A. G. Holman, M. E.

The proposed system is not an electric telegraph. It occupies a field of its own, and although not having the capacity or refinements of electric devices, it has the honor of an illustrious past and of many respectable modern applications. As compared with electric systems for amateur use, it will be found that it has "legs" in a practical sense, far beyond the financial reach of the average boy in electric fields. For purposes of amusement, and also of practical usefulness and moderate profit, a well arranged signal telegraph still has a place.

The requirements for an acceptable system are easy and cheap construction, a simple alphabet and considerable speed. A signal apparatus fulfilling these conditions and manned by a combination of energetic and trustworthy young men, has a fighting chance for commercial existence, as well as entertainment, even in this electric age. It should not be forgotten when estimating the possible benefits from a semi-business operation organized by young men, that if properly conducted, it will bring them to the favorable notice of business men and lead to desirable engagements that may be fairly counted among the assets of the combination.

A description of the proposed signal system will cover:1. An explanation of the necessary characters.

2. The translation of characters into signals.

3. The construction of a miniature apparatus for purposes of practice.

4. Tne construction of a full-sized apparatus.

5. Details of organization and operation for a group of stations.

6. Organization of a Trunk line service.

First. The characters necessary for a convenient and satisfactory miscellaneous business cannot be less then about forty two. These include the letters of the alphabet, the numerals, several punctuation signs and a few special signals for special purposes. It is impor. tant that the first step of choosing the characters should be carefully taken, so that it may become a standard code suitable for all future extensions of the system.

The forty two characters may be conveniently arranged in tabular form as shown in Fig. 1.

Second. Translation into signals. If a number is given to each line and to each vertical column, the character at the beginning of each line may be expressed by a single figure, as 1 for A, 2 for E, 3 for I, etc. All the other characters may be expressed by two figures each, giving first the number of line and secondly the number of column, 1-2 for C, 3-3 for L, etc.

Therefore by this expedient of tabulating the characters, the necessary separate signals required to express the entire list has been reduced to six. It will also be noticed that the vowels which are of most frequent occurance, are placed at the beginning of the lines, so that they are expressed by one figure.

Fig. 1.

As the Morse telegraph alphabet, used on electric lines and in flag signals, requires one signal for E, two signals for I, and agi-eater number for all other letters, it will be seen that if a method can be provided for indicating each of the six figures mentioned by a single signal, much has been accomplished in the line of speed and simplicity.

Third. A miniature apparatus for expressing the six figures by single signals is shown in Fig. 2. Cut from a piece of thin wood the piece marked A, consisting of the main portion, 3 in. square and a handle 3 in. long on one side of the square and formed from the same piece. At the centre a common spool, B, is fastened to the board with a round head screw of proper size so that when firmly in the board, the head will allow the spool to turn. In the side of the spool a wire or small wooden rod, C, about 4 in. long, is firmly fixed, so that when the spool is turned the rod will be swung to different angles. Finally, mark on the board the position of the rod when at the upper and lower left corners and four other positions equally spaced between, and number these marks from 1 to 6 as shown, and drive small nails partially into the board at corners 1 and 6 to serve as stops for the rod, so that it may be quickly swung to the extreme positions without passing beyond. When not in use the rod can be sprung over the cover nails and placed over the handle for convenience of carrying in the pocket.

With this pocket apparatus, which can be made in a short time and at trifling expense, messages according to the tabulated code, may be rapidly sent as far as the signals can be seen, and will give valuable practice in familiarizing the work while within speaking distance so that suggestions can be exchanged.

Fig. 2.

To signal the letter A, swing the rod quickly to position 1, and keep it there long enough so that it can be observed, but no longer than necessary. If the next letter to be sent is F (to be indicated by 2-1) swing the rod to 2 and then back to 1. If the next letter following A should be C (indicated by 1-2) .bring the rod to the horizontal position of "rest" to show that the previous letter is finished, and then turn successively to 1 and 2. Be careful to leave a distinct space or pause between letters, so that the signals will not be confused. Double figures, like 3-3 for S, are made by swinging rod to 3, then back to "rest" or horizontal position, and again to 3. At the end of each word drop rod to 6, indicating "space." This is more distinct than to depend upon a longer pause to. indicate the space, and it also saves time. The signals for the nine numerals and zero all include the signal 6 in the combination, which is a help in recognizing these characters. The word "the" occurs so frequently that time is saved by assigning to it a separate combination, 6-5, requiring two signals instead of spelling it-out with five.

The group included within the small square in the table contains all the characters necessary for practical use. "&" may be used in addresses and also for " and" in messages.

The question mark, 1-4, in addition to its ordinary use, is convenient for indicating "what?" if a rem?.by signals is not understood. The dash, 1-5, is used for commas and other stops in a sentence less prominent than the period, 2-5. The period may also be used without confusion as a decimal point. In making the signals be sure to give the line signal first, followed by the column signal, and make a slight pause between letters.

Sending messages. Confusion will be avoided by acquiring a habit at the outset of following the ordinary telegraph custom in regard to the proper order.

The necessary details are these:Begin each message with abbreviation H R (meaning hear?) to indicate that a regular message is coming. Next give successively the number of message, initiate of sender, the " check" or number of words in body of message, place sent from, full address, the message and the signature.

The name of sending place should be preceded by " Fm," the address by "To," the message by a period, the signature by"Sig," and the message should end with a period after the signature.

The proper order is indicated in thefollowing line:- Hr. No, Sender, Check, Fm, To - Message, SigAt end of message the receiving station says "O K," followed by initial of the receiving operator.

When an informal message or remark is sent it should always begin as well as end with a period.

The signals to attract the attention of another office may be one of the vowel letters, several times repeated, with the "space" signal between. This will provide five separate " calls " which will accommodate as many stations as would probably ever be within range. If not, a combination of letters, like A E, A I, etc., will supply the necessary number.

When the station called answers " II," proceed with the message.

Messages can betaken before the alphabet is memor-ized, by simply writing down the figures and afterward filling in the translation.

By forming a small club for practice, stations may be arranged in different rooms or around buildings so that the original sender is out of sight of some of the receiving officers.

A sending instrument which is simply an enlarge-ment of that here described, could be used between neighboring houses or in field work for considerable distances, but for long range certain modifications are desirable, which will be described in another article.

Without any apparatus this alphabet may be used with the swinging of the hand or a cane, to carry on a conversation much beyond speaking distance, and at a higher speed than by the "wig-wag " code.

Regular stations may be established to reach summer resorts, temporary camps, etc., and the curiosity awakened by the unusual operations will be good advertising, and the fad of telegraphic conversation at a ner message will bring change into the