Genre:

Introduction, Drollery; Drama

Subjects:

Telegraphs, Language, Domestic Economy

    Begins by anticipating the 'new system of Telegraphs' that will shortly 'come into play'—a reference to the government purchase of Britain's land telegraphs, which lowered the cost of sending telegrams. Expects 'every Man and Woman to do his or her Duty' and to understand that with telegrams costing 'Twenty Words for a shilling', they will have to 'study the art of condensation of language'. Appreciating the difficulty that 'many worthy people' have in condensing their messages, Mr Punch thinks 'these long evenings' can be 'profitably spent in acquiring Electric Literature', and presents a short drama in which a family discuss ways of shortening messages.