New York and Washington Western Union lines

Those New York and Washington Western

Union Wires.

PHILADELPHIA, PA., Oct. 30.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TELEGRAPHER.

WE operators in the Western Union office here, who, notwithstanding the prohibitory order of Supt. Bates, manage to get a sight of THE TELEGRAPHER, have been very much interested in your exposition of the wretched condition of the wires, especially the through wires between New York and Washington, whenever any unusual quantity of moisture exists in the atmosphere. You have not in the least exaggerated the situation - in fact nave understated it.

In your editorial statement, last Saturday, of the condition of the wires on Tuesday and Wednesday, you drew it very mild, and I can assure you that the condition of those wires was much worse than you represented. Not one of the "through" wires could be worked through. There were five repeaters in all on the New York and Washington wires, and out of all the five wires not as much business could be obtained as on one wire in good weather. Most of the business was relayed, and between midnight and six o'clock Friday morning over a thousand messages were relayed in this office which should have been delivered on Thursday.

While, personally, I care nothing for either the Brooks or glass insulators, yet as an operator, compelled by the abominable insulation adopted by my superior officers to labor when I should be at rest, I must say that somebody should apply at least a small amount of brains to securing some insulation, on wires which are so heavily burdened with business as these, which will enable them to be worked even when there may be a drizzle or pouring rain washing away the insulating properties.

It may seem rather out of character for a subordinate to criticize the electrical science of such accomplished electricians as are the General and District Superintendents but there is a limit to human or telegraphic endurance, and I make the exposition in hopes of aiding in accomplishing a much needed reform.

WEARIED AND DISGUSTED OPERATOR.