The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-08-15
REVOLUTION IN TELEGRAPHY.

We are requested by Mr. Craig. formerly agent of
the Associated Press. to publish the following
If revolutions never do go backward their forward
movement is not always with uniform momentum,
for selshness, conceit, ignorance indolence-one
often all COMMUNICATION frequently block the
wheels of progress. and content to sit down at
the mere threshold of discovery when the world
demands forward movement.
Albeit wisdom teaches patience. AS nothing
comes before it's time-except much that had better
not come ut all-each real step in the worlds ad-
vancenent seems never belated.
The Phenicans made extended voyages. following
the shore line guided by the stars, and the ships
OF Solomon and Hiram found the far-away ports OF
Ophir aud brought thence its gold and ivory but
W hon new continent 10 be found and worlds
commerce inaugurated the mariners compass
needed, and IL came
In the age OF Herodtus papyrus the split reed and
ink fully the wants OF the historian aud
philosopher but the advancing aye Of civilization
gave BIRTH at the needful time to movable types aud
the printing press.
The OK team and horse power on land and canvas
on tho ocean answered all the needs OF commerce
travel till the times were ripe tor change" and
then came Fulton and the era OF steam IN its multi
form app cation to commerce and to every depart
ment or improved machinery for agriculture. me-
chanics, the house hold industries and all the accru
ing needs OF society.
The vastly extended facilities of the mail. with
Responding reduction OF postal rates bringing its adj
vantages within the reach OF the humbest citizen.
have been only the answer to universal demand,
while IL has demonstrated the financial wisdom OF
low tor the masses. Penny postage la England
had passed from experiment to full success long be-
in America had reduced letter postage below
greater distances. When begrudgingly the postal
rates reduced. hrst to Ave and then TO three
cents, 1t was manly because the steamboat aud the
postal made increased transportation possible.
aud the people wrote millions letters where be-
fore the reduction they had written hundreds only.
when d passage by steamer to Europe cost $500,
only the rich could enjoy ocean voyage; but since
$50 or less pays ones way to England or the Con.
tinent, the Atlantic has become ferry. and Is daily
traversed by thousands OF all classes.
The electric telegraph, with Its my Rad wires upon
land and its countless wire cables under the oceans,
grdling continent and shortly to girdle the EARTH
are astounding facts OF patcrlal progress anu the
telephone. with its marvellous adaptation to the
course though widely separated. are vest strides In
material progress. which have taught the world to
marvel at nothing MS impossible. But have
reached the end2 Is there further advance to DO
niade--no charging of its sphere tor the advantage
of the milonsg No reduction of rates, to bring it's
Heaven bestowed blessings to the door OF the
poorest in society, aud thus unite
bonds inseparable the widely sundered fami-
lies of the earthY How long must
chafe ut the inevitable message of business
or friendship. while we yearn Tor page Uf burning
Thought or engrossing news, despairingly coirpar-
ng tine brevty OF our purse with the length cf the
telegraph tariff? Must we accept the statement OF
telegraph experts decisive that material reduc
ton from the present tariff is to DO hoped fors II
IT, we fear, too true. 80 long the present cum
brous and expensive appointments OF telegraph
companies continue in general use.
What has science anu invention in store to answer
these questions satisfactorily for society and tho
creasing demands of busincss2
In another number OF this journal we will answer
hia IN