain; but the idee is pre- posterous to suppose they will remain day longer than they are obliged to do, if they are to be frequently order ed hither and thither, and thereby be prevented from making a home or hon estly adding 10 their small income as opportunity offers from time to time It often happens that stationary clerks and others in private or public en- ployments, have opportunities 10 ac- quire property which can be turned to valuable account by watching and proper management; but of no value whatever to one who is liable any day to be ordered to distant places for du- tv. We know that the very best sub ordinates in the service are anxious 10 leave ii and will do so al the first op- portunity, unless they can be assured of permanent positions as long as their honesty and capacity are perfect Men of the average stamp of signal service observers and telegraphic oper- ators. cannot be treated as machines. They are very intelligent and have ani- bition. They will not permanently stand by a service that does net treat them as such