As a result of exhaustive researches, too extensive to describe here, it has been ascertained that the function of the wireless telephone is not to do away with the use of wires, but rather to be employed in situations where wires are not available or practicable, such as between ship and ship, and ship and shore, and across large bodies of water.  The ether is a universal conductor for wireless telephone and telegraph impulses and must be used in common by all who wish to employ those agencies of communication.  In the case of the wireless telegraph the number of messages which may be sent simultaneously is much restricted.  In the case of the wireless telephone, owing to the thousands of separate wave-lengths required for the transmission of speech, the number of telephone conversations which may be carried on at the same time is still further restricted and is so small that all who can employ wires will find it necessary to do so, leaving the ether available for those who have no other means of communication.  This quality of the ether which thus restricts its use is really a characteristic of the greatest value to mankind, for it forms a universal party line, so to speak, connecting together all creation, so that anybody anywhere, who connects with it in the proper manner, may be heard by every one else so connected.  Thus, a sinking ship or a human being anywhere can send forth a cry for help which may be heard and answered.

No one can tell how far away are the limits of the telephone art, I am certain that they are not to be found here upon the earth, for I firmly believe in the fulfilment of that prophetic aspiration expressed by Theodore N. Vail at a great gathering in Washington, that some day we will build up a world telephone system, making necessary to all peoples the use of a common language or a common understanding of languages which will join all of the people of the earth into one brotherhood.  I believe that the time will come when the historic bell which now rests in Independence Hall will again be sounded, and that by means of the telephone art, which to-day has received such distinguished recognition at your hands, it will proclaim liberty once more, but this time throughout the whole world unto all the inhabitants thereof.  And, when this world is ready for the message, I believe the telephone art will provide the means for transmitting to all mankind a great voice saying, “Peace on earth, good will toward men.”

INDEX

A

Ampere’s telegraph, 42. 
Anglo-American Telegraph Co., 134. 
Ardois signal system, 30. 
Atlantic cable projected, 109;
  attempted, 117, 121, 123, 133;
  completed, 124, 136. 
Audion amplifier, 256. 
Automatic telegraphy, 53, 105, 266.

B