Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-10-18
rELEPHosE wOnDERs.
The New Bsxier Instrument on
Trinl-rhe Test q Remarka-
he hueePas.


A few months ago the papers were filled
with accounts Of a remarkable telephone
test, made between Chicago and New
York with the Baxtertelephone. BY means
ofthis wonderful instrument conversation
between the two cities was AS easy and dis
tlnct as though all the speakers were in
the same room The test caused sensa-
ton in scientific circles nj the time, and
utility Of the invention were made so ap.
pa ent that capitalists hastened 10 invest
their money in il Tho result was the
organization Of the Overland Telephone
Company, with headquarters IN New
| York City, and the work Of establishing
sub-oompanics in every State in the
Union was mt once begun Already the
system is being introduced in mai rity
Of the States, and il is everywhere giving
complete satisfaction.
A corporation has been organized in
this city, the Kentucky and Indiana
Overland Telephone Company, for the
purpose of introducing the new telephone,
and petition is now pending before the
City Council asking the Iight Of way.
As soon as this is secured the local com
pany will begin TO lay its wires, and the
enterprise will be rapidly pushed forward
10 completion.
A Courier-Journal reporter was invited
last night 10 the office of the United
states Electric Light Company, on Third
street. to witness test of the Baxter in
strument. To make the trial as severe as
possible, the wire was laid on the poles of
the United States Company, and within
three inches Of the cable carrying the
powerful current necessary to run
the arc lights, for distance Of fifteen
city blocks. No telephone has ever
before been invented which could stand
the strong induction resulting from
proximity Of this sort, yet, outside Of
slight murmur, which in nAwise inter
ferred with the clearness and distinetness
of sounds there was no perceptible effect
The reporter began the test by standing
fully three feet from the diaphragm, the
gentleman at the other end Of the wire,
nearly mile away, doing likewise and
talking with the latter in an ordinary
tone. All replies we're as clear and dis
tlnct as though actually spoken in the ear.
A whispered sentence Of thirty words was
perfectly intelligable. The reporter then
gave the re eiver 10 another gentem
retired fifteen feet from the telephone and
asked the time. The answer came prompt
ly and correctly. A gentleman present
walked TO the door thirty feet from the
instrument opened il and stood on the
sidewalk outside. In moderate voice he
asked how long he was 10 be kept out
there in the cold, The reporter took the
answer, which was; Until this test is
over which indicated that, even at
that great distance. the gentleman
at the other end Of the line had heard
every word plainly The reporter
then stationed himself twenty feet
from the telephone and whistled
y bar-o. Dixie, AS ing what it was.
The answer was given by taking up the
unfinished air and whistling il to the end.
Two Of those present were slightly deaf
and have never been able To distinguish a
sound over the Bell telephone, but every
word transmitted TO them through the
Baxter instrument was readily under
stood.
The test was satisfactory in every re-
spect, and demonstrated the superiority
OF this telephone over all Others hey nd
any doubt.
1t is expected that before many months
the United States will be covered with
the wires Of the new company, connecting
every import Mt city, town and village in
the land. 1t promises TO be at least
formidable competitor for the Western
Union and the cid telegraph companies,
and they are fortunate if it does not su.
percede them altogether.
Louisville is to be congratulated upon
having citizens Of wealth and enterprise
who see the advantages of this marvellous
invention, and are determined we shall
share 10 its benefits, and, thanks TO their
energy. the day is close at hand when
man in this city can talk with friend in
New York, Washington, Chicago, or
any other city as readily US he can now
talk with a friend in New Albany.