The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1915-04-27
Directing the
War by Wireless

The European war cloud burst at /
the psychological moment in the ca
reer of wireless telegraphy for only |
very recently has the art based on |
the science Of ether waves been re-
duced to the reliable basis Of sound !
industry. Five years ago, or even
less, wireless could not have respond
ed to the exacting demands which this
war is putting upon it.
AS the beginning of hostilities ca
bles and telegraph lines were ruth.
lessly cut. Germany, more than any
other belligerent, has been in an ex-
ceedingly trying position as regards
external telegraphic communication,
surrounded as she is by enemies on
all sides. Her main cables have
been cut or disconnected, so that now
her only electrical communication
with the outer world Is by wireless.
At the outbreak Of the European war,
Germany had II government wireless
stations, Austria Hungary, 4; France,
IS; Russia, 2S; and England At.
One of the first tasks Of the wire
less of the various warning countries
was to fill in the gaps caused by sew
cred cables. AS later incidents have
proved, however, that was only an
insignificant portion of the work.
Hundreds of miles Of roaring battle
line, hostile warships rowing the re-
hottest wastes Of the sea, aeroplanes
and Zeppelins soaring high above the
earth, even the stealthy submarines
lurking in the depths for victims, are
subservient to the invisible hand OF
the wireless.
The wireless equipment with which
General Joffre keeps in touch with
the fighting line of the allies has
range of 200 miles, and is portable
Within Is minutes after the command
is given, the station can be erected
and put in operation. At the 'front.'
smaller and lighter equipments
known as "knapsack" stations, are
employed. These are so constructed
that one complete set can be divid-
ed ND and carried by four men, with
an average weight to each man Oh
90 mounds. Five minutes after the
command for erection is given, these
sets are in operation.
Besides the knapsack stations,
new and ingenious auxiliary equip
ment has been devised for cavalry
scouting duty, called "whisker WIRE
less" This odd name arises from
the bristling appearance OF the ah'
tennae which project like the quilts
of a porcupine from the horses
TANKS.
Landing stations" having range
of so miles and designed for III
promptu service, are used by the ma
riues. For example, when a cruis-
err anchors off shore and SENDS de'
tachment of men for scouting DUTY
,bev carry with them this very COM
pact equipment which can be set UP
hurriedly.
Probably the most novel use 10
which wireless has been put In TINS
war ia in areoplane service. inc
equipment installed on the french
and Belgian fiiers weighs about loO
pounds, and is exceedingly compac'
and simple. The metal frame OF the
aeroplane forms the antennae. while
n long trailing wire is used ior
ground" This wire is attached &c
that should II become entangled In
a tree or other obstruction, 1t auto
matically pulls loose, and another one
is substituted.
Wireless communication over
a,stonce Of "a miles has been carried
ON from an areoplane to land sta
t,op in the U. s. Army, but greater
ranges than Ave to ten miles are ho'
practical or necessary. In service
the wireless equipped aeroplane II
sent on scouting duty over the enc
mv's lines from a base at whlch
knapsack station Is located. IL
rarely necessary for the aeropiane u
fly to a greater distance IMAM WV
three miles from this base AS nj
flies over the enemy, the operator
telegraphs the condition or maneuV
ers of the enemy to the knapsacK sta
ton. Surprises on both sides arr
constantly being frustrated IN 'hl'
manner. As a matter of incidenta
interest, it is due principally to TIM
fact that there have been no record
ed surprise attacks made by eltne
side on the Franco German frohue
and that a deadlock exists now
The wireless telegraph comprise
an important part of the equipment o
Zeppelins. Much greater transmittihl
power, due to larger space aiio'
ment is made possible on the Aeppt
Inns and French dirigibles. A grea'
A. rapge also results from the us