Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1912-07-27

multiple the calling number and retain
1t there for ten minutes, so that 1t is
readily available when the call is COM
pleted Here the messages are timed and
the utmost care is shown in every de-
tail of the call.
The economic value of women is gen
orally conceded by the thinkers and bust
ness men of today. Probably no woman
worker Is as indispensable and so little
appreciated as the telephone operator
In no other field is a woman's keen in
tuition dexterity, nervous energy and en-
durance so valuable and so clearly ex-
hibited.
A modern writer, known as Fra FL
bertus, lists the telephone at the head of
the seven modern wonders. We use
telephone each day, and so simple is it's
operation that we never consider the
complex construction. We're we to en-
deavor to consider it seriously, we would
find 1t lifelong study, yet it is our duty
to learn enough about this most wonder
full instrument and system to appreciate
it's benefit.
Were | to name the greatest of mod
ern wonders, l would agree with Fra
Elbertus, Were l to name the greatest
of modern heroines, | would unhesitat-
ingly name the telephone operator.
The telephone operator meets an emer-
gency every second in establishing con
nections at her switchboard. When a
crisis occurs she is doubly fitted to face
it with calm pluck and keen wit She
has added to her natural ability to meet
a crisis with feminine courage an abil-
ity to act with intelligence. This in.
telligence and intuition is shown every
day. but we note only remarkable In
stances. such as sending relief when the
only signal has been a faint Help or
staying at her post when flames threat
ened destruction. We bow our heads
in appreciative silence when we hear of
the telephone operator who lost her life
at her switchboard while serving others,
but seldom realize the quiet, unlauded
heroism of Central" who uses every
nerve for our daily benefit
1t is not that we are lacking in sym
pathy on the whole, but simply that we
do not understand. And it is so that you
may understand, and, understanding,
grow in telephone grace that l have
made a Fra Elbertus journey to the Bell
Telephone Companys Main exchange and
given you this little report.
10
ringing telephone and hear Number
please?" you will remember this little
story and answer kindly the operator who
receives your calls, but had nothing to
do with the calling subscriber Perhaps
the operator twenty feet from her put in
this call and the subscriber firing or
having to leave the telephone, hung up
her receiver This was a signal for a
disconnection and the operator made it.
Your operator had no knowledge of this
call, and her first intimation will be your
peevish voice. if it is peevish. Let US
hope 1T will not be next time.
If you ever grow dubious about your
telephone service, and this seeming lack
of efficiency appears to you to rest with
the operators, please visit one of the
Bell Telephone exchanges and be con
WINGED If you could do better, even
after months of practice, then he as hasty
and as disagreeable as you lke-but you
will not wish to be hasty or disagree
able after you have been there.
You may think | exaggerate when
place at the head of the list of the
operator-but | do not. She is a heroine
whose strength, patience, endurance and
WI are taxed every day, apd many times
a day.
Then here's to her-the telephone OPP
orator