Punch,  27 (1854), 64.

Tricks of the Electrics

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery; Dialogue, Spoof

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Commerce


    Agreeing with the Quarterly Review's judgement that the electric telegraph 'has yet to come into general use' (a reference to Wynter 1854), argues that the chief problem with the instrument is that the 'officials entrusted' with it try to 'discourage the transmission of messages'. Explains that the 'pedantic precision' of officials and the extortionate cost of sending messages make the system 'a non-conductor to the wires'. Imagines the experience of Mr Brown, who is so irritated by the pedantry and cost of sending a telegraphic message that he storms out of the telegraphic office.



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