Extension of telegraph in San Salvador

Telegraphic Extension in Salvador, C. A.

A CORRESPONDENT at San Salvador writes us that the telegraph lines between San Salvador and La Union are progressing satisfactorily under the direction of Mr. W. S. R. Taylor, formerly of Yreka [sic] Eureka, California. The first office, Cojutepeque, a distance of thirty miles, was opened on the 22d of January last. The line for that distance is worked with nine cells of Hill's battery. The largest circuit, of about 200 miles, was expected to be worked with fifty cells of Hill's battery. As a matter of course glass insulators are not used on these lines. They are built of Johnson & Nephew's No. 11 wire, with Brooks' latest patern [sic] pattern improved insulators. The lines are being constructed by Mr. S. McNider, well and favorably known in connection with the telegraph in this country, under contract with the Salvadorian Government. He uses the small line wire on account of the difficulties of transportation in many parts of the interior of Salvador. There will be eleven offices in all on the lines, and when it is completed and fully opened for business the whole State may be said to be in telegraphic communication, the lines previously constructed by Mr. C. H. Billings, running north and west, and the new ones east and south.

There is but little inducement offered to American telegraphers, as the salary paid operators is only $30 per month, with very slight prospects of an increase.