Western news and the Libby times. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1920-1933, 1930-03-13
Modern Miracles
BY John Pate, B. A.

When Nikola Tesla gave to the
world the results of his explorations
into the field of electricity, the pre-
dictions which he ventured as to the
possibilities of his discoveries were
received on all sides with skeptical
sneers. After his lecture which he
delivered before the Electrical Con-
gress in Session at the Worlds Fair,
one of his hearers, leading scientist
OF Europe, made this statement: "His
work is brilliant but of what use. is
it, and he voiced the general opin-
ion of the savants Of his day. Tesla
was regarded as theorist and his
invention impractical.
Thirty-seyen years have passed
away since this gifted genius laid
has findings before that congress of
scientists. The incredulous savants
have come to- realize that his discov-
cry known as the rotating magnetic
field which opened the way to the
conversion (by means of the alternat-
ing as against the direct currently of
electricity into mechanical energy and
the economical transmission Of power
through long distances, has revolu-
tionized the use of the hidden forces
of nature, not only in the fields of
manufacture and transportation, but
also In mining, irrigation and farm
ing.
Tesla accomplished the seemingly
impossible, and now we have another
exemplification of mans triumph over
difficulties in another field of electri
cal research. To have stated 10 years
ago that it would be possible to hear
conversation between two groups
Of people separated by thousands of
miles Of land and sea, would have
been branded as visionary, and re-
ceived with the same incredulity as
Tesla's discoveries. Yet demonstra-
ton was given on Tuesday morning
that out rivals any thing hitherto at
tempted in the domain Of electrical
science.
At the hour of $50 Listeners in"
had the privilege of hearing a con-
versation between Rear Admiral Byrd,
Dunedin, N. T.. and Adolph S. Ochs,
publisher Of the New York Times,
who spoke through w. G. US micro
phone, at Schenectady, N. Y.
When one takes into consideration
the peculiar nature Of the hook up,
and the many difficulties to be en-
countered, the reception was beyond
our fondest anticipations. Listening
IN we were fortunate enough to get
Mr.. Och's words Of congratulation
to the distinguished explorer. without
any interference or fading away. The
reply Of the admiral, though marred
by static, was quite distinguishable.
There were several speakers follow
ing Mr.. Ochs, some Of whom seemed
to be little over anxious to get their
message through the ether, and were
not heard quite SO well as Mr.. Ochs.
Apparently some were personal
friends Of Admiral Byrd, one per-
son beginning the conversation,
Hello, Hello, Hello Dick, do you hear
e?" The reply was quite distinct.
Yes, yes, glad to hear you Arthur"
and the words in reply to another
question "Yes, Thank God" 1t was
an experience never to be forgotten,
sitting in the quiet of ones home, and
hearing men talk to one another over
that vast expanse of ether, one was
compelled to say what great things
God has wrought" The young people
Of today will see greater triumphs
as the science develops. We are only
at the beginning Of things; greater
things than these shall they see and
hear, but we could not help adding
a heartfelt "Amen" to the words Of
one of the speakers, who referring to
the admiral's wonderful flight over
the South Pole, breasting the storm,
said that his accomplishment remind
ed him of the words Of the old hymn,
God moves in mysterious way
His wonders to perform:
lie plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
I. The broadcasting was unique in
the story of radio activity. Admiral
Byrd spoke into the telephone receiver
at Dunedin (Which is on the south
east Of the South Island of the group)
to Wellington, the capital, in the
southeast Of the North Island Cooks
Strait separating the two). This was
relayed to Sydney, the capital of New
South Wales, and by short waves to
Schenectady, N. Y.
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