The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1915-09-25

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The European countries have re-
stricted, II not absolutely prohibited,
amateur wireless stations for years.
Uncle Sans more liberal policy of
aiding his children to acquire knowl-
edge, and letting them do as they
please, 80 long as it does not inter-
fere with the public good, may prfye
the wiser course.
Uncle Sam has not merely permit
ted his sons to have wireless stations;
he has helped to build them and given
Instructions as to their use. Nearly
two years ago. the naval Observatory
issued an illustrated circular showing
the essential requirements of wire
less station. The instructions were
simple enough to be followed by. any
high school boy with mechanical
turn Of mind. Thousands OF boys are
now using stations built from these
directions.
The responsibility for determining
the quality Of the wireless instru-
ments used in these stations was given
reau provided special division for
the testing Of wireless instruments,
and the advising Of prospective opera
tors as to the best materials. In thus
standardizing equipment the bureau
divides the responsibility for the sue
cess of the amateur operator with
the bureau Of navigation, which is
responsible for his qualifcae. Cons.
These are determined by rigid en-.
animation.
Fifteen radio-inspectors located at
different custom Offices issue license.
to amateurs after examining them and
visiting their stations. Eacn Of these
Is furnished with an automatic send
ing machine, upon which the ability
1.-THE applicant to transmit messages
is tested. Amateurs are of two
grades. The first have proved by per-
sonal examination that they know
enough about wireless to comply with
the regulations Of the International
Radio-telegraph conference and with
subsequent laws enacted in the United
States. They must be able to re-
ceive and transmit messages in Con-
tinental Morse code at a speed Of less
than five words a minute, five letters
to word.
Discretionary Power.
The requirements for the second
grade are the same. as nearly as they
can be shown III writing. An examin-
ing officer is given discretion to waive
the examination in person Of an ap-
plicant at some distance, provided his
written examination satisfies the OFF,
Ger that he lie qualified for a license
and will fulfill its obligations. There
are not suffcuient inspecting officers
to cover the whole country, and they
are chiefly located along the coast. It
would be hardship to deprive a
youngster Of a license he Is qualified
to hold, because he cannot present
himself for examination. Many OF the
most efficient amateur operators hold
second-grade licenses. They have
picked up their qualification with no
other aid than by corresponding with
the authorities.
Despite these provisions for the
amateur. this nation is behind most
others in developing wireless eff
cheney. No degrees are yet offered
by Dur universities to radio engineers
and only few Of the higher insti-
buttons include wireless training in
their courses Of electrical engineer
ing. Harvard was the first large uni
yersity to include 1t, and Columbia
was next in line. This year, John
Hopkins University is equipping q
complete radio department. The bu-
reau Of standards has advised in the
selection of the apparatus for this
1 new department. It is rendering the
same service to a largp number OF
other educational institutions, espe-
cially to technical high schools In all
parts Of the country.
Young Operators.
Most of the best operators are
young. Youth seems to possess ar
advantage over maturity in master.
ing the code and developing speed and
accuracy In the Transmission of mes.
sages. School boys Of sixteen FIRE.
quently receive higher rating n
examinations than experienced tele,
graph operators who are qualifying
for wireless work. Yet the difference
in the code Affects only part of the
alphabet, and it is the trained tele.
graph operators who would be de-
pended upon as supervisors OF wire
less stations in case OF war, despite
the effective ser,N:e the boys would
render as assisting operators.
Anumber Of the boys who are dis
tinguishing themselves by wireless
skill are the sons of wealthy parents
who have been glad to provide the
means for. developing a taste which
can be made SO useful. John Hays
Hammond, Jr., who was recently up.
pointed upon the advisory board Of
our national defense commission, Ii
an example Of the possibilities latent
In the youthful wireless enthusiast
Before he had reached his majority
young Hammond had perfected a sys
Item Of directing the movements Of
ocean vessels by wireless control
which was prc@ounced valuable fol
the submarine work Of the uniteS
States navy. Under his direction, the
navy i now conducting experiment.