The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1902-04-29

Norfolk. Va. April 2c--Ths wireless
telegraphy tests at Roanoke island to-
day were the most important since the
experiments began four day ago II
was q test OF an American system OF
wireless telegraphy. This system has-
been perfected by Professor Reginaio
Fessenden. working under the direction
Of Professor Willis L. Moore. chief OF
the weather bureau
These experiments have been goinE
on for two years at intervals. but not
until today was IL established beyono
q doubt that wireless messages car be-
sent to vessels at sea for a distance or
over 200 miles
Fairly good results were obtained
several months ago. but Professor Fes-
sender did not wish to make the re-
suit public or have any OF the tests WIFI
messed by Other than government Of
flcials until tn. details of his system
were sufficiently developed To prove
beyond question that 1t could be reiiec
upon TO work under any and all con-
ditions of weather. at ali seasons OF tina
year. and night or day.
These conditions have now been
reached, and Professor Fressenden in
vited representatives OF the govern
ment TO witness his tests.
The tests today were witnessed by
General A. X. Greely. and Captain
Russell. of thu signal corps OF the
army. Both of these officials were very
enthusiastic over the results. and were
LOUD in their praises OF Professor Fesr-
sender and his associates. and the re-
markable work that they had accom-
plished.
Their tests today were more rapid
than those of yesterday and much fis~
ter time was made. Among those u lo-
witnessed the tests today were Lieu
tenants Beecher and Hudgins, who
were present as representatives OF Al
miral Bradford. chief OF the bureau of
equipment OF the navy.
The government has a testing sta
ton at Weer point, on the northeast
shoals of Roanoke island. and anothe,-
about seven miles west Of Cape uYt
teras. The two stations are fifty-thres-
miles distant from each other. The In
terventing points between the two
posts is nearly all over PamIico sound.
which at this season of the year IN
fresh and not nearly so good for the
transmission of wireless messages as
salt water.
The tests made by Professor Fes>
| senden show that the energy required
Tor successful transmission over such
| brackish water is about thirty-six
time greater than over salt water un-
| der the same conditions. At each sta-
uon a mast 145 feet high is erected fos
carrying arrival wires. which consiss
ut five copper wires, strung twelve
inches apart
The transmitting apparatus consists
| or the usual inductive coil. common
with other systems Of wireless ,eIeg-
raphy. but the receiving apparatus ~
altogether different from that used I'm
other systems.
/ This part Of Professor Fessenden's
Invention Is for the present kept pro-
foundiy secret. although the workings
were exhibit ID 20 the experts present
at today's tests. A telephone receives
Is empolyed and a remarkable fact in
shat messages can be sent and receiye1
as rapidly as nv land wires ard win
Tar greater rapidity than by cables
today's tests being sent at n rate Of
thrifty words per minute, and this is.
T, : by no means the possible limit. Pro-
lessor Fessenden says that with a fasz
operator fifty or possibly as many a.
seventy words can be sent in thas
srace OF time
The success Of Professor Fessenden
IN developing this remarkable syzten,
OF wireless telegraphy is due To the
great care and attention bestowed up.
on all the minor details. not only as
regards to mechanical construction Of
MS apparatus. but also In measurfne.
and employing the electrical energy beef
suited to the conditions involved.
The experiments today establfshe<.
without a doubt that wireless messaee.
can be sent to vessels at sea. notffvfn~
them OF storms. for a distance az -
miles The experiments win be con-
Quoted from time to time uutu ah~o-
lutte perfection Is attained.