The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1921-02-11
The Development Of
the Wireless System

Am0IiCd > pOSltiOH III COMMUNICATE
ing with the outside world has been
most unsatisfactory for years. Its
ews and commercial services, which
are so important factor. in the eoun-
try's fight for trade supremacy, are
practically at the mercy of foreign
countries. Great Britain in particular
has long held the dominating hand
on the cables and would have secured
like hold on long distance wireless
but for the timely Intervention and in
crest of Rear Admiral William H. G.
Billiard, of the United States Navy.
A leader of pioneers in wireless, the
guiding light since the navy became
interested in the work, Rear Admiral
Billiard foresaw the danger of Ameri-
cas- commerce of foreign interests Sc
cured hold on two new American in
ventions, which have done more to
revolutionize the radio system of the
| world than anything else-the Alex
anderson high frequency alternator
and the Weagant Static Eliminator.
The British Marconi Company, then
operating in this country, as the Amer
team Marconi Company, was quick to
realize the importance of these inven-
lions. This was in the spring of 1919.
So great did it view the General Elec-
trio Company, holders of the patents
and manufacturers of the machine.
However, before closing this deal,
the company, realizing the seriousness
of any move that would give world
radio control to foreigners, decided to
first consult with the United States
Government.
During the war the navy had been
in control of the wireless so that the
situation was explained to Secretary
Daniels. Rear Admiral Billiard in
company with Commander S. c. Hoop
er, Bureau of Engineering, went to
New York to appear before the meet
ing of the board of directors of the
General Electric Company. They
urged the company not to sell, al
though they had no alternative to Of
fer for the navy was no longer in the
commercial field and could not buy the
machine Nevertheless this appeal
hit its mark The British contrac. was
cast aside with this brief statement
| by Charles A. Coffin, chairman of the
board, Nov we will start afresh. We
will not put this mahine in the hands
of foreigners without some regulation
and control. But what shall we do?
We have no other customer for it."
why don't you go in the business
yourself?" asked Admiral Billiard. >
| This suggestion solved the problem.
1t opened the way for the organiza-
ton of The Radio Corporation of
America by General Electric interests,
a strictly Yankee concern backed by
the country's strongest financial inter-
ests and possessed of the'patent rights
to the Alexanderson alternator.
1t was pointed out to the officials
of the General Electric Company that
as long as foreign interests maintained
any control of wireless interests in the
United States the Navy Department
would have to tack the same attitude
as it had previously done and could
elnd no support to the suggested cor
poration. Therefore, one of the first
acts of the new company was to pur-
chase the British holdings in the
American Marconi Company Then
with the consent of the stockholders,
it next absorbed, the American Mar
conf, thus bringing radio activity in
the United States under American
management for the first time.
| It was about twenty-five years ago
that Admiral Billiard, then a young
naval lieutenant, fresh from Spanish
American war service, was first at
tracted by wireless. During his stu
dent days at Annapolis, electricity and
Electrical engineering interested him.
Wireless appealed to him, both as
an electrical engineer and as a mill
tary officer. With his knowledge of
electricity the military possibilities
lay in wireless were readily apparent.
So he threw himself into the subject.
He is now director of the Navy
Communications Service and was the
first superintendent of radio service
| from 1912 to 1916, since enlarged to
embrace all forms of communication
activities. In that capacity he is head
of one of the most extensive radio
service in the world. More than 140
shore stations, 81 radio compass sta
] tions 6ua TranSoceanic stations and