The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1908)

THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD. TALKERS FOR TEACHING. Was the Subject of Discussion at the Recent Convention of the Cbmmercial Teachers' Federation Held in Pittsburg. (Special to The Talking Machiue World.) Pittsburg, Pa., Dec. 31, 1907. Discussion of the advisability of having phonographs for dictating lessons to students was the chief topic of interest before the Commercial Teachers' Federation yesterday morning. The general opinion was that those with manual dexterity, but with no mentality in stenography are most benefited by the use of the phonographic record. R. E. Tuloss, of Springfield, O., advocated the touch system in stenography and advised a wide departure from the old style by stating that the use of the two fingers nearest the thumb should first be taught to the students, and then the two farthest away would follow naturally. At 1 o'clock the federation was addressed by Director Hamerschlag, of the Carnegie Tech. schools. His speech touched on the practical side of the federation's work, advising that the work be done in a concrete manner. A trip was then made to the Carnegie Steel Works at Homestead. The banquet last night was held at the Colonial Annex, the speakers being H. L. Andrews, toastmaster; Captain Daniel Ashworth, John Duncan Evans, Dr. William D. King, Horace G. Healy, H. M. Rowe, Ph.D.; Rabbi J. Leonard Levy. TO REDUCE RATE OF POSTAGE On General Merchandise — Postmaster General's Recommendation to be Considered by Congress— Of Interest to "Talker" Men. The Postmaster^General makes the semi-official announcement that immediately after the holiday recess he will cause to be introduced in Congress a bill designed to carry out the recommendations of his annual report with respect to the reduction of the general merchandise rate of postage from 16 to 12 cents per pound, and the authorization of a cheap parcel post on rural routes at 5 cents for the first pound and 2 cents for each additional pound up to the weight limit of 11 pounds. The Postmaster-General will not send his bill to Congress officially, presumably for two reasons: First, ^because the leaders of the Senate have recently announced their intention of refusing to accept drafts of bills forwarded to Congress by Cabinet officers, except at the request of the Senate; and second, because the criticism of the Postmaster-General's projects have become s"o general throughout the country that he does not care to have the measure known as the department's bill. He will, therefore, arrange to have it quietly introduced in the House 'by some Representative whose name has not yet been disclosed. The measure will, of course, be referred to the House Post Office Committee and the Postmaster-General and his assista'nts will probably urge, if there is a likelihood that the suggestion will be acceded to, that it be added to tne appropriation bill as a rider. If the committee refuses to incorporate the measure in the annual budget bill the Postmaster-General will suggest that his bill be reported as an independent proposition, but with a favorable recommendation. PICTURES BY WIRELESS. Poulsen System May Flash Them Over the Atlantic This Year — A Demonstration of Telephotography Given in Paris. Speaking of the new wireless marvels that the world will see in 1908, Nevil Maskelyne, the manager of the Anglo-American Telegraph Co., of London, which controls the Poulsen rights, said: "The new year will not only see the establishment of the Poulsen wireless telephonic service across the Atlantic, but also the establishment of the Poulsen wireless transatlantic service, whereby photographs and sketches illustrating Europe's news for American newspapers and photographs ol criminals of such fidelity that they can be readily identified will be flashed across the Atlantic at the rate of one every five minutes." In view of the foregoing dispatch, it is interesting to note that Pascal Berjenneau displayed a system of telephotography before the Civil Engineers' Institute of Paris on Dec. 28, numerous scientific men being present. He transmitted a photograph, using the Paris-Marseilles telegraph wires and return, a distance of 1,100 miles. Then he attached sending and receiving' instruments to wireless apparatus at each end of the hall and transmitted a picture successfully by Hertzian waves. SPECIAL RATES FOR DEALERS. The Merchants' Association of New York Announce Special Railroad Rates Which Go Into Effect from February 29 to March 18. The Merchants' Association of New York announces that its application for merchants' rates to New York during the spring buying season has been granted 'by the Trunk Line Association. The rates will be in effect on February 29 to March 4, inclusive, March 14 to March 18, inclusive, with the customary fifteen-day return limit. The special rate for the round trip will be one fare and one-third, effective under the certificate plan. Geographically and roughly described, the territory of the Trunk Line Association is in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, District of Columbia, and in Virginia, north and on the line of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The concession does not apply from points less than 100 miles from New York city. A little later the Merchants' Association will be able to give particulars as to the special fares to this city from Central Passenger Association Territory — the Middle West — after which the reduced rate circulars will be immediately printed and be ready for distribution by members. START THE NEW YEAR RIGHT BY SELLING The Munson Folding Horn The One Piece Indestructible Horn For All Cylinder and Taper Arm Disc Machines Can be opened or closed in 30 seconds. Made of selected "Leatherette" with highly finished Metal Parts. "We guarantee all of our horns against rattle or blasting. In solid colors, Gold or Black, RETAIL, $5.00. Handsomely Decorated by Hand, fast colors, RET All $6.00. Sold Only Through Jobbers Liberal Discount to the Trade CLOSED. The Folding Phonographic Horn Co., 650=652 Ninth Avenue NEW YORK CITY