The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-02-13

While the nation under the stress incident win ming the asked subscribers and the public be patient with the telephone and limit much practicable in order that might handle the urgent bus of the nation efficiently.
 Now that the armistce has been signed and hostities have ceased confronted with problems of the structon period which equally serious and which will require time and patience for solution.
 The policy of frankness which have practced prompts make it clear that the difficulties under which are operating such that will be many months before bring the service back the standard of efficiency pre- vaing prior to the European
 These difficulties the those confronting other business enterprises We outline them briefly that you understand why service has become normal overnight.
 More than $50 of our most skilled trained technical men volunteered for service in the army and large majority of them still in Europe Very few of them returned and expect the balance to return Few of this type have been available and those training by no equal demand This shortage of experienced technical hampers plans for extensions plant and in delays installations.
 Lacking the also lacking the material needed enlarge and extend plants True the governments mands have practically ceased but equipment first gneeed then ordered and then manufactured before be installed. This involves time and if prompt delivery could be made many months would eapse before could receive equipment for imperative needs This situation confront ing all telephone companies and which have ab- 6Outcly no COnLTO
 The abnormal increase in the volume of telephone calls due activities created need for greater number of operators and have been diligently building up enlarged operating force Other industries seeking girl and workers and the inflated wages offered for emergency work attracted of operators and made interestingly difficult to the required number of young women
 When this situation very we'll in hand last fall the h. uenza epidemic played havoc with forces and losses from illness and death still alarming As result of this combination of circumstances the percentage of and n- experienced operators large and there short age although training schools graduating large every month
 Although service has suffered from these causes the public has been consdeae and have been able handle heavier traffic than seemed humanly possible and have stalled promptly and operated efficiently the telephone plants required by the government army camps and other similar institutions.
 The situation confronting service serious than it when fighting progress The public has relaxed from its tension and IS inclined expect its pre-war efficiency. We deem it duty make this frank statement and urge you continue the servaton of the service which proved helpful during the time of nations greatest need.
 We operating the telephone system agents for the federal government under the supervision of the Postmaster General and loyal organization making patriotic ef fort perfect the Your continued cooperation and encouragement will be appreciated
 Geo R. Knox, IT., District Manager SOUTHERN BELL TELEPHONE NAR AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY W%k