Year: 1873

From The Iet,0rdphc journal lLondOR, N0v To- l0i<J


The purchase our teegraphio system by the State
is in theory matter OF eOngratulaon for the public
and we even look forward to the railways y n oerns
in England the principle obtains that what 10 Ie
in he of the telegraph It is too much in theory and
little in fact that derive benefit from the change
We can certainly send messages at cheaper rate; and
given to understand that the use OF TINS means
the new Tegas So far so good; but we hear com
plants around u.s. that the main advantage OF tele
M 70 great Extent denied us. The electric force in
deed appears willing and quick as ever but for
taken 10 transmit given message is often reckoned
in hours instead OF minutes In the present state OF
tends to call on b. about miles away. Regard
less OF expense, flashes" message TO b to notify
his destination, and finds, much TO his own astonsh
ment, that he takes b by, surprise An explanation
ensues during which the tardy message arrives record
ing intention that has become an act. something VI
tine sort has within the writer's own experience


natural and obvious difficulty for the transmission of
messages at speed as rapid as that for which the wire
offers such facilities, would be to find the practical
means These practical means are provided by science
The difficulty is then surmountedf Not SO; tnere Is now
obvious dticulty In fact very artificial diincuy
for usit is red tape. The precious moments
which supposed TO be gained by hashng the
tunes over because the telegram must wait table for


clerk TO sign it. Thus the advantage to De derived
maanarr and II it were not for this sentiment we
might often as well have written by post. That is
cheaper, confidential and word OF TWO more
makes difference in the price.


Need all this be Is it absolutely essential that the
messages should be allowed such lengthy breathing
OF consideration for the speed at which they
travel II is urged that If We will send 10 crowded
wire messages must wait their turns. But why
should the wire be crowded Why not tell us when 1t Is
full Why receive more work than can well De got
throughl Speed the very essential OF the telegram


its rdisOH d6re; therefore there is no good In re-
ducng the charge for this convenience II the con-
venence itself yanshes. It becomes, IN faet, nucn
more expensive. We now pay shilling for telegram
when penny stamp even a half-penny card would
have sufced. In former days telegram was an outlay,
certainly but paid much for speed that we obtained
Many would still pay much for the same advantage,
but ind they pay reduction for ghost OF IT, with
many business the rapid acquisition or transmits
sion OF Information directly and enormously affects his
worldly interests and IL such who are among the
the apparent good OF the more general public.


Now, are not opposed to the Government posses
sion OF the telegraphc ystem we say III theOry II Is
preferable the possession by private c0mpanles but
we see why should not derive actual pen
eft from the change. That DO not derive actual ben
WILL think, be felt by at least the majority OF
those who daily the wire. lt appears 10 us that
the evil is not by any means necessary we speak, now
ever considerable Ignorance, for reserved are the
authorities this department to their arrangements,
and to seeking any useful information on
that point that cannot prescribe the exact retne or
the evil. But we may bear this in mind-that all the
real and practical difficulties would lie in the science Of
the matter in the instruments employed: that the
POsOice has the best instruments at lts service
speed marvellous triumph OF science the delay
Is created obstruction OF routine