The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-02-25
DISTRICT TELEGRAPH.
A Full Test of the Enterprise Last
Saturday,

Saturday.
All the machinery of this new enter
prise having been placed in working or
der some time since, only waiting for the
signal boxes, and the latter having ar
rived on Thursday, they were placed in
position on that day and Friday, and on
Saturday public test OF the fire alarm
branch of this service was made. 1t
was prematurely announced in Saturday
mornings issue that the trial would bs
made at two o'clock that afternoon. Mr..
Blair, chairman of the Committee on
Fire Department, desiring TO have the
trial made without the fireman being
made aware of the time it would take
place, visited Larsmie's restaurant, with
his committee, at 1915 P. NJ, and
without tie district telegraph
managers being aware OF his
destination pulled the "Firc" signal in
the box (No. 56) there located. The
alarm was promptly sounded. The
"Vigilant" arrived al the point from
where the alarm was given in six and
one half minutes; the ATLANTIC in seven
minutes; the limited" not putting in an
appearance. The alarm was correctly re-
ceived at the United Engine house, but
| as Larmle's name WAS not down on the
list, only his number l325 Market
street, the fremen did not think 1t a
correct signal, and therefore did not re-
spond. The ATLANTIC boys read the
alarm as $40" Exchange Bank, and drove
to that point via Main street.
The committee, desiring to make an
other test, pulled the sire" signsl from
box "34" QllS Market street,. At thi:
point the fire companies arrived IN the
following time: Atlantic reel, six min
utes; Atlantic engine, eight minutes
United reel, eight minutes; Hook and
Ladder, eight minutes; Vlgilant, nine
minutes. The Atlantic was badly de-
layed by neglecting TO wind up theii
gong, thus losing the signal entirely, un'
til they heard the South Wheeling bel
ringing. This trial would have taken
place earlier, but from some one having
tempered with one OF the boxes. Parties
having these signal boxes should refrain
from any unnecessary signals, as 1t /:
only an interruption, and might delay
important information, and therefore II
is to be hoped that these idle "tests" ard
useless signals will cease.
At O'clock Sunday morning Laramie
sounded the signal for the police. In
t,co minutes after the signal was sounded
three policemen arrived at mis- restaurant
Our citizens who have these boxes IN
their residences can now feel tolersbly
secure from burglars, IS the fraternity
will soon perceive the necessity of avoid
ing any house where the police can be
brought in few minutes without theiI
being aware of any alarm having been
transmitted. The police come on them
unswsres.
If you or any OF your family are
taken sick during tho night, how
much plessanter, to say nothing OF
the time saved, it is to- have one OF these
boxes in your room, and summons your
| physician without moments delay OF
any inconvenience. The fire" and
doctor" calls are the most important
although the police aud messenger sys
tenn is not to be overlooked.
Taking the trials given on Saturday
into consideration with the fact that this
was the first trial, they show that the new
enterprise is success, and that as soon
as needless triang with the signal boxes
ceases it will be as complete as any fire
alarm telegraph IN the country. Mes
senger boys will be found ut sIl hours,
day or night, at the company's headquar'
tiers, Western Union Telegraph office
for delivery service.