The Phonogram, Vol. 2:3 (1892-03)

64 THE PHONOGRAM make she usually discover* the blunder too late.” % •Errors may he correc ted hy rending over the cylinder and in the transcription writing the text correctly. The stenographer en- counters the following difficulty—the same signs often have different meanings, and he is obliged to consult the dictator as to the meaning. If the person be absent this can- not be done. The phonograph will repeat the dictatator’s own words many times over. 7. “Cylinders break in handling, and the dictation may by this accident be lost for- ever.** We reply, there is a tray made in which cylinders are placed when ready for tran- scription, and if they are broken it is gross carelessness. 8. “ Phonographs are delicately constructed. If they are broken during a session of court, the instrument is useless." Our answer is. that a stenographer's tools have to be replaced often, and he takes care to have new supplies ready for immediate use. All business men now keep two or more phonographs on hand, if the business is of im portance. • . ; . . Replying generally to this arraignment of the phonograph we sav, the next time The Universal Typewriter wants an opinion as to the phonograph, let him seek a source whose utterances will be worth the time consumed in writing and printing them. The Stenographer’s Art. Because electricity has been harnessed and forced to perform such labors as its directors may prescribe, the industries of the \4brld do not resign their hold upon steam, or water- power. Because there are railways and steam- ers, canal boats and row boats, the express wagon, the truck, van and cart are by no means set aside. On the contrary, each and all of these are indispensable to every commit n. ity. Because photography has b »come one of the arts, and lias within a few months past asserted its proper position as one of the sci- ences. no idea of relegating painting or en- graving or etching to the realm of obscurity is entertained. Therefore we say to stenographers, do not infer from what is said in th» tolumns of The Phonogram with regard to stenography in its relation to recording and reporting. that any disparagement of this useful art is intended. Stenography, like all other arts, lias its own place, its own function, and will always main* tain and deserve recognition. To the People at Large. The inhabitants of the United Stales, as a ra e, pride themselves upon their interest in and Capacity for labor. As a rule in this country, all are toilers; idlers are the excep- tion to the rule. Therefore we address our- selves to the people, for it is they who are concerned in the subject we now present for their consideration. To these toilers we offer information, which, if rated at its proper value and acted upon, will secure immediate advantages. Till-: Phonogram, in its relations to the en- terprise which constitutes its raison d'etre, performs in part the functions of a sun-glass; the latter instrument receives the rays of light, and they uniteat its center ; so far. The Phonogram accompanies it ; but, like its pro- totype the phonograph, it does not stop there, but reflects and diffuses these lavs to the out- side world. The Phonogram is not only proud of its prot gc, hut watchful of its interests, and anxious for the public to derive all possible advantage from the use of it. Therefore the rays of information in the form of recom- mendations and favorable testimony in be- half of the phonograph, from the East apd from the West, from the North and from the South, are assiduously transmitted in order to declare its praises, ami silence the objections and aspersions of its enemies. Mr. W. E. Davis, of the Chicago and Grand Trunk Railway, writes to Mr. \V. S. Gray, manager of the Chicago Central Phonograph Co., that he has had a phonograph for nearly three years, and finds it more convenient than a stenographic writer. He says : “The fact that it is always ready for use is a sufficient warrant for its employment. Prior to the introduction of this machine, I employed two stenographers; since that time I have em- ployed one and tind my business increasing. As a matter of faej., this one stenographer turns out more work than was formerly done hy the two. I would not be deprived of the phonograph under any circumstances." The prominent mercantile agency of R. G. Dun & Co. state through their correspondent V ■