The mirror., 1923-02-22
FIRST TELEPHONE, THEN RADIO


have wire carry spoken message, per-
son to person, was the wonder of the
nineteenth century. Bells practical in
vention, dating back to 1876, is too well
known for present discussion other thar
the comment that like the present radio,
it had its early limitations. Later its
transcontinental use, person to person, was
history-making.
Marconi, the wireless wizard, estab-
lished the first system of radiophone be-
tween England and France in 1898, and
he made it possible for ships in mid
ocean to communicate with each other,
great boon to ocean-traveling millions.
Then in 1901 came the feat of sending
wireless across the sea.
Radio-wireless ephony-began to
meet with the first practical success in
1920, and now some of the greatest chap
tiers in the history of communication are
icing written.
Already there are 100000 receiving sets
in the United States. Multiply this num-
Der by even two or three and an idea is
had of the number of persons that radio
is reaching in its early stage of develop
inent.
Every month new inventions are being
made in the improving of wireless COM
munication. 1t is now assured that the
apparatus will in time be simple and
cheap, will come into use in many parts
of the earth, and will afford instant COM
munication to millions of persons of var
ious races and nations.
In the homes here in our own country
how are people affected? Information
and entertainment are offered them cover
ing wide range of subjects. What kind
do they choose?
Be it said to the credit of those offering
the programs that for the most part they
are clean and of true value, either edu
cational or recreational.
To the credit of the hearers it must be
said that the general opinion is that they
listen in for the better things.
When the members of family can sit
in one of their own rooms and enjoy con-
cert, public speaking opera and church
service, and be informed of the chief
events happening over the EARTH the hu
man race has arrived at wonderful stage
of development.
On Sunday evening, for example, the
radiophone can be set to receive church
service. The sender of the program may
choose from among many ministers the
one whose qualities enable him power
fully to sway thousands of persons with
his speaking voice.
From the great organ float harmonies
religious in character, and they are car
ried over an area hundreds of miles wide.
In the distant home, where small group
of worshippers sit, the music is an inspir
alton. The choir makes the religious ap-
peal in the singing of the anthem. The
hearers may accept the prayer as their
ONll, DIS II COIliCS dlI. TIOlH
the lips of the minister come WISDOM
guidance, and comfort for the home group
preparing them the better to perform their
duties in the new week.
BY means of wireless the influence of
religion is thus broadened. In the past
limited number of persons have attended
services, concerts, lectures. Now thou
sands, yes, even millions, more may be
added to the audiences by means of wire
less.
1t does not take much Imagination to
picture the peoples of our earth, in the not
distant future, communicating through
powerful wireless stations. 1t is per-
fectly possible imaginative picture.
OF course, radio stations will not be-
come common in all countries at once.
In the United States great many fam