davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

1t is a matter of common knowledge
that the United States leads the world
In point of the extent of telephone
service; but the great degree of
American superiority is not so gen
orally appreciated.
According to a recent survey, on
January l, 1921, there were 20,S5O,55O
telephones in the world, and of these
13.329,379, or Ga per cent, were in the
United States. In other words, with
only about one-sixteenth % the worlds
population, the United States has al
most t~wo-thirds of the worlds tele-
phones. The number of telephones in
all the countries of Europe combined
was $685. COG, or only 25 per cent of
the worlds total. In the relation be-
tween telephones and population, Eu-
rope Is today exactly where the
United States was some % years ago.
OF the total number cf telephones
In the world on January ], 1921, about
14.95O00O were operated by private
companies. and about 100000 by va
rious governments.
In the United States, where tele-
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
TELEPHONE OPERATORS
CAREFULLY TRAINED
Given Practical Course of Train
ing Before Being Assigned
to Switchboard Positions.

The pleasant infection in the tele-
phone operators voice as she asks
Number. please" is not always the
gift of nature. In the Operators Train
ing Department of the Bell Telephone
Company of Pennsylvania, at Phila-
delphia, Pa, as well as in the training
of operators at other points through
out Pennsylvania. particular stress is
laid on voice infection and distinct
articulation during the course of in
struction that is given to applicants
accepted for operators positions.
The average telephone user does
not realize the difficulty encountered
in distinct articulation. particularly as
applied to telephone operating.
The word mine offer. sounds like
five when spoken over the telephone.
Because of this, operators taking the
curse of instruction at the Philadel-
phia school are given special training
in the pronunciation of numerals.
They are taught to pronounce mine
in two syllables, as "ni-en.' -Four
is also taught in two syllables as
flower
In this way many errors are elimi-
mated, for when the operator repeats
a number, the decided emphasis laid
on the numerals is often the means of
calling attention to misleading pro-
nunciation.
OF course, the instruction in switch
board operating is one of the most
important phases of the students train
ing. Accuracy and speed are two impor-
tant requirements of telephone operat-
ing and only by constant practice can
these faculties be acquired or devel-
teped- IbaiA why one section of the
operators school in Philadelphia IS
just like a full-fedged central Office.
The students sit at a large switch
board and practice establishing tele-
phone connections.
After leaving the training depart
ment students receive the grade of
Junior operators and are assigned to
the less exacting switchboard posi-
lions until by actual experience they
are capable of handling more difficult
positions.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

We're afraid that at the present
rate bandits and %bootleggers will have
so much of Uncle Sans money he
won't have any to lend Europe.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
USES OPERATORS AS
TEXT FOR SERMON
Girls at Switchboard Are
''UncroWned Heroines,"
Clergyman Declares.

When a telephone operator gamely
sticks to her switchboard in a burning
exchange and gives an alarm which
results in the saving of life or prop
erty, she is heralded by pulpit and
press as a heroine. But the press very
rarely and the pulpit almost never
gives her credit for literally plugging"
along, day after day, faithfully per-
forming a routine duty which has in it
little of the spectacular but which is
nevertheless distinctly an important
public service.
But now and then it occurs to ONE
body that the pulpit is the most fitting
of all places in which to recognize true
service. Such a well deserved tribute
was paid the girl at the switchboard
recently by the Rev. George Craig
Stewart, D. D., rector of st. Luke's
Church, Evanston, H., who Is quoted
as saying:
Number Please: Uncrowned hero
ines of patience, ~gentleness, courtesy
these are our telephone operators. To
sit for hours saying, Number, please, >
in q pleasant voice to give that soft
answer which turneth away wrath to
suffer fools gladly when they bawl a
number into your ear or put the baby
to the mouthpiece to hear the baby
babble; to say quietly, No party on
your line now knowing the receiver
will be slammed at you; to be yelled
at, howled at, denounced and derided,
and yet to remember always that you
are a public servant and neye to lose
your temper-some job"
at is easy to criticize, but l wonder
if there is any public service superior
to our telephone service. And would
we not do well to remember that these
| girls who serve us are sisters, daugh-
ters, young women of exceptional abil-
ity and charm? They must be to keep
their positions. Number, please they
say, but I'll venture they have your
number and NINE"
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

We defy any woman in Pleasantville
to answer this: why will a woman
treat her husband like zoe and then
want 100000 damages if some other
woman gets him."
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
SUBSCRIBER CAN IMPROVE
OWN TELEPHONE SERVICE

Naturally everyone who uses the
telephone desires continuous and eff
ficient telephone service. There are
many little ways in which the tele-
phone subscribers can assist the tele-
phone people in their efforts to pro-
vide such service.
For instance, a simple knot in your
telephone cod is apt to cause a break
in the service. The knot weakens the
delicate wires contained in the cord.
If the cord rests against a wet UNI
brella, or on the sponge on the desk,
or against any other wet object, tele-
phone trouble may follow. Thousands
of trouble complaints arise from such
incidents. BY taking care to avoid
such troubles, the telephone user will
benefit by having continuous serv-
ice while the company will be able to
use its repairmen and materials for
other greatly needed work
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

phones are under private ownership,
there were 12.4 telephones for each
100 people in the country, a develop
ment higher than that of any other
country. In Europe, the best develop
ed country was Denmark, with IT tele-
phones for every 100 people, followed
by Sweden, with &c, and Norway. with
90. In all these countries, telephone
service was developed by private en-
terprise, although the government has
bought out the private companies in
Sweden and part of Norway.
Germany, although it ranked nett
to the United States as to number If
telephones, with $685. 74 instruments,
had a development per 100 inhabitants
of only 80. Austria had %, Great
Britain 81, France II, Belgium O.G,
and Japan 0.6. In all these countries.
telephones are owned ard operated
by the government.
The sort of telephone service that
IS such a well-known feature of life
in the smaller communities and rural
districts in the United States and
Canada Is almost unknown abroad.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

One of the most interesting spots
In Pennsylvania is to be found at Ash
ton-near Holmesburg, Pa. 1t Is the
Cottage Green health center, main
tanned by The Bell Telephone Com
pany of Pennsylvania for telephone
operators. and other women en-
ployees.
1t is said that the voice with the
smile cannot be a tired voice. and
every %precaution is taken to insure
the health of telephone operators. Cot
tage Green is just one of the precau-
tions.
Here the girl who is not up to par
physically can rest comfortably amid
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
A FABLE
Mr.. Whosit had a Telephone.

Mr.. Whosit had a Telephone.
And every time he saw an
Improvement he attached 1t to
his Telephone Instrument.
There was a Celluloid Cup in the
Mouthpieca; a "Noise Silencer" on
the Receiver.
A Pad grew ON the Base of the
Instrument.
And another Advertising jim
crack was grated on the Trans
mitter.
The ensemble" looked like a
beautiful Mechanical Toy.
Mr.. Whosit soon began to find
fault because when he called some
body they could not hear him very
well.
A Friend finally suggested that
he remove the attachments that he
had grated to his Telephone.
Mr.. Whosit did so.
And now the beautiful Mechani-
cal Toy is gone.
But his Friends don't say, 81
can't understand you"
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

AT last reports the Sultan had re-
duced his total number of wives to 81.
That still entities him to be a movie
actor.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
NEVER TRUST TO CHANCE
CONSULT THE DIRECTORY

The practice of taking telephone
numbers from old billheads, letter
3 ads, or business cards is apt to
cause trouble. This is especially true
when a subscriber changes from party
o a single line. which usually results
in a change Of number.
ne proper way to obtain the right
tlephone numbers of those you wish
- cali is to consult the current edi-
IN Of telephone directory.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

Rqefus. Gimme 1880"
Ore=afor: s1230 is the wrong mum
her"
Paefus: Oats funny, NAH boss dom
to,' u,c to call IN Mt 1890"
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
What He Wanted.

Passing through the country, a
tramp stopped at a farmhouse and
said:
ut is needless to ask you the ques-
ton, madam. You know what want"
Yes" replied the lady, g" know
what you want badly; but I've only
one bar oil soap in the house and the
servant is using it. Come again some
other day"
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

pleasant surroundings and, In addition.
is given the best of medical attention
without any cost.
Situated in a quiet, picturesque part
Of Pennsylvania, Cottage Green In
duces complete relaxation, and with
the care that is taken OF all the guests
is an ideal spot for regeneration.
Nothing is lacking in the line OF
entertainment. A piano and victrola,
as well as all the latest magazies, are
only Il few of the home comforts en-
~ y the guests. A radio outfit.
equipped with a loud speaker, has
Zen presen ed by Il telephone official
40 Is deeply interested in the home.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

The sewing machine was patented
in 1879, and some neighbors have been
dropping in to use it ever since.
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20
Seal Going Dogs.

Lady Ito dog fancier): What kind
of dogs have you for sale?"
Dog Fancier: Scotch terriers, Chi
nese pugs, French poodles n Eng
fish settlers"
Lady: Have you any of those
ocean greyhounds that l have read
about?"
The Pleasantville press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1912-1929, 1923-01-20

Still another mighty good thing to
remember through 1923 is that this
world doesn't owe any man a living
if he isn't willing to peel off his coat,
roll up his sleeves and go to work for
II
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
seen two years Of major league ser.

seen two years Of major league ser.
vice.
In Blue and Rigney, Detroit has
an exceptional pair. Both are real
ball players, being fast on the bases.
800 hitters, and dangerous in the
proverbial pinch. Each is a good
fielder, Rigney especially having
done a great deal to plug up the
hole around short which cropped out
when "Donie" Bush, began to falter.
Bassler has already taken rank
with the best receivers in the game
today. He has a good head, is fast
as catchers go. possesses real
arm, and unlike many other back
stops in the circuit, is splendid
hitter. Last season he batted 1923,
topping the American League catch
ers in this respect.
Herman Pillette, in his initial
year in the majors, proved a star
of the first magnitude. finishing
we'll up to the head Of the list. He
was without a doubt the best hurler
among the Johnsonian recruits of
1922. And he came to the Tigers
practically unheralded.
All of these youngsters have more
than made the grade since coming
into the league, and incidentally
have done great deal toward CIV
ing Detroit winning combination.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
Changes System,
~. II For Br eaking in
Recruit Umpires
BY 'NEA Service

BY 'NEA Service
Chicago, Feb. "a number of
new faces will be seen on the AM
erican League staff Of umpires the
coming season. President johnson
has already signed two new men in
"Red" Ormsby and Clarepce Row
land. 1t is! said that the head Of the
American League has two, other new
umpires under Adjustment. p
President Johnson intends to
adopt a different system this year
relative to his new men. Instead Of
having them make their debut in a
regular league game, he intends that
they will get accustomed to big
league methods during the spring
training, = III +
Working on those lines, President
johnson has assigned Ormsby,, to
work the exhibition games in the
south with the Washington team,
while Rowland will be with the Alta
letics.
It is believed that such training
will greatly aid the new men to get
away to q good start. It will sharpen
them up a on big league methods
and incidentally give President
Johnson certain line on their real
ability. ''5.i S.53tt
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
MANDAN NEWS

Mrs. Viola Coe, daughter of Mrs
Sarah Boley arrived yesterday from
Portland, Ore. She was called here
by the serious illness of her mother.
Mr.. and Mrs. Al. Sylvester en-
tertained a-'npmber of guests At
dinner at their home last evening.
Bridge whist was played after the
$3.50 o'clock dinner. :,
The party given by the husbands
and men friends of the Catholic
Daughters of America Thursday
evening was attended by about 100
guests. The dancing party which
followed the dinner at the Lewis &
Clark hotel at Elks hall was enjoyed
by about 100 couples.
Louis Larson who has been seri-.
ously ill at this home for the past
two weeks was taken. yesterday to
the Northern Pacific general hospi-
tai at St. PAUL for further treatment.
JOHH FOScI, ago ~, was -UTOuSnS
to the local hospital from Thinner
yesterday FOX treatment as result
of scalds about the face. ~
Mrs. r. j. Higgins of Glendive,
Mont, is the guest of her sister,,
Mrs. C. E. Dorfler. 's
:, Mary Thomas of st. Anthony who
has been under treatment at the
Deaconess hospital returned to her
home yesterday. ~
I Miss Nellie Vawter of Mandan has
entered the Deaconess hospital for
treatment.
Miss Elsie Kukuk and William
Held, both Of New Salem were united
in marriage Thursday by County
Judge B. w. Shaw.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
MINERS OPPOSE
UNDER GROUND
COAL STORAGE

Springfield! Feb. 10-Storage of
reserve supplies Of coal underground,
as suggested recently by II. Foster
Balm, director of the United States
Bureau of Mines, would be impos-
sible in the soft coal fields Of 1lli-
nois, according to Robert Medill,
state director of mines and minerals.
Liability of combustion resulting
in adisastrous fires, would make this
proposed means of;insuring stability
in the coal industry impractical, Mr..
Medill said.
ITO attempt this in Illinois mines,
however, would simply mean to start
so many mine fires" said Mr.. Meoill.
Combustion fires from mine ref
use are now one of the problems of
mining in this state. This danger
would be only increased by attempt
ing any large storage underground,
and then of course it is subject to
shrinkage."
Seasonable demands for coal could
be stabilized by the storage plhn,
Director Balm Of the Bureau of Mines
suggested in a report to the United
States coal commission. His plan
was to keep the miners at work, but
to hoist coal only as requirements de-
manded.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
LOCAL TEAM
FINEST TO
APPEAR IN VIC.
Principal Ward in Letter to
Supt. Saxvik Con1mends
Local Team Highly

In letter to Supt. H. O. Saxvik,
Principal NJ. w. Ward of the Valley
City schools, commends Mr.. Saxyik
upon the fine spirit shown by the
local basketball boys in their play.
ing and states that in his opinion
they are the first team in the State.
He says in his letter:
Valley City, N. D.,
Feb. 3, 1923
Supt. H. o. Saxvik,
Bismarck. N. d.
Dear Mr.. Saxcik:
| cannot refrain from writing you
in commentator of your fine Basket.
ball team which played at Valley
City last night.
We have always enjoyed Bismar rex
visits to our high school, but this
one believe we enjoyed more than
any previous one. Your team play ID
a fine, clean game, and believe l
am correct in saying that it is the
finest team that has appeared in
Valley City this season with tn.
single exception of the University
Stars who played here during the
holidays. Their defense was invinci-
BILE and their offcnse at times DAG.
zling. Their shooting was of very
high order. In fact in every depart.
ment of the game they showed su.
perior work which would compare
most favorably wAh college basket
ball.
I am Of the opinion that just noa
yoY have the best high school bas-
ketball team in the state. hope it
will continue to improve through
out the season, and if our own team
cannot win the state championship
we will certainly be boosting, for
Bismarck and will exult with you if
your team brings home the cup.
Both on and off the floor your boys
were perfect gentlemen. 1t was de-
light to US to welcome them, and
their visit here will 60 down as one
of the most pleasant occasions Of the
year.
Permit me also to congratulate
you upon your coach. He is contil
ual inspiration to his team, and much
of their success is due to his keen
foresight and instruction. ,1 =.
Very truly yours,
M. S WARD"
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
YOST OUTLINES
QUALIFICATIONS
OF GOOD COACH

Chicago, Feb. 10-The successful
college football coach has to have
thorough general education, un-
dexstand boys Intimately, be able
to plan battles and develop strate-
gy, must command the admiration
and respect of everyone with whom
he comes in contact, and must De
physically able to stand long hours
and a strenuous life.
That is the analysis of coach,
according to Fielding H. Yost, vet
eran team builder of the University
of Michigan.
Unlike other teachers in the Uni
versity his success is measured
from years to year by the victories,
his team wins over opponents who
arc striving just as hard for vie,
tory. If the students of professor
in any college were required to- pass
the same test in competition with
rivals from other seats of learning,
and the professors were ranked ac-
cordingly, there would be lot of
them doomed to failure, Coach Yost
observes.
"Too often,". he said today,
coaches are judged only by their
success in turning out winning
teams. The coach who strives for
an ideal and commands the respect
and admiration of : his men and
makes those with whom he comes
in contact better men, is successful
as coach whether his teams rec
ord shows it. or not"
The success of winning coach.
the Michigan leader says, "varics
with his originality and strategy In
working out means Of offense and
defense land much upon the person
mel which he is given to develop.
"His hours Of labor are long as
he must do considerable work and
study off the field. The time which
a coach spends on the gridiron with
his men is only small part Of the
time which he must devote to his
job.
"New plays must be worked out.
opinions of other coaches must be
given consideration and finally the
entire plan of development decided
upon, with every detail of instruc-
tion cared for.
"In addition the coach must be &C
copied favorably by the public,
alumni and students who are loud in
their praise of winners and equally
loud in their criticisms of losers.
! "He must hold the respect of all
and his ideals must be high.
zone Of the first requisites of a
coach is executive ability and besides
his ability to- inspire confidence of
his men, he must have unlimited
ability in imparting this: knowledge
to them" -
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10

charge Of the managerial duties of
the Giants back in 1908, the Ma
tional League entry in New York
has established most remarkable
record. In the 20 campaigns McGraw
has been at the helm, his teams have
won the pennant on no less than
eight occasions, and but for Merkle's
ivory play in 1908 would have cop
ped the flag that year.
Added to this, the Giants, under
McGraw, have finished second eight
times, third once and four twice.
Only in one season did McGraw fail
to land his club in the first division,
that beng in 1915, when it came in
last.
Thus, out of 20 campaigns, the
Giants have finished "one-two" 16
seasons, besides winning three out
Of seven world championships, there
being no titular entries in 1904, Nc
Graw's first pennant-winning year.
But though McGraw has no doubt
won more success as a manager of
major league ball clubs than any
other pilot in the game, still the willy
leader cherishes one fond ambition
which he hopes to put across before
he quits the pastime for good. And
that is to cop four pennants in
row-something which no one has
yet been able to accomplish.
Back in 1918, McCraw seemed we'll
on the way to realize his dream"
the Giants having taken the honors
three times running, but the fol-
lowing season his hopes were blasted
when the Boston Braves put on
their unprecedented victories march,
going from eighth place in July to
the flag, thus edging out the Nc
Graw clan which had been just about
been counted Gin"
However, another rosy chance
now confronts the crafty manager.
for he has two triumphs in success.
sion to his credit, and with victories
in 1913 and 1924 can turn the trick
he desires.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10

There are dipsy-dew turns in
careers of ball players. One of the
latest peculiar twists is found in the
record of George Boehler, pitcher
who has just been purchased by the
Pittsburg Pirates from the Tusla
club of the Western League.
The records can be pulled to prove
Boehler is the find of the minor
leagues. He had remarkable rec
ord in 1922.
But turn back to the pages of a
year ago. 1t is discovered that this
same Boerlcr, with the same Tulsa
club had the worst record of any
pitcher in the minor league circuit,
winning four. games and losing 20.
Boehler is not in the class of
young phcnoms. He could not de-
velop any new fancy twisters that
would cause this unexpected squirt.
The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1923-02-10
Harvard Coach
Says C0nlon Is !,
Certain to Star
BY NEA Service

by NEA 0etVlce
Boston, Feb. 9--The greatest big
league prospect have seen in years
A college player who has shown me
more ability than did either George
Sisler or frankie Frisch in their
college days" I
That is the glowing tribute, paid
"Jocko" Conlon, Harvard shortstop.
by Jack Slattery, baseball coach at
that institution. -: N'*H +
Conlon has just been signed by
the Boston Braves and will get a
chance to make good Slattery's PREF
diction.
Slattery, a former big league
player, aside from his duties as Har-
ward coach, is big league scout.
No doubt, his influence caused Con-
Ion to sign with the Braves. :
81 saw Frisch play when he was
at Fordham, and looked Sisler over
when he starred at Michigan, but I
am willing to 60 on record as saying
neither of these two stars looked any
better than Conlon in their college
days. =. = ~ "' VI
II miss my guess if he isn't a
sensation in the National League in.
side of couple Of years." conclud-
ed the Harvard coach. 2as.