Fire Alarm Telegraph in Oregon, EC & M mentioned

A Fire Alarm Telegraph In Oregon.-Progress of

the New Telegraph Line. - A Telegraph

Instrument Manufactory.--

Telegraphic Experts.

PORTLAND, OREGON, Aug. 13.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TELEGRAPHERER.

IF I were as gifted in making excuses as some telegraphers I am conversant with, I imagine I could fill a few columns as an apology for my long silence, but I don't propose to do anything of the kind. I have been sick; out of sorts; off on a jaunt, health seeking-and found it; besides there has been a fearful scarcity of news in this section interesting to the telegraphic fraternity.

Since my last, Portland has acquired a fire alarm telegraph apparatus, sixteen boxes, scattered around town, "where it will do the most good," at an outlay of $7.500. One of the dailies says, "Our city fathers have a fire alarm at last, at an outlay of $7,500, and now they can't find any one competent to run it." This is very complimentary to the array of telegraphic talent of which Portland boasts, but the Ethiopian behind the woodpile some explain is, that the principal movers in this are trying to use it as a political influence and don't care about any one who they can't use. Sabbe! This line was put up by Mr. S. D. Field, of San Francisco, of the E. C. & M. Co., agents for Gamewell & Co., and is now under supervision of' Mr. J. L. Hallett, the railroad contractor of the Pacific coast, as supt., &c., pro tem. The alarm was sounded for a fire for the first time last night, and the firemen don't seem to have the hang of it exactly as they went to the wrong place. The next thing of interest, to telegraphers especially out of a situation in Oregon, is the rapid construction of the new line from Winnemucca, Nevada, to Portland, Oregon. The holes have all been dug between Boise City, Idaho, and Walla, W. T., the only gap remaining, a distance of 150 miles, and the poles are now being set. Eighteen thousand pounds of wire were shipped from Winnemucca last Monday out on the line, and it is the intention to have the line working from Portland to California and Eastern States (connecting at Winnemucca with the A. & P. Co.,) inside of two months at farthest. Mr. Platt Burr, the supt., is now in this city, looking after the interests of his company. The boys have it that a man from Chicago will be manager. Who is it? That's the "konumdrum" now that excites the average telegraphist here, and especially in Portland, as they anticipate lively times in the telegraphic world, or the part contained in Oregon.

Our worthy supt., C. D. Faling, Esq., of O. & C. R. R. telegs., is now on a trip to California for his health, which for some time has been in rather precarious condition. We sincerely hope he may have a safe and pleasant trip, and return entirely recuperated by the balmy breezes of the Golden State, and mighty tossings of old Neptune while en route to and from 'Frisco.

Telegraphic matters along the various lines are very quiet, very little business being transacted; but now that the wheat crop is coming into market it will be certain to keep the hooks pretty well filled.

It seems that the fraternity will in due time turn out a disciple of Blackstone. I have reference to Thurman, "D. R.," in "Po.," W. U. office. The way he keeps a copy of Blackstone by him, and when business is slack pick it up and go to reading is pretty good. Go it, Bill, and when you're admitted you will be sure of the patronage of the telegraphers of Oregon.

You didn't know Oregon boasted of a telegraph instrument manufactory, did you? but such is the case. L. Ran, is his name, and Portland his head quarters. The instruments are not as finely finished as some we have seen, but they are good, strong and serviceable. Don't say we are not progressing, for I think the improvement in the last ten years is pretty fair. When Webfoot commenced learning the art of the dots and science of the dashes there were only two sound operators in this State; now, with the exception of a very few, all are good, sound operators, and some as good as they turn out any where in America. We cannot help being amused occasionally at some eastern boys coining out to the wilds of Oregon, as they call it, imagining they will have the preference and be certain of probably the best job on the line because they read by sound. These generally find out their mistake too late. They have to admit that we do have some sounders, and another very important thing to them is the places are all filled; but such is life. Experience is a hard school, but when a fellow learns a lesson therein he don't generally forget it, you bet.

WEBFOOT.